Page 34 of Fallen Thorns
I could tell her. I could tell her everything. Right down to the tiny details. But then there would be no going back. She would be part of it all then, and I wanted the exact opposite. I’d be leading her right into the trap The Thorns were clearly already trying to set. I’d be that catalyst. I couldn’t have that.
So I did the best I could.
“I’ve met Carmen before. Be careful.”
I left her alone, walking out into the storm.
ChapterEight
It is sad to watch his decline.
His stubborn pride.
It is necessary though. He will feel it soon.
My Star.
Come home.
“Drink it,” Mars demanded, hurling a cold sack of blood at me and striding into my room less than a second after I reluctantly opened it. It was late and I was just about to get ready for bed, but their harsh knocks rattled every patch of tiredness I was feeling straight back out of me.
They sat themself firmly on my bed in clear refusal to leave.
“Well, hello to you too,” I said, taken aback by my own rudeness. I slammed the door shut and threw the bag onto the bed beside them.
A pause followed.
“I don’t know why you would lie.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Don’t you dare.” Fire raged in their eyes.
I shrugged. I was playing this part now it seemed. The role of The Fool.
“Why would you lie?” they repeated firmly.
“You’re acting like you’ve just figured this out.” A guess, and a correct one at that. Mars had no poker face.
I continued, charged with adrenaline. “You surely would have been able to sense this, I know you’re smart, so why now? Why are you only saying this today?”
“I’m concerned.”
“You’re concerned.” I glared at them and crossed my arms.
“Everyone is.” Their tone finally simmered.
“Well, I’m fine.”
“Ooh, more lies.”
“I’m fine. I’m in full control, so you have no reason to beconcerned.”
How long was I going to keep this up?
Mars stood and began to pace. “What have you been taking instead?” they asked after a beat.
I gulped. Somehow, despite my arrogance, this question stifled me. I think I always understood my own blood could not have possibly been substantial enough to continue taking forever. “Other... blood,” I said finally.
