Chapter 10

He waited.

At first he was sure it was a tantrum. Find her, smooth it over, done.

The longer it went, the worse it got.

Three days. Nothing. Not a word. No calls connecting.

He sat at the edge of the bed, rubbed his face. The only sound in the room was his own pulse.

The door opened quietly.

A soft hand slid over his arm.

For one second his face lit up. He pulled the person in.

"Sera — is it you —"

"Damien. It's me."

It was Vivienne.

"I heard you didn't eat. I was worried. I brought you some congee I made."

His face fell.

He shoved the bowl and her away.

"Take it. Don't come looking for me. I don't have time."

She tried to linger. He was done.

"Get out."

She was afraid of whatever was under his tone. She set the bowl down and slipped out.

"I'll leave it here. Eat when you can. I'll... I'll be just outside."

The old Damien would have softened.

This one didn't even look at her.