Chapter 24: 23: BLOODLUST

A witch stood in the ladies’ room, washing her hands under streaming water for longer than necessary. She studied the reflection of a redhead standing beside her and her features furrowed like she was deep in thought. The witch was so petite that the pointed hat on her head took up most of the reflective panel in front of her. All Talitha could see were a pair of bright eyes making slow, somber circles as they observed her face.

The girl was a classmate of Talitha’s in Applied Mathematics III. The tiny senior was a future medic, like Jonah, and she’d always shove her hand in the air first whenever Professor Denowallerton asked a question, almost falling out of her seat in excitement. Talitha didn’t mind her but many in their class thought the witch was an annoying know-it-all. The girl’s name…Talitha turned over the possibilities in her mind, trying to remember.

Bethany. The girl was Bethany.

Bethany swam in dark robes a few sizes too large, with hems that trailed behind her as she moved. The top of her head just about reached Talitha’s shoulder and Talitha wasn’t that tall to begin with. The tip of the pointed hat made them match almost evenly in height. Bethany's stare stayed on Talitha’s injuries as she moved from the sink to the orb dryer on the wall and the restroom filled with a quick hum as she dried her hands. The noise shut off after a few seconds.

Talitha offered Bethany a smile which wasn’t returned. She let hers fade. Smiling hurt anyway.

“Hey, Beth,” said Talitha, attempting a light and cheery tone. “You made it. That’s stellar. Party of the year, right?” She feigned a laugh. “You look really nice. I like your hat. So cute.”

“Hey…Li.” Bethany walked past the row of private stalls with black doors and stopped in front of Talitha, still staring. “Thanks.” The bright gaze moved from Talitha’s face to the stains on her costume. “You look, um…I don’t know. Are you all right?”

Talitha rolled her eyes in an exaggerated way, scoffing as if Bethany’s question was silly, the action stiff in her swelling orbital. She dusted off her costume, the material drenched from Gracie’s drink, and waved away the question.

“Oh, sure,” she said. “I’m fine. This is part of my costume and I’ve been fooling people all night.” Her fake laugh erupted and disappeared. “Guess I got you too.”

Bethany winced. “That’s part of your costume? Are you sure?”

“Aye. Don’t like it?” Talitha gestured at her soiled, mussed skirt that glimmered as she moved. “I was going for a more terrifying look this Harvest.”

The witch arched onto tip-toes and leaned closer, inspecting her face. “Looks real to me, Li.”

“It’s supposed to look real,” she replied.

“Hm.” Bethany lowered and stepped away. “What are you supposed to be then?”

Talitha glanced at her reflection and thought of her mother, whoever that was. She shrugged.

“A victim.”

“Oh.” Bethany gestured at the stains on Talitha's costume. “I guess you’ll say that wet stuff’s supposed to be blood. It’s not very good. Kinda looks more like someone spilled something on you, honestly. That other red on your face…that at least looks legit. The bumps too, and the swelling. But not in a costume way.”

A tight smile crossed Talitha’s face. Maybe Bethany’s know-it-all reputation was right.

“Thanks,” she said. “I’ll get it right next time.”

“I’m not trying to be mean.” Bethany’s small face lined with concern. “Gracie did that, right? I heard about her threat after you reported her for Kalum’s room. That rumor about you guys fighting was going around everywhere. I couldn’t believe it. This whole mess has gotten out of hand.”

“Great.”

“She’s so cruel. No shocker that she got suspended—again. If she did this to you then she’s terrible. No other way to put it.” Bethany reached up to touch Talitha and Talitha stepped away. “You got hit in the head. A few times. A bump’s forming right there—she was wearing rings. Right? Big ones. Ouch…there’s a contusion. You must be in pain.” Bethany squinted and peered close. “Sure you’re feeling all right?”

“I’m fine,” replied Talitha flatly.

“How’s your vision? Are you having any—?”

“Beth.”

“Okay. Okay.” Bethany backed off, shaking her head. “Point taken. I’ll leave you alone. At least go to the vendors and get a helo-pack for your face. It’ll feel really good against the hits. You’ll be in more pain later if you don’t prep now.”

Talitha bit back her animosity. The witch was trying to help. That’s all. No reason to throw her wound up aggressions from the fight onto the girl for simply asking how she was. Talitha could admit that she must look a fright.

