The Silence That Surrounds

Sophia’s POV:

Soft hands lulled me from sleep with slow and patient precision. At first I thought it was Dylan but he always uses two fingers up and down my arm so I knew it couldn’t be him.

”What time is it?” I murmured out, keeping my eyes firmly closed. I didn’t want to get up, the bed was comfortable and the blankets covering my body were warm against my skin.

“Ten. I let you all sleep in, it’s time to wake up.” Harry replied, his voice still raspy as her struggled to wipe away the evidence of tiredness from his throat.

I hummed a groan and curled in on myself. I didn’t want to face today.

“I don’t feel – “I started to say but Harry, I guess being the impatient bloke that he is lifted his arms under me and before I knew it, had placed my feet steadily on the floor. “Hey!” I protested, not expecting the rude action.

“Rise and shine, flower. We have a lot to do this morning in preparation for Damien. I need you to go and –“Harry was cut off by the sudden ring of his cellphone.

With a mutter he took it from the pocket of his night pants and flipped it over.

“Yes?” He snapped, groaning again before putting it on speaker. “Sorry, father. You were saying?”

I stifled a shudder but listened in on the conversation.

“Cabin thirty-five was under attack early this morning and we have reason to believe Elliott Dawson is responsible for it. I need to go assess the damage, find out how many casualties so I will pick up the documents and Junior Stone first thing tomorrow morning. Dylan is to be bound, blindfolded and gagged by the time I arrive and he is not permitted to see Ms. Stone today. He will not get to see her tomorrow either, the less interaction they have, the more she can focus on her lessons – which, how did her first combat go?”

Harry was looking over to me intently, his green eyes staring into my face.

“She is quite the knife thrower, if I may so myself, Damien. She even outranked my own score the first time I tried and she can hit the same exact place consistently. The beginning of her lessons weren’t going too well but we practiced a good seven hours with her non-stop. Towards the end, Ms. Stone was able to successfully get out of my grip by following a few…tricks that she picked up along the way.” Harry explained carefully.

Silence followed a few moments from the phone before a chuckle could be heard.

“And how did she manage that, son?” Damien asked sardonically.

“I kicked him in the balls, sir.” I replied with a small self-conscious smile. Harry however, was not amused.

Damien burst out laughing with a consistent laugh.

“Her technique needs a little work. I most certainly won’t allow one of my members to get a reputation as being an easy target or heaven forbid, weak. Work on some of the things I showed you with her. I expect Ms. Stone to show me tomorrow when I arrive. Now, you have your orders, see them followed.”

With that he hung up and Harry snapped his phone shut in agitation.

“You always have to get a word in, don’t you, Nightshade?” He remarked sarcastically, gently pushing me toward the door. “I need my men up and about, see they are dressed and out at the table within half an hour. Leave your brother to sleep; he was up late last night with you and he could use the extra hour. However, we have much to discuss and you need to be focused. Understand, flower?”

I nodded, turning to get to my order but Harry stopped me at the threshold of the door.

“I may not understand much, Sophia. Shit, I don’t even understand us half the time but I’m not going to keep you from Dylan, you know? I understand how much he means to you and if I was able to stop him from leaving, if I was able to convince Damien to keep him here; I would. You must believe that.” He cleared his throat awkwardly, shifting from one foot to the other.

“I know, Harry. You must do what you must to preserve our group, I’ve accepted that but for what it’s worth –“ I paused with a small smile, knowingly taking his famous line. “He doesn’t deserve this and you know it. Fuck, you could release him and keep me as originally planned because he knows nothing. He can do nothing but you won’t, you can’t, so why is this even a discussion? He will be Damien’s to torture by this time tomorrow and I will have lost my brother anyways. It’s futile to soften the blow, so do me a favor?” I paused, glancing back at Harry who swallowed.

“What’s that luv?” He questions, his green eyes sparkling with worry.

“Don’t try. Say what needs said and let’s move on because the mixed signals I’m receiving are tiresome, Harry. Just –don’t.”

Harry stands there a moment and considers my words.

“Very well, flower. I will try to put less effort into comforting your transition if that is what you really wish.” He bowed his head, walking towards me and out the door toward the kitchen, stopping beside me, his lips moving by my ear to speak softly. “But in turn, I expect you to try harder. If you can promise me your full cooperation and attention, then –I will see what can be done to release your brother.”

