He looked hurt, backing away. “Don’t say that I’m stupid for being scared. You get hurt all the time.”
He blinked and she would be able to see the flash of hurt that crossed in front of his face. He backed away, watching her like an animal looking a trap that had closed around its leg. He opened his mouth to speak before closing it, turning and walking away.
She instantly felt regret, and looked around worriedly, muttering to herself. "Oh no. Oh no. I'm an idiot. Idiot." She decided not to follow, deciding he needed his own time.
Jack's breaths came out in clouds of steam. He should have never come here. Edolier held nothing good. Nothing good. His steps echoed in the stone streets, his hands in his pockets as he headed for the harbor. He heard a scuttling down the street and paused, but continued walking, increasing his speed. "Hello, Tuck." The voice was elegant and smooth and Jack froze at the sound of his old name before turning to look. A man stood, leaning against the wall casually, his hands in his pockets. His suit was clean and his blond hair was groomed meticulously. He gave Jack a pleasing smile and Jack was reminded of something that his sister used to say to him. Looks are almost always deceiving. "It's been a while," Knox said easily, standing up straight. Jack frowned and shook his head. "I'm sorry, but I think you might have the wrong guy." "Oh, no. No, I don't." Strong hands wrapped around Jack's body and he kicked back, his release accompanied by a groan. He stepped back to give himself space, pulling out his sword, his eyes wary. "This won't end well, Knox. Leave it alone." "Tuck, where's your sister?" Knox asked warmly, stepping closer to him. Jack dodged a swipe from another hand, focusing on the henchmen that were attacking him. "Not here." "Oh, but that answer doesn't satisfy me. Where is she, exactly?" One of the punches caught Jack's jaw and he gasped, backing up. "She's dead." Knox's smile only grew wider. "Dead, huh?" A henchman managed to grab Jack again and kept him captured. Jack's eyes were bright with panic and Knox stepped forward, pulling out his knife as he smiled.
Avice looked nervous. She left the party, stepping out into the brisk air. She sighed, letting her hair down. Something felt off to her, but she couldn't seem to place her finger on it. She began to walk.
Knox stepped away with a grin, cleaning off his blade. Jack looked up at him, his eyelids fluttering as he fought to stay conscious from the cuts in his skin. "What a pity about your sister. She was very beautiful, you know." Jack's jaw hardened, but he said nothing.
After a bit Avice looked up, noticing the people, though she couldn't see who it was. Her brows furrowed, and she discreetly pulled a dagger she had kept hidden. "Hey! What's going on here?!"
Jack looked up suddenly at the sound of her voice. Knox turned and gave her a small smile. “Hello, hello, hello.” Jack shook his head frantically. “Avice! Run!”
Her eyes widened, and she gripped tighter on the knife. Finally, she shook her head, her expression a look of distaste. "No."
“Do you know her?” Knox asked Jack amusedly. He looked back at Avice, stepping forward. “She’s quite pretty.” Jack’s eyes darted between Avice and Knox. “Avice, please.”
“Jack, Huh?” Knox asked. “Is that your name now? Stay quiet, Jack, while your friend and I talk.” Jack struggled to get out, and the henchman hit him over the head, causing him to cry out.
Knox laughed out loud, a warm and inviting laugh. "Tuck, you've chosen well! She's feisty," he said, glancing over his shoulder at Jack. He turned back to Avice with a warm grin. "I like feisty."
She gave him a disgusted look. "That's a shame. I'm not a fan of people who are the below the status of garbage."
His smile only grew wider and he offered a hand to her. "So angry! Come now, Miss... Avice, was it? Come now, Miss Avice. I won't bite."
He pulled his hand away quickly, just getting a cut on the side of his hand. He looked down at his hand with a raised eyebrow and pulled out a handkerchief, wrapping it around his hand before turning and returning to Jack's side. Jack looked up at Avice, his eyes filled with concern. "Go," he mouthed. "Go." "That was a poor choice," Knox said smoothly, pulling out a long blade. "A very poor choice." He knelt down beside Jack and gave him a pleasant smile before plunging the dagger in his stomach.
She gasped, her eyes filling with terror. "No!" Her grip tightened and she took quick, angry steps towards him, wielding the knife. Her expression was unnaturally placid.
