Chapter 11 · Don't Let Him Take Three

I didn't sleep.

I sat on the floor of my room with Vivian's note in my hand until the sky turned gray. The paper felt heavier than it should. Like it wanted me to know something.

Don't let him drink a third time.

Three.

He'd taken from me twice already. Once in the hallway when I tried to run. Once after the parking garage when I was shaking so hard I couldn't stand.

I pressed my fingers against my neck. No scabs. No scars. Just smooth skin that shouldn't be smooth.

I heard him move in the hall outside. Quiet. Careful.

I shoved the note in my pocket and opened the door before he could knock.

Lucien stopped mid-reach. He looked like he hadn't slept either. White shirt half-buttoned, hair pushed back like he'd been running his hands through it. His eyes flicked to my neck, then my face.

"You found something," he said.

Not a question.

"Yeah." I stepped into the hallway. "I found something."

He didn't move. "Evelyn—"

"Why three?"

His jaw tightened.

"She left me a note. One line. Don't let him drink a third time." I pulled the paper out and held it up.