I jerked my head away from his ear, my look of astonishment and shock. His was a smirk – not unkind but one of amusement.

“Y-you would –“My lips were seized by his finger quickly, his eyes glancing out toward the quiet halls.

“Speak of this to no one. I was up late last night at the table – your brother happened to wonder in to ask me about where to put you…since a certain red head kept unchaining him from his bed, according Dylan.” He chuckled, his thumb running over the left side of my cheek while dragging his finger that was on my lips to join it at the side.

We stayed there momentarily but eventually his hand fell back to his side and he turned to walk away but this time, it was I who stopped him.

I grabbed his arm gently, my cheeks flushed a rose color of emotion.

He turned back to me cheekily, laughing lightly while his green eyes sparkled. They were a beautiful green, the darks of his eyes lightening like emeralds.

“What’s changed? I don’t understand.” I murmured, my gaze going momentarily behind him to make sure no one was eavesdropping.

He seemed to consider the question but in the end he just reached over and kissed the corner of my lip – a hidden kiss, at least that’s what Dylan would call it and indeed it was a secret; our secret, only for us to know.

“Everything.” He answered quietly before stalking off to the bathroom and leaving me to awake everyone as per his order, my skin abuzz by his touch. A touch that should repulse and disgust me but it didn’t.

I stood there with the widest smile I could muster, my body floating, it was almost as if I could taste the outside on my tongue while my hands reaching out toward the sky without chains – I could close my eyes and see everything through Dylan’s, how he’ll feel – how he’ll smile. If he was free, I was free. I may have to stay here but he won’t and that brought a warmness of excitement throughout me.

*

Thirty minutes passed so abruptly that breakfast was a quick roll with egg and sausage with cheese. It was wonderful but I could not focus on the taste or what was discussed around me and I guess it became apparent with my fidgeting because Harry was looking at me like I was a child who could not keep still during her lessons and yes, I should have been paying attention as it did concern Damien’s visit but I couldn’t wait to get to Dylan so I could tell him the news. We had the whole day and I couldn’t wait for us to go practice with the knife, for him to play his guitar for me – for us to sit silently at the window and glance one more time out of it, talking quietly or unspeaking at all. I just wanted to hear Dylan tell me he loves me before Harry drives him off – or however way he leaves.

“Flower?” Harry snorts, bemused but he still wears a patient smile.

“Go on, I know you’re dying to. Bring him out for breakfast after, I have some things that I need to speak to him about, yeah?”

I nodded and dashed up from my seat, running to the hall – leaving a group of very confused gang members in my wake but who cares, Dylan is going to be so excited.

I stop in front of his door and turn the knob, realizing Harry had locked it so I turned the key still in the lock and threw open the door.

He’s going to ecstatic to be getting out of here, he’ll be –

“Dylan! You’ll never guess what –“

I stopped dead in my tracks, my mouth opening in a silent scream.

*

HARRY’S POV:

I watched her run off in excitement with a small chuckle. In that sense it caused the other members to stare after her before glancing back in my direction.

I left out a shrug.

“Damien is coming tomorrow. Evidently, cabin thirty-five was under attack. Elliott Dawson is suspected of the attack so we must be extremely careful the coming weeks and keep our eyes out for anything suspicious. If you must go out, go out in pairs. I won’t know more until Damien calls back with a report. Since he isn’t coming today, I am to assume flower is just excited with getting to spend an extra day with Dylan. Leave her to her happiness, gents, we have much bigger concerns.” I focused their attention back to the job at hand and it worked. There really was no way I could tell the blokes my plan and I knew that Damien would kill Dylan once he got him to the cabin and that death would be slow. He did his job and he did it well. We had control of the company, there was no more use to be made of the lad. He wasn’t made for gang life, his uses would be best suited else ware.

“She should be made to be here for meetings the same as the rest of us. You let her go because she was fidgeting, if she’s to be treated like the rest of us then she should be made to attend the meetings like we are. You favorite her, mate, and while I don’t give two flying pig fucks, we made an agreement yesterday, yeah? She’s to receive no special treatment. That’s what you said and you’re breaking your accordance.” Niall pointed out, his blue eyes a fatal color of ice. He was angry and I do not disagree to his point but he needs to get the pickle out of his arse before it lodges itself permanently up there.

