Blood Thinner

Chapter 1: Blood Thinner

*Chapter 1*

"Velvet, Veneer! Over here!"

"What's next for you?"

"Do you regret using those trolls or could you not care less?"

"Velvet, thoughts on your brother's sell-out?"

"Do the trolls have the rights to the songs you used their talents for?"

"Are there any more hidden trolls?"

Between the bright flashes of cameras and disgusted looks came burning questions that melted into the former-pop stars' skins each time they arrived. Like lava from a freshly erupted volcano, the interrogations flowed nonstop into their hot ears without permission and therefore burned them down as hot drops kept raining and raining and raining on them with no escape. Not to mention the hot glares of not-so-happy fans or the remarks of those still in shock after Veneer's confession that made his and Velvet's tower of fame crumble into ashes.

Crimp hadn't been seen since she popped those pesky cuffs on their fingers as actual officials — albeit probably not even that much older than them, what a joke — escorted them through the nosy and desperate crowd in search of the police car. That itself was a journey on its own. Reporters pushed and shoved and all-else to get their next big story and even bigger raise. Hell, the majority of their questions couldn't even be distinguished as they came so fast and fully formed that they blended in with each other. The officers attempted to remove them from the two (in)famous stars, although that proved futile. Mount Rageons knew a scandal when they saw it.

And when that scandal involved the biggest stars on the mount with the added detail of an open confession? Of course they're gonna cling onto it without any plan of letting go

That's what killed Veneer as the door shut behind him, courtesy of the kind officer. His head laid on a pillow of defeat against the seat while the cries and questions of those outside bounced against the windows. All of the work they did to become unforgettable did its job in the worst possible way.

In a way, though, he was so, so, so grateful to be in this car. No longer beneath judging eyes or in front of those he and his sister betrayed. No one can burst in here and force answers out of him to make him feel worse than he already felt. He didn't have to look any of them in the eye. He's safe here. He didn't have to face any of the Rageons he betrayed....

Except the one that felt his betrayal the most.

Velvet had been put on the other side of the car next to the window without a word said — that last part brought confusion on whether he should be grateful or absolutely terrified. As bad and scary as it felt when she did open her mouth and take her anger out, somehow her being completely quiet didn't make him feel any better.

Although under these circumstances...her being silent made so much sense.

Ever since they were young, Velvet always had a plan full of ambition. Everything that formed an idea into that sick head of hers, she made sure to put it on paper and bring it to life.

That didn't even limit to being famous or taking over the media charts. If she wanted that new dollhouse for Christmas, she'll torture their parents to no end until she had it in her possession. If she wanted to make the highest score on a test, she'll find a fake answer key and pass it around to unsuspecting classmates under the lie that she had stolen the actual test — and, of course, she'd be the only one to make it out with an A. More importantly, if she wanted to get revenge on someone for whatever little reason...she'd pull all the stops to do so.

That's the scary part about her. Ambition was only good when used for good.

Of course, he remembers as he shyly glances at her silent stiffness for less than a second, that ambition gave him more benefits than he could count.