Chapter 6 Favier.

A slow, deliberate clapping echoed from behind us, shattering the moment.

I instantly broke away from Dickson, a wave of sudden regret washing over me. How could I have held him for that long?

The clapping continued as we spun around to face the intruder.

Three men in dark suits stood in the shadows, and stepping out in front of them was Favier. He wore dark sunglasses, a wild, mocking smile plastered across his face as he strolled toward us. He casually reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair away from Dickson's forehead.

Dickson didn't flinch. He just allowed it.

Favier stepped back chuckling darkly before turning his gaze onto me. "Nimueh? Ms. Witch... what on earth are you doing, trying to live like a human? Do monsters get to play house now?"

The moment he spat the name Nimueh, a surge of pure hatred ignited in my chest. All I wanted was to drive a shard of glass into his face all over again.

Favier kept laughing, his dark eyes drifting back to Dickson.

Dickson quickly pulled his shirt together, covering his scarred chest.

"And you... the son of a monster," Favier spat, his voice full of venom. "You think you're in love? Do you even value love? How pathetic two cursed souls falling for each other."

Favier leaned in close to my ear, his breath cold against my skin. "It's going to get brutal, Claire."

He threw his head back and laughed loudly. I took a step toward him, my fists clenching, but Favier held up his hands mockingly.

"Oh, hold on! Hold on, Ms. Witch! Don't show off your powers just yet. I'm only playing around," he sneered, pointing at Dickson. "I just came to pick him up. It's time for his torture."

I scoffed, turning to Dickson. "What torture is he talking about?"

Dickson's face went completely blank. Without looking at me, he stepped past my shoulder. "I'll call you later tonight... just find your way home safely, Claire."

I quickly grabbed Dickson's wrist, stopping him in his tracks. "What torture is he talking about?! Is your father beating you again?!"

Favier burst into another cruel laugh. "You didn't tell her? Poor girl. Your life is surrounded by weird and broken people Claire. Don't worry, you'll find out soon enough."

Favier turned to walk away but in a flash, my hand shot out and clamped down around his wrist. I squeezed with brute force, driving my sharp nails deep into his flesh until dark crimson blood began to ooze onto his cuff.

Favier looked down at his bleeding wrist, then looked up at me with that same unsettling smile.

"Ah... there you are," Favier whispered, searching my eyes. "And here I thought you completely lost your memory. Isn't it time for you to come back home?"

"Home?" Dickson interrupted, his eyes darting frantically between me and Favier. "What home?! What are you talking about?!"

I yanked my hand back from Favier's wrist, taking a step away. "I don't know who he is, and I don't know what he's talking about! I already told you I don't remember any of this!

Favier stepped closer, bending down until his face was inches from mine. "Are you really telling me you don't remember this?" He tapped the jagged scar running across his cheek. "Are you telling me you totally forgot who I am?"

I shook my head repeatedly, forcing my expression to stay cold and vacant. "Maybe you can help me remember? Maybe you can trigger a flashback... isn't that what you want? For me to remember?"

Favier drew back, studying my posture.

Dickson rushed between us glaring at Favier. "What is going on here?! What is she supposed to remember?!"

Favier turned to the two suited men behind him and snapped his fingers. The guards immediately lunged forward grabbing Dickson by both arms and dragging him toward the waiting black car packed behind.

"Claire!" Dickson screamed, struggling against their heavy grip. "Don't let him hurt you! He's very dangerous!

I almost smiled at the concern in Dickson's voice, knowing full well that Favier couldn't lay a single finger on me without risking his life.

Once Dickson was shoved into the car, Favier closed the distance between us. In a flash, his hand clamped tightly around my throat.

He squeezed, pushing me back a step, but I remained completely calm, staring dead into his eyes.

"You've always known I grew to love you, Claire," Favier growled, his jaw tight. "What do you think you're doing with Dickson? Do you have any idea how dangerous I've been trying to stop this? Do you want that boy to lose his life?!"

I let out a soft scoff, my voice unbothered despite the pressure against my windpipe. "You love me? You don't know the first thing about love. If you loved me, you wouldn't be staring at me like this without drawing a blade... For all I know, anyone entangled with Wizard Klein carries that dark curse except his own flesh and blood. So tell me... are you his family?"

Favier let out a dry laugh and released his grip on my neck. "You think I carry that drenching curse? If I did, you wouldn't be breathing right now."

I smoothed my collar, my tone dropping into a dangerous demand. "I need the Neuro-Sanguine Serum. I only have three vials left. I don't have time to play your games."

Favier paused, staring at me before letting out a sudden, realization-filled laugh. "Now I see why you're staying so close to Dickson... You're trying to get your Neuro-Sanguine Serum through him."

He shook his head, a dark smirk returning to his lips. "Funny enough Wizard Klein is doing everything in his power to keep you away from his son. But poor Dickson can't let you go because of his own twisted, dark desires."

I lunged forward, my hand clamping tightly around Favier's neck this time, pinning him in place. "I am out of time! If you claim you actually feel something for me, then help me get the permanent cure! The cure for this curse... and the cure for my Alzheimer's!"

Favier stayed still under my grip, smiling down at me. "Meet me."

He slid a heavy, matte-black card into my coat pocket.

"We can talk there," Favier whispered, prying my fingers off his throat. "That's a VIP entry card. Call the number on the back when you arrive, and we can have a real conversation... if you truly want to save yourself. At least you finally remember who I am."

He turned and walked toward the waiting car without looking back.

I stood frozen on the lonely pathway, pulling the dark business card from my pocket. I stared down at the embossed gold lettering: The Eclipse Guest House.

A cold, sickening dread settled deep in my stomach.

Is my mother's fate coming back to consume me? I thought, my fingers trembling around the card. Am I really going to have to survive by sacrificing my body... just like she did?