“Right you are, Niall but I believe it does no harm to give them a moment. After all, there is much to celebrate. Like the fact we got the titles, we completed the job.” I pointed out with a flick of my wrist.

“Right, but at what cost? We now have a young lady in our presence that you as well as I know will never make it here if she is allowed a pass. Niall’s right, she is expected to sit through the group meetings as the rest of us.” Liam backed Niall up.

I rolled my eyes and stood up.

“Fine, let me go drag her back to the table if it means so bloody Goddamn much to you all. Her brother’s going to be gone tomorrow and I wanted her to have as much time as possible with him but sure, let me go get her to please you lot.” I bit back, truly not understanding their problem but Louis nor Zayn said anything so I don’t think they gave a fuck either way.

“Or you can call the meeting over so we can all go play hopscotch outside, want me to tie your hair into pigtails, Styles? Because you’re acting more like a PMS’ing girl than Sophia. Seriously, mate, what’s gotten your balls so blue?” Louis rolled his eyes.

“Shut it, Tomlinson. No, you’re right – they’re right. Let me go get her.” I relented and walked toward the back, calling out for the girl before making it to her door and walking in, my heart skipping a beat.

Hanging from the windowsill was Dylan and right beside me stood Sophia. Her mouth open in a mute scream but her eyes were wide and glassed over.

“Sophia?!” I shook her before running over to Dylan, my whole body shaking as I started to struggle with the rope.

“GUYS, HELP!” I screamed around the cabin, whistling their numbers, my hands slipping over the rope as I tried to get Dylan down, swearing at myself but I was in auto pilot. My eyes saw but didn’t register, I just knew I had to get him down and out of here before Sophia completely freaked out. “GOD DAMN IT, SOMEONE HELP!” I screamed more in panic now then anything as the other four occupants busted in, stopping inside the door.

“Holy –“Louis breathed, his blue eyes contracting to fear.

“Someone get Sophia out! Someone help me, please! Someone fucking help!” I panicked, knowing that was the worst thing to do. In all my years in this cabin, there has been countless death – but never this way.

The guys rushed forward and began to help me cut the rope, one of them even had their pocketknife – Niall. He opened it and began to cut the taunt rope that held Dylan. I brought my arms up to steady the body, noticing no one got Sophia out and she just stood there watching, her body now convulsing in trembles.

“GET SOPHIA OUT OF HERE! SOMEBODY FUCKING GET HER OUT!” I panicked, turning around to do it myself but Louis beat me to it, his movements were swift, scooping her up bridal style. That’s when she seemed to snap out of her shock and started fighting against Louis.

“DYLAN! Put me down!” She screamed, her body struggling violently as he tried to soothe her. He turned to walk out but the palm of her hand punched his Adam’s apple in her attempt to be let go.

I rushed to help Niall, Zayn and Liam catch Dylan’s body, hearing Louis hit the ground, Sophia’s body falling from his grip as he grabbed his throat.

“Set him down.” I instructed, my voice high in contrast to the erratic thudding in my chest.

Sophia rushed to us, her chest heaving in exertion but she wasn’t crying, she was freaking out.

Zayn turned to grab her but she pushed him away. Followed by the rest of us.

“Get away from him! GET AWAY!” She screamed, her arms wrapping around Dylan’s body as she came to rest behind him, our arms helping to lift her brother the rest of the way to the ground so his head was lying across Sophia’s lap. She pulled him closer to her chest, tears escaping her eyes.

“G-get her out of here. She shouldn’t see that.” Louis stuttered, trying to talk while Liam walked over and was helping him from the ground.

“No!” Sophia protested, her hands ripping the rough noose from around her brother’s delicate neck, his head falling against her and his eyes closed.

“Yes! Harry? We need to take him, she doesn’t need –“

“NO! YOU’RE NOT TAKING HIM! Not alone, he can’t be alone.” Sophia sobbed, her hand going to his arm, her two fingers gently but quickly moving up and down his arm. My heart physically ached, she was trying to wake him up. “Dy, wake up, got to wake up now, wake up. They think something’s wrong, come on.” She pleaded desperately to him and we all looked at one another, realizing Sophia was in denial.

Louis went forward to grab Dylan from her but I stopped him.

“No.” I spoke sternly as we all watched Sophia. My eyes were clouding over.

