Hello Darkness

Chapter Fifty-Nine

Victor's fingers curl around the edge of the table, there's a splintering of wood on metal as the table crashes into the cabinets. I feel naked and completely exposed, down to my core. Victor knows I betrayed him, and now he knows this is because of me.

"What do we have here?" Lace stands behind Victor with her arms crossed. She's so delighted it's me she can't keep the smug smile off her lips.

"Why were you hiding Charley—and here of all places?" Victor peers at me, his hazel eyes reaching deep, trying to find answers down the bond. His arms plant firmly across his chest, mirroring Lace.

My body trembles as I stand and try to push out a veil, but the shimmer falls before it reaches them. There's no longer darkness, but there is still the swell of panic vibrating through my chest, muddling my thoughts and freezing my muscles.

Gabby stands and steps in front of me. "It was my idea." There's no fear in her voice, and I draw from her strength.

"Is that so?" His voice remains an eerie calm.

"I told you she wasn't one of us. You didn't believe me." Lace's amber eyes light, seeking his approval. The way she looks at him disgusts me—but for a different reason now. He's using her love to control her—manipulate her—and he would have done the same to me.

"Hush, Lace," he hisses. "Charley is just confused." He steps towards me, reaching his hand out to brush my cheek. I pull my head back, but his cool fingers still graze my skin. A chill races along the bond and all the way down my spine. "Aren't you my love?"

"I'm not confused," I spit, swiping his hand from my face.

His eyes narrow and pressure grows on the bond. "You've sealed me out. Impressive. But why?"

"Because I know, Victor. I know you veiled me the night you killed my parents, just like you veiled me the night you brought me here. It wasn't Talum or Lazarus that killed my parents. You did. And when I show them everything—"

"You, little miss, need to learn some manners." He looks at me from under his brow, rage turning his hazel eyes black. Victor's hand wraps around my throat and thrusts me into the wall. Jolts of pain spiderweb through back and into my limbs. Gabby screams with me as something else was crashes on the opposite side of the room.

I grab Victor's hand pushing back, trying to free myself, but freeze when he pulls a thin object with a black plastic handle from his pocket. He flips open the silver blade, turning it so the light glints into my eyes. He flicks it against my cheek, slicing through it like butter. My cheek burns as warm blood trickles onto my chin.

He sniffs the air and leans in to lick the blood. "Mmmm..." he moans. "You don't know how good you made me feel last night." His black eyes meet mine before stabbing the blade deep into my stomach.

I cry out. Closing my eyes, I pray to whatever god will listen, that this would be quick. I groan as he twists the weapon under my skin. The silver simmers red hot, burning me from the inside out. My hands wrap around the blade, but he pins his body against mine, until I'm unable to move.

Feet thunder in the hall. This was it-- his backup is coming. The door bursts open slamming against the wall.

"Get off her, Victor!" The pressure releases, and I collapse to the floor. I gather enough strength to lift my head. Reuben is standing over Victor.

Lace releases Gabby and falls to Victor's side.

I clutch my stomach, and my hands clamp around the knife. Gabby flashes to my side as I yank the blade from my stomach. The heat dissipates, replaced by a cool tingle. I twist the blade in my hand then flick it across the room, missing Lace by a hair. It sticks in the wall above her head.