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.

white comforter, knuckles raw and streaked with blood. It stood

opened the kit, grabbed a cotton swab, and dipped it in antiseptic. Worried it would sting,

She had no idea what she'd say to him.

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

end, none of it changed

and was just

to pull away, but his grip only tightened

to pry his fingers off, when he murmured in his sleep, voice hoarse and

"Sylvia."

he was awake. "Let go,"

I'm sorry." His eyes stayed

eyes burning with

wanted to hit him. God,

hurt him the

hovered, her fist

then a

was the point?

the point of sorry

tried to breathe. She forced all the pain and anger down,

herself, she stopped fighting. She rested her head on the edge of the bed,

over and