---

¬ FASHIRE

My lips turned down in a bitter frown and I squeezed my eyes shut. I couldn't believe it had come to this. I would have to pretend now. 

And this fool in the chamber was busy spectating. 

"Get out," I hissed. "And get rid of that thing."

I could literally hear the smile in her tone. "But I don't want to."

Crud. Maybelle shuffled to the entrance with a low snicker before stopping. "You drained quite a lot of blood from her, in case you are unaware. She looks pale too. You should see it."

My jaw clenched when she left me just like that. I couldn't believe I hadn't even bothered to check… she seemed fine within… or did she? 

I didn't want to know.