Betrayal (2)

"Is this really okay…?" Quasolium's voice wavered, uncertainty filled her words. "Leaving them behind like that?"

Elijah didn't even glance at her.

"Why? Do you want to join them?"

Silence...

He tilted his head, almost amused. "Didn't you say, back on the first day of school, that you wanted to be my friend?"

Quasolium hesitated, then gave a small nod. "Yeah, I did. We never really talked, but I always thought… maybe I should've approached you in class—"

SWING.

The cold bite of steel pressed against her throat.

Her breath hitched.

"O-oh…?" A nervous chuckle slipped out, masking the tremor in her voice. "W-what's the meaning of this…?"

Elijah's gaze darkened as he spoke.

"Aren't you tired of pretending?" he murmured, pressing the blade tighter.

The edge dug in just enough to make a point—just enough to warn.

"I think it's time you start talking. Don't you?"