“Thanks.” She offered Bethany a genuine smile. “Sound advice. I’ll get a helo-pack. You’re probably right about it all.”

“Good. If you need any help with that I’ll be around. I don’t mind assessing you.”

“Appreciate it.”

“Sure. And…hey.” Bethany scratched her arm with visible nerves, looking aside. “You’re friends with Jonah, right? I always see you around him and those other boys.”

“Yeah,” replied Talitha. “Why?”

“Can you do me a favor?”

“What?”

Bethany’s smiled bashfully. “Tell him…Beth from Anatomy says hi.”

Talitha swallowed an immediate laugh. “Oh. You like Jonah?”

“He’ll be in my undergraduate PHS curriculum next year. He’s so smart, so handsome—funny and friendly—and…ugh.” Bethany touched her chest, looking aside with a dreamy air. “He’s perfect. I think about family planning with him all the time. Not that way, you know. I mean the long road. Though it’s not like I don’t think he’s very…good looking the other way too.”

Jonah. Talitha thought of the slacker who once in a while offered insight, though never quite realized when he’d made a good point. Or a stupid one.

“He’ll be flattered,” said Talitha.

Bethany sighed. “I don’t think he knows I’m alive. He’s always talking to Mina or Erema or Sophie and they’re all so much prettier than me. Taller…glamorous. They know how to look right and act right and their families have higher ranks. He’ll go for one of them before he’d ever think of me.”

“Don’t say that. There’s more to people than their ranks or looks. And you’re just as pretty anyway, in your own way. I’m serious.” She patted Bethany’s shoulder. “Plus, think of this—you’re both here tonight. You have more in common than you think besides the PHS stuff. Maybe it’ll work out. Just be positive. Crazier things have happened.”

A hopeful smile broke out on Bethany’s face. “Ah…you’re being nice. I appreciate it but I know where I stand. It’s nice to dream, though—you know? Anyway…thanks. Just tell him I said hi.” She gestured toward the door. “Are you going back? Blood Fang’s hitting the stage early—I already heard them announce the end to the openers. Guess Jackal can’t wait to start. Things are getting lunar and it’s so cosmic.”

“Not yet,” replied Talitha. “Maybe later. I’ll finish cleaning up first. See about that helo-pack too.”

“Okay. I’ll see you around then. Take care of yourself. And remember—if you need anything—”

“Got it, Beth.”

Bethany waved and walked away, disappearing around the corner that led to the exit. Talitha turned back to the mirror to tend to the wounds and heard Bethany speak again.

“Oh,” said Bethany. “Hi, Kalum!”

Kalum’s smooth voice followed right after. “Hello, um…Ginnifer, right?”

“Beth,” corrected Bethany.

“Ah,” said Kalum. “Right.”

Talitha swallowed a groan and darted toward one of the empty stalls, swooping inside just as she heard the click of sharp heels against the tile floor. She held her breath and waited, listening as Kalum zipped the stall doors open one by one.

“Li!” Kalum’s shout echoed in the restroom. “I know you’re in here. I know you can hear me. Don’t hide.”

A hard knock banged on a door near Talitha and another voice shouted at Kalum full of irritation.

“Hey! What the hell? Stop that!”

There was a pause.

“Is that you, Li?” asked Kalum, her words lisping through her fangs.

“No. It’s not. Fuck off—you’re the worst!”

“Rude!”

“Yeah. That’s right. I’m being rude. Trying to powder my nose in here—can I get some damn privacy?”

Kalum sniffed, loud enough for Talitha to hear, and Talitha imagined Kalum flicking her hair as she always did when she was annoyed. “Don’t be a beast about it,” she called back. “Simple question. Take your drugs. I don’t care what you do.”

“Idiot.”

“Yeah. Exactly. Keep telling me what you are.”

“Go away. Loser.”

“Hm. Whatever.”

Talitha stayed quiet as she heard the inspection resume and hoped the heels would head in the opposite direction. However, they came toward her instead and stopped right outside her stall. Another knock followed, more insistent than before, this time against the correct door.

“All right, Li,” said Kalum. “I know you’re in this one and there’s no way you tried to head back to Cloverland on your own, not without your bike. I checked the other restroom—twice—but I was screamed at so I could tell you really weren’t in there.”

Talitha sighed. “Go away. I told you—told everyone—to leave me alone. Get lost.”

