Page 96 of Facade

Then a strange sensation flared in my wrists and ankles. A small burn built, and then it was like the ink itself was moving. I pulled my sleeves up in time to see thick globs of ink drip from my skin to the floor, smacking to the ground like tar, until there was nothing left on me. The black liquid then absorbed into the floorboards—disappearing altogether.

I pulled my sleeve further, seeing if the band on my bicep was gone too—it was still intact, not marred at all. What the hell is that one for? Why won’t it just go away, too!

I rubbed my wrists as I stepped in front of the foggy little window and held my breath.

The palest green eyes—flecked with gray—stared back at me, stark against my inky black waves.

Turning my back to the wall, I slowly slid to the floor, the rough texture easing some of the returning pain in my back as it scraped through my tunic. More hot tears welled and slid down my cheeks. I pulled my knees up and buried my head. Too much had happened. Too much anger burned within. I just needed my damn memories back.

The floorboards groaned beneath heavy steps.

“Hey, look at me.” Ryker’s voice was deep, but softer than before. “It’s nice to see your natural hair again.”

I lifted my head. He was kneeling before me, shining gaze searching mine with apparent empathy. He reached out and carefully wiped away one of my tears, his gentle touch sending shivers down my spine.

“Nice to see you cut yours,” I quipped through a sniffle.

A dimple formed from the hint of a smile. I breathed deeply, relishing his scent. Stop it.

“I’m sorry. For what I said about going back to the captain—I didn’t mean to… That’s to say—”

“It’s fine.” More tears slid free. “You were right. I do know what type of male he is. I could see it. At the end, at least. Though the signs were there long before.”

His lips pressed into a line, brow creasing.

“I haven’t been around anyone else in a long while, aside from Aniah. With everything you’ve been through, I shouldn’t get angry.”

“I’m angry,” I whispered, swatting at my face.

“You have every right to be. I know this has been a lot for you, and that you have no reason to trust us. There’s nothing else Aniah, or I can do to show that we want to help you. Not trap you.” Something in his expression eased the tight knot in my chest. A calmness swept through me as if he were the water dousing the raging fire in me.

As his words settled over me, I quirked my head to the side, something he said replaying in my head—

“Do we know each other?” I asked, repeating my question from the cave.

“You’ve already asked me that.”

“You just said that it was nice to see my natural hair again. Ryker, have we met before?” I held my breath.

He worked his jaw before answering.

“Yes. We know each other.” He stood, releasing a breath he’d apparently been holding too. “Will you take a walk with me?”

He held out his hand.

I stared at it.

Another defining moment. Somewhere deep within, I knew if I were to take his hand, it would be more than just him helping me off this dusty, uneven floor. It would mean a new life—one that didn’t include Aiden. Aiden made me feel wanted, but he'd lied to me from the beginning. Manipulated me. Stoked my rage, and played on my desperation for connection. For what purpose, I couldn’t fathom. My mind may not remember Ryker—but something deeper did. There was a subtle pull to him I couldn’t deny. Being here with him didn’t just ease my spirit. It felt right.

When Aiden said I was safe with him, they were just words. With Ryker, I didn’t need him to say it—I could feel it in my bones.

I placed my hand in his.

26

Evanee

“I thought Aniah said you could mess with my head by telling me anything.”