I vaguely register Talon's voice from far away.
The yank comes so hard this time I'm jerked off the bed and off the toy.
I cry out in pain, fingers flying up to the collar cutting into my neck.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," Talon rushes to say. "I'm so sorry." His words come out tortured.
A cold wash of fear goes over me as I find myself on the floor, looking at Merry's unmoving body on the bed. I cover my mouth as regret and fear choke its way down my throat.
"No. Oh no. Oh no, no, no." I chant the words, rocking back and forth.
I've killed Merry.
Chapter 16
Jolly Roger Rum with Rap
TALON
Aura rocks back and forth on the carpet, covering her mouth, but I still hear the stream of words from under her hand. "I couldn't have killed her. I'm still hungry. I'm still so very hungry. I couldn't have done that to her. I'm a fucking monster."
"Shh," I try to hush her. Not just to soothe her, but because I need to listen. I cross over to the bed and bend over to where Merry lays on her side, eyes closed. I hold my hand close to her open mouth. One, then two, then three little puffs of air hit my skin.
"She's alive." My shoulders sag in relief. I worried I didn't pull Aura back in time. She wouldn't stop until I literally dragged her away. I didn't want to be so rough, but I had to do it.
Aura still rocks back and forth, eyes wide, mouth covered. Something is very wrong.
I crouch down so I'm directly in front of her.
"Aurora, look at me." She still isn't responding. It's as if she's receded to some place far within her mind where I can't reach. I clench my fists to keep from grabbing her shoulders and giving her a shake.
"Aurora," I practically shout.
She blinks, finally focusing on me. "Merry is alive. She's just passed out. She's going to be okay. Take a couple deep breaths."
She does. First one, then two, then she bursts into sobs.
Driving her fists into her eyes, Aurora wails out with heart-wrenching cries of agony.
Oh fae lords, I can't stand to see her cry. Her cries rake through me, leaving my insides shredded and raw.
I can't stop it. I can't comfort her.
"Aura, please, Aura, tell me, what is it?" It could be anything, but I have to know what's torturing her. She's unresponsive again and my desperation grows. "Baby, please, tell me."
The pet name slips out before I can call it back. Another line crossed.
I've overstepped too many times, but I can't give a damn right now.
It does the trick though. Aura drops her hands so I can see her beautiful, blotchy tear-stained face.
"I'm still hungry," she sobs and hiccups. "It hurts to be hungry. And I was so scared I hurt her. I don't want to hurt her. I don't want to be like this. I don't want to be me. Oh fae lords, why can't I be anyone else? I almost can't bear it."
"I know," I say between more soothing hushes. "It's okay. Everything is okay. I know it hurts."
"Say it again," she says, squeezing her eyes shut tight and drawing her knees into her body.
I don't know what she means for a second. Then I realize. "I know it hurts,baby. It's going to be okay, sweetheart." With each pet name I let past my lips, she calms a bit more, though I immediately form an addiction to calling her every sweet thing I've always wanted to.