“Why?” Kalum’s voice carried a low tinge of sadness. “I didn’t do anything to you. I tried to help. That was crazy, what happened up there. So much went on so fast. Everyone scattered after that fight, it was that bad. I’m so sorry. What happened was horrible.”

“I told you to give me space,” replied Talitha sourly. “You’re not giving me space. No one gives me fucking space. That’s ironic, since we’re all out here trapped in the middle of fucking space. I said I don’t need you so go. Worry about your own life somewhere else.”

Silence followed but there were no retreating footsteps. The door to the stall next to Talitha’s slid open and the inhabitant spoke to Kalum in a nasty tone.

“Take the hint, Your Majesty. She’s making it pretty clear. Doesn’t want to talk to you because she got her face pounded in and now she’s too ugly to show it. Not that it makes a fucking difference, the fucking beast.”

“Shut up!” Kalum snapped. “Mind your business, Fatima. I should’ve known by your bark that you were one of Gracie’s bitches.”

“Takes a bitch to know a bitch—so take your own advice.” Fatima chortled. “Always jumping into other people’s problems. Nosy. News-flash: no one wants you around any more than that other genetic reject.” Water flowed as Fatima washed her hands, her voice further away this time. “Why don’t you and your whole creepy haunt family go back to the wildlands where you belong. Chant and summon some fucking demons. Go fuck that dirty goat king of yours so you can both stink like a barn.”

“Well, bitch,” started Kalum, rearing as she searched for a return insult. “Well—well-you go back to…wherever stupid bitches come from!” Kalum huffed in frustration. “Stupid bitch! Just wait ‘til I—”

“What? Call Daddy? Please.” Fatima snickered. “Some of us know important people too. You’re not as special as you think. Not as almighty as you try to act either.” The water stopped flowing and the orb dryer activated for a few seconds.

“My dad outranks your dad,” retorted Kalum. “Gracie’s too. Don’t forget that.”

“Oh. I’m so scared, Khelot. Whatever you tell your dad I’ll say ten times worse to the school board and ruin us for tonight. It’ll be all your fault.” Fatima scoffed. “We follow the same laws—well, except you. You’ll be in bigger shit than any of us for breaking the rules. Don’t forget that either.”

Talitha slammed her hand against the door’s sensor and zipped it open. Both Fatima and Kalum jumped when Talitha charged out of the stall, glaring. Her narrow stare passed over Kalum and then at the sour, sun-bronzed socialite friend of Gracie’s. Fatima didn’t have a costume on, attempting festivity by electing to wear an expensive dress and clipping orange fur ears to the top of her head to match the glowing color painted on her sharp taloned nails.

Fatima looked over Talitha’s outfit as well and covered her mouth as a loud laugh erupted. “Oh. Wow.” Her face screwed with amusement. “You look like shit, Morai. Wasn’t expecting you to look that bad. But you’re used to looking like shit, right? Because you are shit.”

“Don’t talk to her that way!” Kalum’s attention returned to Fatima and her fangs made her appear more menacing than usual. “I’ve had enough of the crap the lot of you say!”

“Mouthy today,” said Fatima. “Aren’t we?”

“No. You’re mouthy. And you make me want to hit you!”

“Another savage. Shocking.”

The same quick, sudden rage Talitha felt when she faced Gracie surged again. She shifted in front of Kalum, jabbing her finger hard into Fatima’s shoulder. “Get out,” she hissed. “Now. You’re annoying.”

Fatima laughed again, tossing her head of dark ringlets and covering her mouth in amusement. “Get out or what?”

“See what I did to Gracie?” said Talitha. “I’ll do worse to you. I’m stronger than you and I'll make you hurt.”

“Is that a threat?”

Humor still danced on Fatima’s face. Time to wipe it off. She nodded.

“Yeah.”

She shoved Fatima, slamming her against the wall, and the senior girl slipped, crashing to the floor. Fatima scrambled back to stand in haste, using the wall to steady herself as she stumbled in her heels.

“Oh,” snarled Fatima, red with rage. “Oh, you’re dead. You’re fucking dead. Wait and see. Fucking…animal!”

Talitha barged at Fatima with fist raised and Fatima flinched, raising an arm to shield her face. Talitha grinned. That was fear. Fear was good. She stopped short and lowered her hand, spitting on the floor beside Fatima instead. “No,” she said, glaring. “You’re dead. Fuck off.”

