Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

"But..."

Sylvia cut him off. "Honestly, I just wish that night never happened. None of it."

With that, she set down her mug, grabbed her purse, and stood up.

"It's late. I shouldn't stay here. I'm heading home."

Before Chris could say a word, Sylvia was already at the front door, slipping on her shoes.

He hurried after her. "Sylvia, you really think any of that would've happened if he didn't want it to? If it was all just you? Bridget Simpson had three whole years- she never got anywhere close."

Sylvia paused mid-motion, then quickly ducked her head to finish tying her sneakers. "It's in the past."

"Sylvia!" Chris called, his voice sharper now. "For God's sake, after what he did for you tonight-just wait until he wakes up, then leave."

"I—"

Before she could refuse, Chris pressed a first aid kit into her hands. "He's still got cuts on his hand. I forgot to take care of them. Please just help me out."

Sylvia hesitated for a moment, then took the kit. "Fine. Whatever."

Sylvia slipped into the bedroom. Only the bedside lamp was on, casting a faint, golden glow over the man's sleeping face. He looked peaceful-almost untouched by the chaos they'd just been through.

She lingered in the doorway, making sure Rupert was deeply asleep before sitting on the edge of the bed.

hand lay limp on the snowy white comforter, knuckles raw

grabbed a cotton swab, and dipped it in antiseptic. Worried it would sting, she blew on

was scared he'd wake up. She had no idea what she'd

hurt her so much-and yet, he'd also been the only reason she'd survived these last few months, all the backstabbing

in the end, none of it changed where they

finished patching Rupert up and was just about to leave when he

his grip only tightened until her wrist

hand, ready to pry his fingers off, when he murmured in

"Sylvia."

thinking he was awake. "Let go,"

stayed shut,

stilled, her eyes burning with angry

wanted to hit him.

him the way he'd

hovered, her fist

then a

What was

the point

back, Sylvia tried to breathe. She forced all

steady herself, she stopped fighting. She rested her head on the

exhaustion took over and