“She can’t stay like that, he can’t stay inside – you know as well as I do that when they start to decay they release bodily fluids. Piss, shit – everything. He is going to smell and he’s on our carpet. He is dead and she needs to fucking bloody deal with this!” Louis argued.

“HE’S NOT DEAD!” Sophia screeched, hugging Dylan to her again. I flinched at her level tone and the loudness of her protesting sobs.

“Sophie –“Zayn stated softly, kneeling down to reach for her but she slapped his arm away viciously.

Zayn pulled his limb back quickly with a hurt look and absolutely no clue what to do for the broken girl in front of him.

“Sophia…” He tried again but she began to rub Dylan’s arm, ignoring the Doncaster bloke.

“Harry? Your call, mate.” Zayn sighed, standing up from the ground and walking away to give her space.

“You’re not taking him, he’s sleeping, m’trying to wake him. Let me wake him, you can’t hurt him. You promised.” She looked desperately at me through her tears.

“Harry, we NEED to –“ I cut Louis off.

“And what would you have me do, Lou? Hm? Sedate, bound, gag and throw her in the bloody basement? She isn’t going to leave him and I don’t fucking bloody god damn know what to do, alright?! I – this has never happened,” I rubbed my face, glancing down at Sophia before going to sit on the bed. “I was going to release Dylan tonight. I was going to set him free, drop him off in Ireland or something. Now he’s free, now…” I trailed off, my thoughts sparse and unhinged. I felt the ache in my chest thud and I could almost swear my heart would beat from its cage.

“Nice to know that you would commit treason against Damien, proud of you but we need to get this nipped in the butt because this isn’t helping Sophia. Please, H, I’m pleading here – this won’t bring her comfort.” Louis moaned, his emotions subtle but he was worried about the flower before us and I wasn’t fairing much better.

I knew Louis was right though. There’s hardly been a time where he’s been wrong but despite his point, I couldn’t tear the dead boy from his sister’s arms. She was whispering into his ear encouragingly, no soul in there to respond. His neck was also slightly swollen, the deep contusion darkening his skin to black was also apparent. But to Sophia, she saw none of this.

“Dy, please wake up. Wake up for me, honey. You got to wake up.” She continued, unaffected. It seemed to be her task to wake up her brother and by the way her fingers stroked his arm gently, she wasn’t going to let up.

“Li? Come here, please?” I swallowed, trying to clear up the tears from my eyes. I hadn’t cried for as long as I could remember but today, I felt a strange sorrow and though it shouldn’t affect me as much – I found myself weakening. I felt my reserve break and I think that’s why I couldn’t bear to interfere with Sophia and Dylan. They needed time but in the same thought, I couldn’t leave Sophia unsupervised.

Liam sighed but walked over to the bed I had sat down on and joined me. I took that moment to whisper to him and he seemed to understand and got up, coming back about half a minute later with two syringes.

I took them inconspicuously and put them in my pocket.

“Thanks, Li.” I whispered, patting his shoulder absently.

He nodded and grabbed Louis’s arm, addressing everyone else.

“Come on, lads. Let’s give Sophia some time to say goodbye.” Liam spoke, his voice almost calming amongst the chaos.

Zayn nodded and helped Liam escort Louis – who was still protesting the decision until they were out of sight. The only ones to remain now were Niall, Sophia and I.

Niall walked forward, kneeling down a little ways from her but he spoke, calm and soft.

“Little fawn?”

I swallowed and watched the exchange silently, not trusting my voice to carry commands at the moment. I could only sit there, letting the silence surround us.

“You have to push on. I know you don’t want to hear this but you can’t give up. Okay? I gave up when Caroline died and I don’t want you to take my path. Please, for all that’s good –“He trailed off when their blue eyes met and I felt a spark of something hit Sophia but it died inside the mist as fast as it came. Her eyes were in despair and I could only watch them sink further in.

“My brother just needs to wake up, he’ll wake up soon.” She told Niall absently, her sobbing coming out in gasps, her breath struggling to regain itself.

Niall closed his eyes, standing from the ground and looking towards me.

“Your order in the meantime, Harry? What can we do?” Niall asked, his voice a quiet murmur, almost as if he were afraid to speak any louder.

