"Wait! Are you serious?!" I stepped back slowly, my heart hammering against my ribcage. "I thought… I thought you loved me!"
He didn't answer. Instead, he ran straight toward me. Panic surged through me, and without thinking, I bolted. I ran as fast as I could—but he was fast… too fast.
"Help! Somebody help me!" I screamed, but the streets were empty. There was no one. Not a single person in sight.
I skidded to a halt. Dead end. My chest heaving, I pressed myself against the wall, trying to think. There was no way out.
"Don't do this! Xavion!" I shouted. My hands instinctively raised, clutching the knife I had picked up.
"Stop!"
I shut my eyes tight, bracing myself. My hands made a poor shield against the inevitable.
Then I felt it—his hand, brushing gently against my back. I flinched and stumbled backward in surprise. He stopped, tilting his head.
"What's wrong with you?" His tone was calm, almost teasing. "You act like you've seen a monster."