Fatima’s panic faded after a few seconds and she maintained Talitha’s stare, trading the fear for a new nonchalance. She straightened herself and the haughty expression she always wore returned to her face. “You,” said Fatima, pointing at Talitha as she backed off. “You, this fucking haunt, your scum-sucking RedSect boy-toy…all of you. Fucking done.” She ran a sharp fingernail across her throat. “Finished. Watch your back.”

“Fuck you,” said Talitha.

She continued glaring as she watched Fatima exit, fists clenched for the fight. Her breath quickened as adrenaline pulsed through her. Kalum touched her and she whipped around, ready to blow.

“Whoa—whoa!” Kalum took a step back and held up a hand to halt Talitha, balancing a drink she was holding from spilling. “Li. Relax. Please. It’s me—Kalum. I’m on your side. Okay?”

“Are you?” snapped Talitha.

A flash of hurt glinted in Kalum’s gaze. “That’s not fair,” she said. “When have I ever—?”

“Seems like you and all your society friends got a great show up there. A real comedy for you guys. You’re as bad as the parasites, you just hide the bloodlust better.”

“I did not want you to get hit. That was awful. I didn’t know what to do.”

“But I did get hit, Kalum. It’ll never end. Someone else will want to come after me for something I can’t control.” Talitha shook her head scornfully as Spencer’s words, which seemed so long ago, returned to her. Society would never understand her and she’d seen more evidence of that. “At least with rabids you know what you’re dealing with and hope for nothing. Humans—they find new, creative ways to be complete shits every day. Union laws are supposed to protect everyone but I’m not the right kind of everyone.”

“You’re right. I’ll talk to Daddy. Okay?” Kalum’s face dropped. “It’s not right. I’ll make sure he knows he has to do something about it. Whatever it is…he’ll find a way. That’s what all of his work—Mama’s work—and Unifaith is all about. It’s more than just prayers. We can change things.”

Talitha pushed past Kalum to return to the sink. She avoided her reflection as she splashed cold water onto her face, the sudden frigidity shocking her senses and waking her back up. Bethany was right—a helo-pack would feel just as good as the cold water against her injuries.

“Don’t bother,” she said, moving over to the orb dryer. She crouched under the fixture and her presence activated the sensors, sending a warm breeze down over her. “I’m leaving. Never coming back.”

“What?” Kalum approached. “Never coming back?”

“Yeah. Never.” She looked up at Kalum as her hair fluttered under the vent. “I’m going back to RedSect. Now. Where I belong. Never should’ve left. I’m not waiting ‘til graduation to do it either because this is all a big fucking joke.”

Kalum chortled. “Don’t be silly.”

“How’s that silly?’

“You can’t just leave. You’re a Pender-Pal ward—your DNA’s on file. Even if you were an adult you’d still need legal clearance to move out of the residential territories from both Pender-Pal and PHS. Otherwise…you’re a fugitive with your quarantine history. They’ll assume you’re infected and went AWOL to avoid sedation. You’ll be hunted. Maybe killed.”

“I’ll talk to the arbiter, then,” said Talitha. “Myself. I’ll do it the right way but I’m still getting the hell out of here.”

“No one wants you to leave, Li.”

“No one cares. Not really. Including you.”

“Then why am I here?”

“I don’t know. Party’s boring. You came to see my blood.” Talitha rose and the dryer shut off as soon as she moved out of its range. “Maybe if Union can’t locate me they’ll mark me as parasite food and forget about me. I hope that happens. Gracie would love it. Probably all of you would deep down.”

“Don’t say that. You’re just making shit up to be a brat.”

“There’s no future for me in Altir or anywhere legitimate.”

“Where…where could you go in RedSect?” asked Kalum faintly. “You’ll end up in some slum if you don’t have money. It’s too dangerous. Anything might happen out there.”

“I don’t know where I’ll go.” Talitha shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. I’ll find a place to stay and a way to make a living. A way to protect myself too. I’m smart enough to figure out how to stay out of trouble and I want a new life for me, far away from here. That’s…that.”

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“A life with Spencer?” Sadness returned to Kalum’s voice.

“No. Alone.”

