'The pearls are for your tears. And red… it suits your pale skin. Wear this and join us tonight as our guest of honor, Le An.'
That was the note inside the gift box from Mr. Qui.
Le An didn't even take the white sheer blouse out of the box, its fabric draped with pearls that hung from the shoulders and chest. His eyes lingered on the vivid red paint splashes along the sleeves, as if someone had flicked blood onto the fabric. The weight of Mr. Qui's cruelty was too much; he closed his eyes.
His arms itched again, as if remembering the dried blood from that day. "I'm not wearing this," he said, closing the box.
Theo shook his head and took the box from in front of Le An, handing it to another guard. They were currently at the fourth institute, the final task for Le An today. Mr. Qui's gift had been delivered while they waited for the next group of espers to be brought into the hall.
Murderer.
