Page 92 of Chain Me
Faked of course,the callous voice in my skull taunted. Lies.
“Something is wrong. I talk to her and it’s like she doesn’t even hear me. I’ve never seen her like… Do you think I haven’t? I’ve taken the precautions. I’ve restricted her meals. Any blood I give her has been vetted to Hell and back. But if you are behind this, then know that I won’t stop at merely killing you—”
Lies. Lies. Lieslieslieslieslies…
“Eleanor. Look at me.”
I flinched; he sounded closer now. From the doorway, I realized as I turned toward it. Without an invitation, he entered my room, consuming the small space with his presence.
“How are you feeling?”
“Fine,” I insisted. “Just tired.” To prove as much, I shifted, placing a pillow over my head, my eyes squeezed shut. Nonetheless, I sensed him step closer—remaining far away enough to judge me unmolested should I ache to touch him. Far enough away thathedidn’t have to touchme.“I’m fine,” I repeated hoarsely. “I just need rest.”
“You’re not sleeping.”
I winced at his accusatory tone. Was he angry?
Of course he is.
Alarmed, I lifted the pillow enough to observe him. Stern frown. Blazing eyes. Hell yes, he was angry.
Because he hates you.
“You need to eat.”
“Like you care.” My words echoed the voice hissing in my head, but I was too tired to ignore them anymore. They were the only truth to be found within these walls lately. The only answers I had to cling to.
His lies. Lies.
“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t,” he stated bluntly.
But that voice overpowered him.He’s lying. He’s…
“You’re lying,” I whispered. “Like you really care whether or not I live or die—”
“Oh?” His expression darkened, his eyes flashing with warning. Any other day, I’d rush to heed it. “You don’t want to play this game with me. As you recall, our contract specified honesty. I’m demanding my fair share now. Tell me what’s wrong.”
“Nothing,” I insisted. Because saying it out loud would have been far too insane. Too real. If I had to gauge his reaction in real time… I wasn’t sure if I could handle the truth I might find.
Because he hates you.
Hates.
Despises.
Obsesses.
And you know it.
“I’ll come back later.” His voice cut through the chaos for a heartbeat’s reprieve—but then he turned for the door and the whispering intensified. I barely heard him growl, “You need to get some rest—”
“No, you know what I really need? I needanswers!” I sounded so damn tired. So worn. A hundred-year-old woman howling from her deathbed. “I need the truth. And you’re hiding it from me, aren’t you? You’re keeping me here. You’re waiting, aren’t you? Waiting for me to die—”
“Eleanor.” His face was stone, but that of a statue carved in the guise of concern. Eyes too wide, mouth too tense. “Listen to yourself.”
“I know why.” I wrenched my blankets back and stood, pacing as everything became clear. His motives. His true intentions. “You’re just waiting for me to die. You want me to. You don’t give a damn about me—”
“Eleanor…” Confusion crept into those hollow eyes, a more terrifying sight than the visions. “I think you need to lie down—”
