Ryan didn't move. He couldn't.
Sebastian's voice hung like a blade suspended inches from his throat.
He couldn't look away. He didn't dare look at Damien either—who sat silently, watching like this had all been rehearsed. Because maybe it had.
Sebastian stepped further into the room, every movement slow and scary. He didn't rush. He didn't need to.
Ryan rose to his feet instinctively, but his legs felt unsteady.
"You didn't expect me, did you?" Sebastian asked, tilting his head like he was inspecting a bug beneath glass. "That's Damien's problem. He gives people hope they don't deserve."
"Sebastian…" Ryan croaked, but even he didn't know what he was trying to say. An apology? An explanation?
Sebastian waved his hand. "Don't embarrass yourself, Ryan. You've already done enough of that for a lifetime."
Ryan let out a sigh, his pulse ringing in his ears.
"What's the most important thing you were taught, Ryan?" Sebastian asked.