“Get the bath ready, the plastic tub should be outside. The acid bottles should be inside of it. I think we have enough of them for one more dip but we’ll have to make a run into downtown London to pick up more.” I replied quietly, seeing him nod.

“What of her? She’s not –“I shushed him mid-sentence.

“I’ll worry about her when the time comes. Right now, let them have their time.” I spoke strong but I felt anything but. Sophia was right, this whole thing was tiresome.

Niall offered a halfhearted bow before exiting the room to direct my orders and I stayed close to Sophia, simply watching over the girl as she continued to rub her hand up and down Dylan’s corpse.

“Remember when we were little, D?” She spoke, sucking in air through her nose to clear it, continuing to fill the quiet air around us. “Remember we used to steal dad’s keys when he had an important meeting with investors, thinking it’d keep him home? I think I was only six at the time, you were five. You found a great hiding spot, though, dad wasn’t happy about having to call the plumber to fish his keys out of the sewer system. Perhaps the toilet was not the best hiding spot. Remember the black eye I got and I told you about it?”

I listened in, bringing one of my long lanky legs up onto the bed to rest my chest against, the other continuing to drape down and across the carpet.

“I told dad it was me. I know how angry he got and I didn’t want him to hurt you. I think you got your fair share of bruises too but –we didn’t deserve it. We never deserved any of it. Now you can start over, Dy. All you have to do is wake up. PLEASE!” She begged the last word in pure desperation, speeding up the speed of her hand.

“Sophie –“I trailed off, sliding off the bed, watching her stop and grab her brother.

“No, stay away!” She screamed in panic and I knew this was going to be a long day. I knew she wasn’t going to let up.

“Okay. Okay, luv, just relax. Shh. I’m just sitting right here so you’re not alone. I want to make sure you’re safe.”

She shook her head, kicking out at me but not quite able to reach. Which was lucky as the force of the kick would have caused some pain.

Looking around, I noticed the bed had been moved over and the chair aside it had been relocated to across the room. Dylan being the only logical one to have rearranged the setup. I guess he was claustrophobic because everything was spaced out and not at all the same as I had left it.

“Hey, don’t kick.” I chastised but she ignored me and went right back to Dylan, her lips kissing the side of his temple.

“Simba.” She closed her eyes whispering to herself, hoping that would urge Dylan awake – a memory, a name…she could sing to him and he would still not awaken. He was dead and it amazed me that she didn’t see nor accept that. Her eyes saw but her brain didn’t. There was a fine line of reality VS mentality – she just mentally broke and I don’t think it’s yet washed into reality for her but I knew I needed to be when it did.

I sat there, watching Dylan’s heavy head rest across her chest, unbreathing and unseeing. It was strange to observe but I did, noticing his pale – almost greyish flesh. He had been dead at least six hours before, maybe more. By the sight, I’d say less than twelve.

“You’re going to set him free, right? You said you would, even if he’s asleep?” Sophia begged me desperately, her eyes making sure I wasn’t going to come any closer.

“Yeah, Soph. Even if he’s asleep, I’ll set him free. I’ll make sure he’s free.” I promised her, abet cautiously as I don’t really know how to respond to that.

Sophia smiled, very gently shaking Dylan.

“See? He promised, you got to wake up now. We can sing – go play outside. You can’t stay asleep all day.” She encouraged, tears streaking her eyes in desperation to wake up her sibling but I knew the truth and I was almost scared when she would realize it too.

“Sophie –“I tried but she interrupted me.

“He’s just tired. A few more hours, yeah? Just a few more hours and he should be okay. You said he didn’t get to sleep till late. He’s okay, he’s tired, he’ll wake up.” She nodded and I shut my mouth, leaning back against the bed. I wasn’t going to push.

We stayed like that well into the afternoon, hours passed – I don’t know how many but Zayn came in with a tray, which meant it was about two or three PM, judging by the pink slither of crayon against the gray sky.

“Lunch.” He murmured quietly, walking in next to me, kneeling on the floor and handing me the cheap plastic.

It was simple, three grilled cheese sandwiches and some chips.

“Thank you, Zayn.” I nodded at him, which made him lean into my ear.

“I brought an extra one for Dylan, I figure that will entice her to eat, we can’t have her losing any more weight.”

I nodded and tapped his shoulder in approval.

“Good form,” I nodded, leaning forward, taking my bread and handing the tray to Zayn. “Hand them theirs, she tried kicking me earlier.”

