Chapter 76: Sebastian (2)
I look to the side. There’s a woman there, red-blooded like me. She lies against the fat man’s arm as if she doesn’t even notice it anymore. No tears. Her eyes are empty oceans; all the fury and hope evaporated in a storm that’s long since passed. Acceptance. She’s, my age.
Further down, there’s a child.
I run my tongue over my inner cheek, biting until I taste blood. My left sleeve is damp in my fist. My right sleeve hangs loose from my body, and my collar covers my brand, a permanent reminder of what I am to them.
Gene and Cham match me, their shirts carefully arranged to conceal their brand marks.
“Why?” Gene hisses, voice low and dangerous. I can see the veins in his neck bulging, sweat running in rivulets down his face.
I stare back at him until he stops, breathing heavily.
“Stop it,” I murmur. “The makeup...”
His nostrils flare, but he clamps down on the rage.
We’re sweating too much; the heat here will ruin our disguise in minutes. I can feel it, my forehead is slick, and I’m sure I’m starting to look suspicious.