Page 66 of Fatality

I bite down my lips and fidget with my rings.

“Oh, Elyas is fine.” I clap my hands together. “I called before coming here, he's at the hospital.”

Suddenly, a hologram flashes across the sky.

An alert.

We step outside the studio and look up.

What is it now?

ATTENTION. SECURITY ALERT.

Multiple gang-related homicides detected in Lower-Layer sectors. Civilian movement is temporarily restricted. Enforcer units have been deployed. Avoid non-essential travel until further notice. Threat assessment in progress.

I look at the girls, they look back at me.

But before we could exchange worries, my comm suddenly starts ringing.

Liam.

“Where the hell have you been?” His voice comes through the call, rough with worry and an edge of irritation. “I've been worried sick.”

“I... lost track of time with Elyas. I had to show him some proper technique.”

“You slept at Elyas's?" His voice turns ice cold.

I wince.

My lie is only making things worse.

I don't want to worry him. I don't want him rushing over to my loft when all I want is to be left alone.

“I did.” I sigh “But he slept on the couch, and I slept in his bed.”

A long silence follows.

“Okay.” He sighs. “It better be that, you're my girl, Riven. Anyway, tell me you're going home now.”

“Yes, I am.” I glance at Jules and Charlie. “The girls are heading home too.”

“Okay, good. Be careful, babe.”

He hangs up.

I shove my comm into my pocket and quicken my pace.

“Why did you lie?” Charlie asks.

“Because…” I let out a weary breath. “If I told him I ended up in the Lower Layers, he'd worry too much. I already have enough on my mind, and so does he. I don't want to put even more weight on his shoulders.”

They shake their heads in disappointment but don't say anything else.

We exchange quick goodbyes before Charlie and Jules head off in opposite directions.

I drag a hand through my hair and head straight for the fridge, grabbing a bottle of water.

I take a long drink and stare out through the floor-to-ceiling windows.