Dismay filled Kalum’s face. “What if that doesn’t work out? What if you do run into a parasite out there—or even just criminals like Spencer’s gang? You’re not with him anymore so you don’t have the protection of his name. If they find you and they know who you are, and that Spencer’s rejected you…I can’t imagine.” She shook her head. “This is a bad idea, Li. Don’t do it.”

“Easy for you to say.” Talitha turned her back to Kalum. “You have wildland blood but you don’t deal with half the shit I do as an applicant here. You’re just a princess. A little queen. You’ll never get it so…goodbye.”

Talitha moved toward the restroom exit but before she could turn the corner a shrill scream erupted behind her. The sound was unlike any she’d heard before.

“Talitha Lyn Morai,” Kalum shrieked. “You’re a cunt!”

Talitha turned around to see the future Queen of Bhet shaking with rage.

“What did you say?” she said.

Kalum marched up to her with furious speed. “You heard me. You’re a cunt. Maybe you are…shit, just like Fatima says.”

“Oh. Okay, Kalum. I’m shit. Thanks. Is that how you want to leave things?”

Kalum’s voice dropped to a hiss. “You’re so wrapped up in your own fucking self-pity that you don’t see anything in front of you that matters. Only the worst. A bunch of morons with too much time on their hands act stupid and you’re ready to leave. Just…disappear. How weak. And you made me fucking care about you. That’s not fair. It’s not fair.” Wetness glimmered in Kalum’s eyes. “I…I’m so sad and I hate you for making me feel this way.”

Talitha remained stony. “You want me to stay so you can keep gawking—so you don’t feel so bad about your own issues. At least they’re not as bad as mine. I’m the one with dirt blood having crazy dreams—insane visions—from taking too much Dot and you thought I was stupid for believing them—”

“Shut up!” snapped Kalum. “I don’t think that at all. You know it’s not true and I’m sick of your cheap shots. You’re being a bitch for no reason. I’ve always treated you like my closest friend—more than my friend. I love you. I…love you. I love you and you’re so awful! I wish I never met you!”

Talitha’s mouth pressed tight. She watched tears roll down Kalum’s cheeks which were quickly swiped away, only to be replaced by another stream. The sight made her feel just as bad as the fight. A twinge of guilt struck her when Kalum sniffed. Nothing was going to be easy. She drew back the anger as a torrent streamed from Kalum’s eyes.

“Okay,” said Talitha. “Okay. Stop crying. I hate seeing that shit. You know I…I love you, too. I mean it. I care about you so much and you’ve always been good to me. But you have to understand, if you care like you say you do…that I have to go. After tonight I don’t see another choice.”

“I’ve been good to you? Is that all you can say?” Kalum rubbed her eyes with frustration. “You’re good to animals. Good to children and household plants. I’ve been more than good to you. You can’t see how important you are and that I don’t want to be your friend. I don’t want to be in your memories. I want what we started—what we said we were going to do. I want you.” She moved closer. “You can’t leave. Who am I going to study for finals with, or send stupid dashboard mail to, or complain with when Professor Blah shows old world silent films? Who’ll…kiss me like you? Touch me…and make me feel the way you do?”

“What about what I need?” said Talitha.

“What do you need?” Kalum held the drink like a statue, sniffing away tears. “I’ll get whatever you want. I can get anything. It’s just stupid money. Tell me what I should do to make you happy and for you to stay. Please.”

“Nothing you can buy, Kala,” said Talitha. “Nothing you know how to get. It’s not about money. It’s something I have to find myself.”

“What?”

“Peace. I need peace.” Talitha tucked her hair behind her ear. “I don’t want to have to keep proving to everyone that I’m not a danger—that I’m not diseased and that I don’t want to hurt them. I can’t do it anymore, that constant fight. Having modeling pictures in Miss Miss Mag doesn’t mean a damn thing in the real world when you have blood like mine.”

Kalum snatched her hand and squeezed it tight. “I’ll go with you. Money does matter no matter what you say and I have it. There are ways for me to take what’s allotted to me out if I move fast. A lot of it. We’ll have so much money neither of us will have to work and you won’t end up in a slum. We can find something nice, like a house or one of those sky-view flats. For us. Something flare.”

“I don’t need you to take care of me.”