Zayn nodded and cautiously approached Sophia but scooted back when she kicked out at him.

“Relax, flower. I’m just bringing you guy’s lunch, see? I made one for Dylan too, will you eat for me love?”

Sophia hesitated but reached out and took the tray from Zayn.

“Dylan? Hey, wake up, lunch – they brought us lunch.” She tried, setting it down on the ground and trying the hand, finger massage against the arm again and I frowned, glancing at Zayn.

“You need to try something – she needs to come back. She can’t clock out because Damien will use that to kick her. You know that, Harry. She needs to accept-“ He trailed off before sighing and sanding up. “Call if you need us, mate…just don’t wait too long.”

I nodded, watching Sophia try to wake Dylan up again. By this time, the contusion around his neck caused by the noose looked to be festering and rotting under the flesh, which caused swelling. I knew Zayn was right and I gave them a few hours…I knew it was only right. Sophia couldn’t stay oblivious but just as I was able to speak again, she beat me to it.

“Harry? He’s not waking up, you have medicine to make him wake up, don’t you? He has to wake up if he’s gonna eat. Can you help him? Please?” She begged, looking at me and I felt my reserve break all over again. It was the desperate pleading of her deep ocean blue eyes that did it and I knew the only way I could help was to show her.

“Soph –I’m many things. A murderer, a monster, a demon…but I am not God. I can’t give him anything that would help. I can only show you what you need to see to accept that your brother will not and is not going to wake up. You need to let go, luv. Let him go.” I begged softly but she shook her no and tightened her hold.

“I’m not going to do anything, I promise. I want to sit next to you, can I sait next to you? Please? I just want to –“

“NO!” She screamed, kicking out again but I caught her foot in my hands, holding it gently.

“Sophia, Nightshade? Please? I’m trying to help, I want to help you and Dylan. Let me help.” I pleaded, dropping her leg and scooted close to her, a few tears escaping my eyes. I had no clue what to do and this was my fault. This was all my fucking fault.

She hugged Dylan like I was about to steal him from her. I wasn’t. I just needed to make her see.

“Dove? Please, give me your hand; I really need to show you something.”

Sophia shook her head but I gently took her closest hand, only for her to wretch it back and grip her brother to her again.

“Hun? Dylan might be getting tired from sitting up, can we set his head on your lap? It will be easier for him to sleep and I’m not going to take him, I promise. Dylan can stay here as long as you want.” I soothed, reaching over cautiously to help lay Dylan on the floor, knowing that his body functions had expelled out of him, I could faintly smell it through the air fresh room. I kept his head on her lap and reached over to sooth his cold blooded skin. There was no heat or warmth, it was freezing to the touch.

“Liam, he’s a doctor. He could help, couldn’t he?” Sophia asked, her voice no longer desperate. It was flowing with hopeless sorrow.

“No, Soph. Please, luv, give me your hand. I really need to show you, okay?”

She nodded, sweeping back Dylan’s now short hair with one hand but gave me the other. I smiled, bringing it to my lips to kiss it gently. I don’t know why – maybe it was an advancement in apology. I didn’t want to shatter her more than what she already was but Zayn was right.

“Thank you, luv. Okay, I want you to put your hand to the back of my neck,” I guided her fingers to the back of my neck, her fingers protruding at my collarbone. “Good girl, you see how right there, where you’re pressing? You see how that bone is smooth?” I asked gently, moving my neck up and down a little before continuing. “See how there’s no jagged parts and how it’s a normal color and not protruding from my skin?”

She nodded.

I swallowed before guiding her hand to the back of Dylan’s, finding the broken bone that was protruding from his neck underneath the swelling, without thought but with much regret I put Sophia’s hand to the swollen skin, the jagged piece of bone protruding into her touch.

“Dylan’s neck is broken, Sophia. That’s the same bone I showed you on me but his is broken because he hanged himself. Sophia, Dylan is dead, you have to understand. You can feel the bone protruding from his neck.” I spoke desperately, hearing her breath hitch. I knew it was starting to sink in but I needed her to understand so I brought it to the side, forcing her fingers into the place his pulse would be.

“No pulse, hun. Please, come back to me. You need to step out of it now.”

She shook her head in disbelief.

