I opened my eyes and my breath caught as I glanced around at the familiar sunflower field. What was he doing here? I worried for a moment that he had come here to destroy it after learning what I had done. I hoped that no matter how much he disliked me, he wouldn't sink that low.

I walked towards the treehouse, climbing the latter built into the large oak tree until I make it into the small opening on the floor. I pulled myself through the entrance, eyeing Syn sitting against the wall with a bottle of alcohol in his hands. His eyes were down at his lap, not noticing- or maybe even ignoring my presence.

I looked at the single candle lit beside him on the floor and moved to sit towards him. "Syn," I said. "Can we talk?"

He remained unmoving, nothing in his body language or eyes that seemed to acknowledge my presence at all and I swallowed a lump in my throat. "I know I'm the last person you want to speak to right now, but I need to explain what you saw."

No response yet again, he remained solid as a rock. I almost thought he may have become paralyzed in his drunken stupor, but when he took a swig of his drink, I realized he was completely here. He just didn't want to talk to me. I could understand that. I would've acted the same way.

We sat in the uncomfortable quiet, the birds in the distance making more noise than we were and I let out a nervous breath. His quietness terrified me. "Do you want me to wait? I'll wait as long as you need me to..." Quiet. I reached out to pay his shoulder to get his attention and he grabbed my wrist, slowly bringing his eyes to mine.

"Never touch me again," he snapped. I winced at the sharp grip he had on my arm and his eyes shot lasers into my own. There was nothing comforting in his green eyes, just anger. Maybe even hatred. But we both knew it wasn't solely hatred, it couldn't be. Otherwise the location spell wouldn't have worked.

"I'm sorry," I whispered. He let go of my arm and I rubbed the aching spot that he didn't care to hold back his strength on. He was drunk, and I shouldn't have been poking the beast in him. I had a feeling he wouldn't hold back tearing me to shreds. "I'll leave you." I'd have to come see him another day when liquor wasn't clouding his actions or judgment.

I began to go back towards the hatch to leave, but Syn grabbed me, roughly pushing me to the floor. I winced as my head hit the hardwood floor, and his hand snaked around my neck, squeezing as I struggled to breathe. "Syn," I croaked out, trying to remove myself from his grasp. "...please-"

"I want to fucking kill you," he growled. "People have lied to me for less and they paid for it with their lives. You deserve the same." I struggled to breathe, my eyes closing as my head throbbed...when he suddenly let go. I gasped, taking a large breath as I looked up at him his blank stare was trained on me, his eyes still full of the same disdain. "I hate you," he said. "I really mean it. I want you gone, and I regret ever meeting you. If I could go back and change things, I'd do it in a heartbeat."

"I know," I whispered, a tear slipping out of my eye at the hurtful words. I knew he was angry, but his words hurt. Especially since I couldn't tell whether or not he meant them. To him, everything was a lie. I was sure that he didn't know I had quit. "But if you'd let me explain-"

"No," he said. "I won't believe shit that comes out of your mouth. I don't want to hear your explanation. It won't change anything for me."

"Then why are you still on top of me?" I asked. "Let me leave if it all means nothing."

"I'll let you go forever after this," he said.

Wha-

His lips forcefully captured mine and I groaned at his aggressiveness as my arms wrapped around his neck. Sex was not the fix all or bandage to the problems that we had, but if this was going to make him feel something...I'd do it.

I felt the tip of his fangs pierce my lips as he kissed me and my wince went silent against his torturous kiss. He pulled away from me, his hands moving around my calves as he pulled me closer. His fingers worked at the buttons of my jeans before he pulled them down. I lifted my hips to help him remove them and he pulled them down to my ankles before flipping me on all fours.

"The only part of you I want right now is the part I know has never lied to me." His fingers traced the curve of my ass and hooked it into my lace panties before he snapped them, making me gasp.

"For all I fucking know, you have an entire man out there that owns your heart. I was just a job, but this," he slipped two fingers into my wet core and I moaned into my hand as the mixture of pleasure and pain collided, "this is mine. Give your lying heart and mouth to whoever you please, but you can't fake this."

His words stung at my heart, but the way his fingers worked at my core kept my heart shielded from the harshness of his words. "I hope whatever next guy you trick into falling in love with you feels inadequate to your pussy. I'd be satisfied knowing that for as long as you're alive, you're fucking miserable because no one you meet can make you feel the way I can."

"Syn," I whispered. "There is no one-"

His hand connected with my bottom in a hard slap and I winched loudly. "Stop fucking lying to me."

This is wrong.

"You know what?" I hissed. "Get off of me!" I pushed his hands away from me and say down, moving away from him. "Be mad all you want- hell, I deserve it! But I'm not going to let you fuck me face down while you talk shit about me, Syn." I kicked off my shoes and completely removed my pants before lifting my shirt over my head. "All the things you're feeling, you can say it to me...but you need to look into my eyes."

It was easy for him to riddle off hurtful words while he wasn't looking at me. But if he was able to do it while looking at me- I'd know he truly meant it all.

He looked at me tiredly, unbuttoning his shirt as he looked straight into my eyes and I swallowed a breath. I hoped he wasn't capable of doing it. Then and only then would I believe that there was still a chance for us. I couldn't imagine how broken I would be if he said all of those things to my face, but I needed to know.