“I know you don’t. If you decided you do want to work—if you need to prove something to yourself—I support that too. But just know you don’t have to. You’ll have peace and I can get that for you.” Her fingers laced through Talitha’s and she spoke with earnest. “I want to stay with you. Everything bad that happened or that we said before is gone. I trust you. I believe you. About everything. Always. Doesn’t matter what anyone says. I want to be by your side.”

Talitha glanced at their interlaced fingers before peering at Kalum. “What about Malek?” she said.

“I’ll end it. Now. This very second if you want. I’ll scream it out to everyone here and let them know that I’m with you and we’re going to be together.”

“No need to do that.”

“You see how ready I am. If you want to leave Altir fast like you said you do I’ll stop the marriage process before it goes any further no matter the cost. I can’t run from backlash forever. I’m serious about walking away. Better for this to happen now and here rather than later and over there.”

Their gazes lingered. Talitha remained unsure. “Yesterday you were angry at me for questioning your family’s ways,” she said. “Today you’re willing to risk the rage of every wildlander—and your actual neck—to help me run away.”

“Aye. I’m ready. I have to be.” Kalum’s eyes searched Talitha’s. “I know what makes me happy. You. I can’t see myself with anyone else. I don’t want to see myself with anyone else. Don’t make a huge decision about the rest of your life after one bad night, and over someone you can’t stand anyway.”

“What did you mean, when you said you’d stay with me?” asked Talitha slowly.

“Means exactly how it sounds. You and me…together. Always.” Kalum glanced aside, bashful. “If you want me that long, I guess.”

“Always?”

“Yeah.” Kalum wiped away another tear and nodded. “If we stay within Union borders I should be safe. I’ll have to register a security change for my name and do something with my appearance. So will you. But we can figure that out later.”

“Sounds awful,” said Talitha.

“No way out of the prophecy that isn’t awful. Don’t feel too bad. I always knew that somehow—whatever I ended up doing—I wouldn’t marry Malek. I don’t want to have children with him. If I refuse to fulfill my part of the prophecy then it can’t be true. What else…isn’t true? What happens next?”

“Kalum.”

Kalum dotted a kiss to Talitha’s knuckles, bruised from the punch she’d landed on Gracie. “There are people that never family plan for lots of reasons. We can help orphans like you, if you want to continue the mission. There’s probably different ways to help hunters like Silatem aside from becoming a hunter yourself.” She offered the drink to Talitha. “For you.”

Talitha accepted the bottle, peering at the clear liquid. “Is this—?”

“Fortified water,” replied Kalum. “A little flavored Jounce in it for the energy and taste. You’ll feel so much better after that. And—” she released Talitha’s hand and whisked out packet she’d concealed in the bust of her costume. “A helo-pack. For your face. Just activate it like you know how to do.”

Talitha accepted the gifts without a word, more muddled than before. Her eyes closed as she took a long sip from the bottle of fortified water—citrus flavor—and new energy sparked within her as she drank. She felt the tips of Kalum’s fingers touching her wounds.

“God…Gracie really clocked you. What a beast.”

“I’m fine, now that she’s away from me.”

“They’ve still got her locked up in that closet, you know. She was losing her mind but no one’s going to let her out. Adam put his foot down—she’s detained.”

“Detained.” Talitha opened her eyes, a smirk touching her face. “Such a nice ring to that.”

“Oh good. I’ll say it again. Ding-dong, the bitch is detained.” Kalum pulled the fang prosthesis out of her mouth, resting it on the sink alongside the helo-pack before reaching for the drink. “I’ll drink some too,” she said. “Might need a jolt myself to get through tonight.”

Talitha handed it over, watching Kalum take a sip. “Are you singing with Jackal again?” she said. “I heard Ivan mention Jackal invited you to go right to the stage if you wanted. Said he’d take you right away to perform. You guys did so good together last time.”

“No.” Kalum shook her head. “After visiting that penthouse…I don’t think I want to be close to him for too long. He might be cleared to operate within Union—for now—but he’s loyal to darker aspects of Isten Dar. A true Sinum worshiper of the old cloth. I hear it in Blood Fang’s music, when Jackal sings of the ancient way of blood and power. His sect’s uniting with Sisem for new peace through Unifaith and some natives are even open to the merger, but…we don’t believe the same truths about this world.”

“Well. That’s fine. If it doesn’t feel right I don’t blame you. Just enjoy the show. Less pressure.”

