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.

the snowy white comforter, knuckles raw and streaked with blood. It

dipped it in antiseptic. Worried it would sting, she blew on his hand as she dabbed

idea what she'd say to him.

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

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

tried to pull away, but his grip only tightened

off, when he murmured in his sleep, voice hoarse

"Sylvia."

thinking he was

stayed shut,

her eyes burning with

to hit

him

her fist hovered, her

then a

was the

was the point of sorry

breathe. She forced all the pain and anger down, deep

finally managed to steady herself, she stopped fighting. She rested her head on the edge of the bed, waiting for Rupert to

took over and she