“N-no, he’s asleep.” She cried, refusing to believe it so I placed her palm at his heart, my lips in a frown. I got no pleasure from this. I hated every agonizing second but I needed to break her fantasy. She needed to come back.

“No heartbeat, no breath. His skin is gray. Sophia, Dyan.Is. DEAD.”

At the point her hand jerked from my grip and she pushed me back, letting out a howl of excruciating agony. One only a tortured soul would know how to do and that’s the moment I called back the gang, grabbing Sophia and hugging her to me, her arms trapped under my own.

“GUYS! IN HERE NOW! I NEED HELP!” I yelled, watching as they all piled in as I struggled to keep hold of Sophia. Her screams making the window glass shutter.

“Li? Niall? Take Dylan.” I ordered, watching Louis come in and lock his stealthy grip on Sophia’s legs so she would quit kicking. This only left her to get more worked up.

“NO! DYLAN, WAKE UP! DYLAN COME BACK, DON’T LEAVE ME! DYLAN DON’T LEAVE ME COME BACK!” She sobbed outright, panicking and not fully understanding why we were taking her brother away. “NO! Bring him back, you said we could stay together, said he was free! YOU PROMISED!” She panicked, trying to look at me desperately but I held firm, cooing soft words in her ear.

“Soph, calm down, luv. He’s free. No one can hurt him anymore.”

This was not something to say, evidently because instead of calming down, she tried to stop Niall and Liam from taking Dylan to the acid bath that had been prepared for him. We never bury our victims. They’re all melted and poured down the rain ditch into the river underneath us.

“NO! Bring him back! DYLAN WAKE UP! Don’t hurt him! Please, don’t hurt him!” She sobbed, still trying to fight but her heart wasn’t in it.

“They’re not, love. They’re going to give him a bath and put him to rest, okay? You need some rest too. He’d want you to get some sleep.” Zayn whispered soothingly, our ears straining to hear him but he bent down and swooped a piece of hair from her face.

“Mum! I want my mum, I want my brother. Let me go home, I wanna go home too.” She wailed, her breath drowning in agony and grief.

I put my hand gently over her mouth, forcing her jaw shut and her cries to become muffled.

“Zayn? My pocket, the sedatives. Liam, Niall? Get Dylan in the bath outside, we need to do this –“

“Tomorrow. When she’s calm, she needs closure. Let her have that, mate.” Louis sighed, glancing at Sophia’s shaking body, her breath coming out uneven, her sobs muffled by my hand.

“Damien is coming tomorrow and that’s going to just upset her more!” I reasoned but Louis shook his head as Zayn took out the sedatives and uncapped one of the syringes, kneeling on the other side so he was next to the broken girl.

“Just a little pinch, love,” Zayn warned softly, injecting the needle into her with gentle manner and plunging it in just as easy. “Good girl.”

She tried to struggle again, looking ahead.

Louis sighed and let go of her feet, reaching up to stroke her hair.

“What are we going to do with you, flower? What can we do?” He wondered, mainly to himself.

I took my hand off her mouth when her voice started to fade but all that escaped was sobs.

“Let me go home too.” She begged, her eyes drifting shut but she was fighting the sedative with everything she had and I knew that she’d only end up making herself sick.

“Zayn?” I nodded to the second one in his hand and he nodded, repeating the warning again, his sweet and gentle tone unchanging.

When the second dose entered her system, her fight was finally lost and she slumped against my arms, her head tilted down and her muscles unclenching from the strain she had put on them today.

“Orders?” Louis asked quietly, Niall and Liam already out the door with Dylan’s body.

“She stayed in my room last night, the cot set up there. I don’t want to take a chance of her hurting herself during the night in case she wakes up. Would you mind using some scarfs to tie her up to the cot? I need a walk, need to process and think what I’m going to do now because Damien is gonna be pissed when he finds out.”

Louis nodded solemnly, taking the girl from my hands and carrying her bridal style from the room with Zayn in tow. I sat there mindlessly for a time, allowing the settling grey sky outside to slowly darken, the pink swirls of light now held prisoner behind it until all that remained was darkness.

When I heard the falling tears outside the window from the rain, I stood up and made my way toward the outside, walking into the shadows to the only place that brought me solace, a place where I could recollect my thoughts and even though it wasn’t much, the rain comforted me and kept my tears hidden beneath its fall.

Notes