“Aye. I’ll watch the show. With you.” Kalum gazed at Talitha. “Maybe we can dance together—a dance for us. We’ll see how the crowd takes us that way. Figure out…what to do next.”

“A dance?”

“Aye.”

“Ah…all right. We can try.”

A grin flashed over Kalum’s face. “Ace.”

Guilt spiked in Talitha despite the resolution. “I’m sorry,” she said.

“For?”

“Being negative. Terrible. I made you feel as awful as Gracie did. You didn’t deserve that.”

Kalum raised a shoulder in a shrug. “Already forgotten. No need to bring it up. If you do I’ll forget it again.”

Talitha smiled, a real one though it hurt. Kalum rested the water next to the fangs and met Talitha’s gaze, remaining quiet. A short pause followed before Kalum’s fingers grazed Talitha’s cheeks gently, mindful of the injuries. Talitha’s lids drifted closed as Kalum drew their faces together and soft lips pressed against her own.

For a moment Talitha forgot everything that had gone wrong in Westmont. She smoothed back locks of dark silk hair and parted her mouth to savor Kalum’s sweet taste. Persistent pain followed the motions though she didn’t care. Kalum’s caress glided to her throat as her arms circled around Kalum’s waist.

“Li,” whispered Kalum, nestling close.

“What?” said Talitha.

“Don’t leave.”

“I won’t.”

Kalum nodded. “All right.”

The warm, cozy scent of geiga rose enveloped Talitha and in the quiet of the space they lingered, lips grazing lightly. A loud voice reverberated from around the corner and the sound spooked Talitha, sparking her to pull away from Kalum as the door zipped open.

“You can’t come in here,” another female exclaimed. “This is the ladies’ room. You have a dick. Get out!”

A familiar voice barked back, irritated, as footsteps barged inside. “My girl’s here. I’ll do whatever the fuck I want. Get lost!”

Talitha’s chest seized as a fearful yelp was followed by clattering thuds. She pushed Kalum behind her as a young man dressed as a scarecrow stormed into the room.

“Spencer!” She glanced at the seniors yelling before meeting Spencer’s attention again. His stare was dark-ringed, hollowed, and bloodshot, darting about as if he were both looking at her and through her. Just like…that night. That awful night. Spencer wasn’t there.

Spencer swept toward her at once without paying any mind to Kalum.

“Li,” he said, snatching her wrist with a tight hold. His flesh was ice cold. “We’re leaving. Now. Come on. No waiting.”

“Leaving?” Talitha tried to yank her hand away but his grip was firm. “I’m not going anywhere with you. I’m not your girl anymore. I told you we’re over so just go away!”

“Later. We’ll talk about that…later.” Spencer’s words were tight and strained as he rubbed his face roughly. “My bike—it’s outside. We’ll go through RedSect. Get back to East…Central. Split.”

“No.” Talitha’s cheeks warmed as her anger returned. “What’s your problem? Why are you doing this?”

Kalum folded her arms as she slipped her way back into Spencer’s line of sight. “Take your ugly old whore with you if you want to go,” she said. “Leave Li alone.”

“Ugly old—?” Spencer’s expression darkened. “Fuck you, bitch. No one’s talking to you.”

“I agree,” said Talitha, yanking at his grip again. “Go find your angel. Leave me alone.” She winced as Spencer's clutch tightened—painfully. “You’re hurting me,” she grunted. “Stop it! Spencer—stop!”

“Is there a problem here?” One of the seniors who’d followed him approached. “Asshole shoved me to get inside. I’ll call for help to get him out of here—”

“How about you fuck off too, stupid cunt,” Spencer spat at the female full of rage, making her recoil. “I’ll make you fucking disappear. You’ll never see the sun again. Bang!” He burst out loud with sudden noise, mimicking the sound of a gunshot blast. The girls shrieked. “Try me and see. Fuck you!”

“Spencer. Please.” Talitha’s heart raced as she fought to free herself, her fingers already numb from his hold. He was doing it again—deaf to everything except to what he heard in his own head. That look in his eye was a dangerous look. One that meant she was nothing to him at that moment and was in the way. “Don’t do this,” she pleaded, her anger deflating into climbing fear. “Please. Please. Spencer—please. Please don’t do this. Just leave me alone. I hurt you. I know. I hurt you a lot and I’m sorry. I am. I didn’t want to hurt you. I’m hurt too. Just—please!”