Removing his pants, my eyes caught sight of his length and my heart began thundering as all my blood rushed between my legs. I could tell he wanted me too. As mad as he was, there was one part of him that never lied either. He leaned into me and I laid back against the blanket, taking a sharp intake of breath.

"Did you think this would change things?" He asked lowly, pumping his rock hard length at my entrance. The thrill of him being inside of me was there, but it was tainted with the anxiety of his upcoming words.

He slowly entered me, his eyes trained on mine as I bit my lip to stop from screaming. "After this, I want you gone," he said. "Out of my room." He thrusted into me. "My mind." He did it again, making me scream out. "And my life," he whispered. "I meant everything I said. I may not be killing you, but it is ONLY because of the peace treaty and your parents. That's all that matters to me now."

Oh...

Tears stung my eyes as he said everything, and what I felt in my gut was confirmed. He was done. My body was on fire from his movements, but my heart doused those flames with heartbreak and pain. I removed my eyes from him, staring up at the ceiling as my eyes watered. I hated that of all places for this to be done, my heart had to be broken in the place I valued most.

"Were you not expecting the truth?" He asked. I ignored his question, no longer wanting to speak to him and he slowed his movements, making an involuntary flutter rise in my stomach. "Answer me."

"You're breaking my heart, Syn," I said honestly, my voice not much louder than a whisper.

"You broke mine first," he said lowly, moving my head to meet his eyes. "And I hope it's hurting you as much as it is me."

"It is."

He took a deep breath, stilling as he looked down at me. "I can't do this." He removed himself from me, making me wince as he pulled away and I immediately retrieved my clothes. I didn't even bother to ask what he couldn't do because I couldn't do it either. This hurt like crazy.

I put on my closed, silently focusing on myself the entire time. When I was done, I crossed my arms and looked toward Syn who was buttoning up his shirt. "You should go home. Everyone is worried. I'll grab my things and leave."

"Okay." Just okay.

I adjusted my clothing, trying to make myself at least a little bit presentable before exiting the treehouse. I climbed down the ladder and walked towards the portal with my final shreds of dignity. I didn't know how to face everyone and explain what happened- I hoped they wouldn't ask.

With my arms wrapped around myself, and a nervous knot in my stomach, I walked into the portal. My eyes landed on and remained on Syn's floor as I walked inside. "Finally," Xavier said as he stood up. "Is Syn okay?"

"Yes," I nodded, "he's fine."

"Are you?" Caspian asked. I nodded half-heartedly, not having the strength to say anything else before I headed for the closet.

"Where is h-"

"I'm right here," I heard Syn's voice enter the room as I walked into the closet.

I looked around, unsure of what to do as I looked at my clothes. I couldn't take everything with me tonight, but I'd have to try to take at least some- enough for a week or so until I could come back and get the rest. I grabbed one of my suitcases and began throwing in random clothes and things I'd need. I could hear Genesis yelling at Syn for disappearing and usually I would've smiled at the motherly display, but I couldn't.

"You're packing?" Cleo asked at the door.

"Yes." I nodded. "I think I need to leave for a while. To let things cool down."

"What about what Genesis said?"

"He hates me, Cleo."

"He told you that?

"That and other things...I need to go."

"Do you want to come stay with Cas and me? We have more than enough space," she offered.

"I really appreciate that, but it's okay. You guys have been extremely helpful tonight. Thank you for everything," I said.

"Don't talk like you're never going to see me again." She frowned. "We need to hang out soon."

"I'd like that."

"Can I help you with anything before I leave?" She asked.

"Umm, can you make me a portal?" I rubbed my palms against my jeans. "My car isn't here and I don't think there are any taxis this late."

"Of course I can," she said. "Let me know when you're ready."

"Okay." I spent the next twenty minutes making sure I had everything I needed and once I was done, I zipped the bag up and took a deep breath as I stood up. I grabbed my purse from the dresser, and put my sunglasses on. I had been crying this entire time, but no one needed to know that.

I rolled the suitcase into the room, everyone turned towards me and I walked towards Cleo. "Where are you going?" Gen asked.

"I'm leaving for a few days," I said. "It's for the best."

"But-"

"I'll call you, Gen." I gave her a small smile, hoping she wouldn't be too upset.

"Okay," she said in a soft voice. She pulled me into a hug and I hugged her back tightly, hoping that this wouldn't be the last time I saw her.

"I'll see you soon?" Xavier asked as he walked towards me and pulled me into his arms. I couldn't find the voice to answer his question so I just nodded, not knowing whether or not it was the truth...but it was what I hoped for.

Caspian said goodbye to me and out of the corner of my eye, I could see Syn sitting at the edge of his bed. His eyes were focused on the floor as he seemed to be avoiding looking at the rest of us. "Bye guys," I said finally. They waved and I walked out of the room with Cleo who let out a deep breath when we were a safe distance from the door.

"This is crazy."

"I know." I smiled at her.

"You'll be okay though?"

"Yes."

"Okay, you have my number so if you need anything, don't hesitate to call, babes," she said.

"I won't."

"Promise?"

"I promise," I assured her.

"Now," she grumbled as she turned to a blank wall. "Where do you want to go?"

"Any hotel...with a big bathtub."