Page 52

I will.

There will be consequences.

Eli

Right. He’slooking forwardto whatever trigger he plans to torture me with. I crumple the note into a ball and chuck it at thewall. Why did I agree to this? Why was it my idea? Is that how desperate I am to escape these walls? To escape myself?

Milo appears at the top of the stairs hours later, bright and droopy, like overworked sunshine. His cerulean jumpsuit hangs loose on him, a tad too short, exposing his ankles and wrists. He settles onto the ugly couch, long limbs all over and his golden hair rebelling in every direction.

“You know why I’m here, right?”

Does Eli really think he can send Milo as a spy and break me? He has no idea how many kids I’ve lived with. I’m a master of the silent game.

“You’re not going to answer?”

I curl my tongue behind my teeth.

Milo sits up and leans forward, his imploring blue eyes like the sea. “So I’m supposed to talk to myself?”

Nope. Not going to fall for it. Of course he would tell Eli if I talk. Whatever consequences Eli’s dreamed up, I won’t be finding out about them.

“He made me bring you this.” Milo produces a bar from his pack.

My mouth opens, and I snap it shut. Eli already left a bar for me this morning, and it’s much too early for the evening bar.

“He said you were dying.” His two blonde brows climb his forehead, giving me an accusing look before handing me the bar. “And that he’d rather not have to remove your corpse from the castle.”

I roll my eyes.

Milo’s rosy cheeks rise with his grin. “I’ve never heard him speak so fondly of anyone before.”

I laugh through my nose and lean against the metal bars of the cell. He’s giving me more than two bars a day to keep me alive…right? It’s selfish, not thoughtful.

Milo eyes me pensively. “You’re not afraid of him. But you don’t trust him either.”

Nope.

“It doesn’t make sense. After all these years,” he muses. “I see why he’s fascinated with you.”

Is that so?

“I trust Eli. I’d do anything for him.” His fingers rap on his knees.

Why so loyal when he goes behind the Centress’ back and drags you along with him?

“He’s like family, you know?”

Not really.I have no idea what family is like.

“But you can’t trust what you feel, as real as it seems—not that you can stop yourself. I know how it is. There’s more to him than you think…” Milo drops his chin, eyes stern. “Just don’t go looking for it.”

Why not?

I think of that little girl he held in his arms, the depth of his eyes that harbor so much. What is he hiding behind his smirks and scowls?

Milo’s tone shifts, a playful lilt to it. “And he has a message for you.”

I twist my rings and force myself not to look at him, not to show any sign of curiosity.