“You’re not staying,” he snapped. “You’re coming with me. I’m tired of this bullshit.”

“No. Spencer. Please—”

“Shut up! Move!”

She almost fell as he pulled her and heard Kalum cry out from behind them.

“Stop!” repeated Talitha shrilly. “Spencer—stop! What’s wrong with you?”

“I told you to fucking move!”

“I’m getting help!” exclaimed one of the females in dismay. “I’m getting someone in here! This is fucked!”

Spencer dropped to the ground in a sudden move, yanking Talitha with him. Screams erupted around them as Talitha crumpled to her knees, her arm wrenched tight and painful within Spencer’s hold. Her eyes stretched wide as Spencer started to heave as if he were going to throw up.

“Spencer!” Kalum rushed over, clawing at Spencer with her nails and bashing him with her fists, yanking his hair to get him to release his hold. “Stop! Stop it! Stop!”

Talitha winced as Spencer jerked her toward him again, a sharp pain streaking down her arm as he forced her close to his side. A shriek escaped her throat when he bashed his forehead against the floor, repeating the action until red smeared the tile.

“Spencer!” shouted Talitha as the screams around her deafened. “Stop! Stop! Stop—”

Spencer raised his head and arched backwards, roaring into the expanse of the restroom. The sound was raw. Sounded wrong. Not human. Talitha’s heart leaped into her throat and raced without pause.

Something was wrong with Spencer. Just like that night.

Something was wrong with Spencer.

“I can’t connect to COM,” said another female senior, voice shrill and shaking with panic. “No signal. Nothing. I can’t—oh no. Oh shit!”

Movement flashed. A heavy weight drilled into Talitha, slamming her into the tile. Air whisked out of her lungs and a choked cry escaped her. The world spun in confusing circles.

Her gaze darted wild until she spotted Spencer above her, pressing into her with his weight. Her arm crushed painfully against her chest like it would break and she had just a split second to register a dark, empty look in Spencer’s eyes.

Something was wrong with—

“Li!”

Spencer’s head zipped close to Talitha’s and everything moved fast and then slow, all at the same time. Teeth clamped into Talitha’s throat and blinding agony unlike anything she’d ever felt seared her in climbing waves. Raw, desperate screams ripped from her and strangled, wet sounds erupted as hot fluid spurted, spilling down her neck. She shuddered, cold overtaking her.

“Oh God!” shrieked the girl. “Oh God! He bit her! He bit her! Oh—!”

Talitha’s eyes rolled backwards as her screams gurgled before stifling to silence. Her mouth gaped without sound as convulsions rocked her, spasming her body outside of her control. Spencer’s bite dug deep and tore away and she felt herself freeze. The pain was too much. She couldn’t take…anymore.

“No!” shrieked Kalum. “No! Li—no! Please! No!”

Frantic thuds followed. Kalum was kicking Spencer, striking him with the heel of her shoes, and in that strange moment everything in Talitha’s world stopped—Spencer’s snarls, the screams of the females in the restroom, and the light from the lamps above. All became still and dark.

Water leaked from the corners of Talitha’s eyes. She shivered. Her senses were on overdrive.

“K-kill…m-me…” she gasped, choking on the blood rushing from her throat and spilling out of her mouth. “K-k…ggg…”

Kill me. Kill me. Please.

I can’t—

Her lips moved and her lids fluttered. She coughed, everything fading.

“Oh shit," cried one of the females. "Oh sh-shit!”

“Blood’s everywhere!" panted the other. "He killed her! He killed—oh!”

As fast as Spencer took Talitha down he was up again, releasing his hold and charging at Kalum next. Kalum screamed, running for the exit, and Talitha heard a loud struggle ensue, punctured by horrified howls of pain. Her fingers trembled uncontrollably as she touched her throat, water leaking fast from her eyes. Slick fluid poured out of her as she touched her own ripped-open, gouged flesh. She shuddered.

Spencer roared another time—he sounded like a beast. The screams of the others faded as they escaped.

A deep chill settled into Talitha’s body as she lay there, alone. With her last remaining strength she forced herself onto her side, loosing a steady spill of blood, bile, and saliva. The walls turned to pinwheels and her eyes glazed, her stare fixed onto the mess she’d made. The agony was too much. She couldn’t stay awake.

Within moments, everything was gone.

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