《Third Death》Chapter Twenty-Two

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“So,” Red said, taking a seat in the room’s one free chair, “This is an unexpected visit.”

Vision clasped her hands behind her back, hoping to hide their shaking. Glass was sitting at a desk on the far side of the room, penning a letter, likely to Lord Banagher. His presence did nothing to set her at ease.

“I, um…” she cleared her throat, “I needed to tell you…”

“Speak up or come closer,” Red said.

“I need to tell you that I’m done. I’m out.”

Red furrowed his brow, wrinkling the brand that marred his face.

“You’re going to tell me that from all the way over there? Come here, let’s talk like adults.”

She forced herself to move forward, until she was an arm’s length from Red. He smiled.

“Good. Now, tell me again.”

“The rebels asked me to join them. I said I would. So… I’m done.”

Red scratched his chin with the withered fingers on his left hand.

“What about Fox?”

“We ain’t joined at the hip. He’s staying.”

He stood, and spread his arms.

“I see. Thanks for telling me.”

He seemed to be waiting for something and Vision realised with a sinking feeling that he wanted to hug her. She swallowed. Liam was right outside. If an embrace was all it took to be free of this man, she could suffer that. She stepped forward. Red’s crippled hand was claw-like against her back. She stepped back. Nothing happened. She started to turn to leave. The world flashed white. She tasted blood. She gasped as he realised that he’d struck her. From the corner of her gaze, she saw Glass look up and swivelled to look, startled, then drop his eyes back to his work.

Red advanced. She took a step back, tripped, and watched him draw closer as she struggled to breathe. He’s weaker than you, part of her mind insisted, he’s a small man. He only has one working hand. Fight back. She could. She knew she should. Red’s power over her wasn’t physical, and they were alone. Somehow, though, she discovered that she was frozen in place. She couldn’t even find it in herself to scream, let alone strike back.

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“Little Vision,” he said, looming over her, “You’ve been keeping secrets.”

He kicked her in the side.

“Thinking you’re better than me. Betraying my trust. Laughing behind my back.”

He punctuated his words with more blows. She gasped for breath as she curled into a ball. He leaned forward and grabbed her hair.

“You’ve been giving it away to everyone else, but not me? It hurts a man’s feelings, Little Vision.”

She looked past Red, to Glass. He was still looking down at his work, ignoring her. Her mouth worked silently.

“Help me,” she managed finally.

His back stiffened but he gave no other indication that he’d heard her. Red laughed at her, unkindly. Then, the door flew open with a bang. Red scowled.

“Leave us, Bones.”

Vision went limp with relief. Liam was there. She was safe.

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