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And I wait. Anticipation eating away at my insides, crawling up my spine, and moistening my palms. This is so silly, and not worth the excitement, but look where I am. I’m sitting on a series of welts, locked away like an animal, waiting for a man that may or may not be able to help us based on prophecy.
Two knocks, thick and distinct.
I squeal, turning around to face the wall like a child opening a new present.
Dessin! I drum on the wall with both of my hands, so he knows how happy this just made me. He’s here, we’re sharing a wall, we’re a breath away from each other.
I am not alone.
And my door opens.
I fall back down on my bed like I’ve been caught stealing. My eyes land on the tall, skinny man with pointed shoulders, charcoal black hair and white streaks on the sides. The face of a studious librarian.
And he stands there, staring at me. A subtle look of caution flashing across his gaze. His Adam’s apple bobs as he closes the door, but not before Suseas slips in behind him.
My lips part. No. Why is she here? I didn’t ask for her. I need to speak with Judas alone! How is he supposed to confess anything to me when she’s breathing down his neck?
Suseas plants herself in the conformist’s chair, scowling at me as if I kicked her cat.
“Miss Ambrose, do you even comprehend how foolish you’ve made me look?” She whips her curly hair over one shoulder, pinching her smoker’s lips in a seething grimace.
Judas clears his throat. “Suseas—”
“I couldn’t even bring myself to come see you when you first arrived. That’s how sick to my stomach your betrayal has made me. Why must you be so selfish?”
I really did not miss this woman.
“May I speak with her alone?” Judas cuts in.
“After the investigation? Impossible.”
“Investigation?” I ask.
Judas leans against the door, looking exceptionally older and exhausted. “My skeleton key was missing when the two of you escaped.”
I hide my surprise. Judas slipped me a key to sneak Dessin out of the asylum that one night when we went to see the stars. They caught him.
“Of course, I couldn’t have known that you or Patient Thirteen would steal it from my possession. But they had to do an investigation nevertheless.” His voice is wise, yet quiet. He slicks back his hair with one hand.
So that’s why he hasn’t come to visit me yet. He’s being watched.
“I’m so sorry, Judas. I should never have done that.” I cover for him without a second thought.
He nods, finally meeting my eyes with a silent thank you.
“Am I not to receive an apology? I gave you this opportunity. I took you under my wing as if you were my own daughter,” Suseas blusters, making a fool of herself with this performance.
“You’re right, Suseas. I am so ashamed and remorseful for everything I’ve put you through.”
“The punishment does fit the crime, I suppose.” She looks down at her wristwatch. “Now, in fact. I do believe Belinda has you and Patient Thirteen scheduled for another dual treatment.”
She’s walking toward the door, and they’re going to leave me. But he can’t! I have to—
“In six months, you may finally understand the gravity of your actions. Maybe then you’ll follow the drums of life and unsheathe your pride,” Judas says without looking away, then he nods once and shuts the door behind him.
22. Aquarus
My greatest fear is coming to pass.
