There is no worse betrayal than false kindness. Especially when it comes from the monster who stood by and watched you bleed. She stands frozen, clutching the phone Darien forced into her hand like it's some cursed object. She glares at his retreating back, watching him disappear into the crowd of elite predators who pretend to be students.
"I don't trust you," she mutters, loud enough for him to hear but soft enough to feel like it costs her something. "But since I don't have a better option, I'll come."
Darien lifts a hand lazily, not even turning around. "Whatever. My numbers are in there. Call if danger lurks… but for the record, I'd appreciate it if you stayed out of trouble. I don't need reasons to babysit you."
She scoffs. "I blame myself for thinking you were different."
He turns at that, eyes scanning her from head to toe like she's something he stepped on. "Thanks would be the correct thing to say."
