Page 518 of Coal Hearts

We had three weeks before the Masters returned. Who knew when Victor would fly home and if we stood a chance at getting out...this was our best opportunity.

My feet—healed from their shallow cuts from running in caves and forests—slowed outside the carved door of the surgery.

I shuddered with memories of that first day. Of Peter flirting with the doctor and nurse. Of his false happiness doing its best to hide just how afraid and hurt he was.

God.

My heart ached as I knocked.

Guilt pressed heavily.

A week since I last saw him. It wasn’t good enough.

The door swung open. Melanie Belford stared coldly. “Oh, it’s you.”

I flinched at her warm welcome. “C-Can I come in?”

Looking past me, she scanned the empty corridor. “Your Master isn’t with you, I hope. I’m not exactly a fan.”

“No.”

She frowned. “That’s a first. Letting you wander around on your own.”

I shrugged. “I suppose he feels I’m safe enough without other Masters staying.”

“Safe?” She clucked her tongue and moved aside to let me in. “I don’t think it’s anything to do with your safety, Ily, but more about his demented need to possess you.”

Ily.

My name caught me off guard.

Henri had barely talked to me since the night I’d taken pleasure from him. The talkative man who’d broken me with his secrets had turned into a stoic statue who barely grunted responses. And when he did deign to speak to me...he never used my name.

A prickle of worry shot down my spine.

Was it because of what it meant?

Was he that allergic to love that he couldn’t even say the damn word...even in an acronym?

“Is Peter awake?” I asked, brushing aside her comment.

Sighing heavily, she removed a pair of latex gloves and beckoned me to follow. “He is.”

My soul leapt with relief. “So...he’s okay?”

She gave me a hard look as she guided me to a second door and led me down another hallway. “Define okay.”

“Healing? As happy as can be expected?”

“He’s a long way from happy, I’m afraid.”

“But he’s not going to die?”

“Not from this incident.”

Her pessimism soaked into me.

It suffocated all my other questions.