The Devil (BOOK I + II)

12 | "Tears Are Weakness"

   "And blood," a new voice chirped.

   Hearing its familiarity, my head snapped over Micah's shoulder, where the entrance was, and found Rolie strolling in with a large grin. Behind him, Lev was following silently.

   My eyes lingered on both of them. I hadn't seen Rolie in... God, since he found me swimming. He warned me when we ate together that he'd try not to appear too close to me, and I understood. But seeing how much his blond hair grew made me realize how much time passed.

   Rolie softened his smile when our eyes met, his dark brown eyes gleaming. "The Dynasties are built on loyalty and blood. Family," he dragged out before peering to Micah. His focus dropped to the list. "What's that, Somov?"

   Micah clearly wasn't in a talking mood, since he was too busy glaring at our newcomer. Lev was busy staring outside from the large window. His body lowered, so he was sitting on the bench, but with his side profile to me, I couldn't help but feel an ache in my chest.

   His face was so hard. Devoid of emotion. It's my fault.

   Could I convince him to leave with me?

   Even as the thought passed through my mind, I knew it wouldn't be possible. My almost sixteen year old brother was no longer that little boy who played with my hair. Who always held my hand tightly, every time a scream echoed in the house.

   He was a killer, just like the rest of my brothers.

   "It's a list." I hated how soft my voice was, but when I managed to pull my gaze away from Lev, I raised my chin and watched Rolie soberly. "Of everyone from the Christmas party. The shooter was one of the guests, I'm sure of it."

   Next to me, Micah growled with frustration, but Rolie's eyes were on me. I could see him starting to look at me worriedly before he stepped closer.

   "If it's from the inside, it's not safe for you to look into it," he breathed out, lifting his hand to my upper arm. He squeezed gently, not hiding his fear for me on his expression. "You don't know who can be in it. If you talk to one wrong person..."

   I gave him a small smile. "Don't worry about me, Rolie. I know how to take care of myself."

   A moment passed before he gave a begrudging nod.

   "Now," Micah's voice was cold as he stared at Rolie. "If you would do me a favour. Release my sister."

   Rolie didn't need to be told twice. But once both his hands lowered, he gave Micah a sheepish grin. "Come on, Somov."

   My brother didn't look the bit amused.

   I rolled my eyes. "Relax, Mickie. Him touching my arm won't remove my precious purity. That's long gone."

   With even sparing him a glance, I already knew my brother was grinding his molars together. And I almost started laughing.

   "What?"

   A mixed snort-laugh bubbled out of me, I couldn't help it. "Don't pretend you care. We both know emotions are beneath you."

   He didn't respond right away, so I finally decided to grace him with my eyes. But I couldn't help but suck a breath when I noticed his serious expression. He seemed ready to argue when Rolie spoke up.

   "I actually came here because I needed you, Somov," he said, his voice flattening. "I need help finding Boris. Then we have to go to your dad's office."

   My brows furrowed when he said his dad's name, but Micah didn't question it as he nodded. They were both beginning to slip out of the room where I saw Daemon standing, rigidly as always.