"Don't worry mein kind." Klaus murmured to me whilst he unlocked the infirmary doors, holding it open. Adrien and Marc made their way out, no doubt waiting on the other side, eavesdropping. "Your secret is safe with me. No one will know, ja?" he continued, resting a blue cladded hand on my shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
I was sat in my dorm room curled up hugging a pillow, my face buried into it. Remembering Klaus's promise. But that was the least of my problems right now. I hated that I could not remember anything about the death of my previous team. That I could not even remember the killer himself. Tears burned in my eyes are they threatened to escape.
Why?
Why did he do it? What would he have gained from doing that? Just because a team mate died didn't mean that you'd get off scot free. Or escape from the Administrator's clutches.
There was a sharp knock at the door, causing my train of thoughts to grind to a halt. "Yes?" I called out, as I darted off my bed reaching for my mask, my voice wavering slightly. "Nat, can ya let me in? I want to know if you're alright" replied Ethan. I paused in tugging on my mask. "Is that really you, on second thoughts, how can you show me its you?" I asked, standing in front of my door, adjusting my mask cautiously.
"Of course it's me." He chuckled, before continuing. "We met on the train when we traveled here, we talked about the stars? " Ok, that was something only Ethan would know. I unlocked my door and pulled it open just enough for him to slip through. He quickly slid inside and I relocked the door.
After securing the lock, I turned round to face Ethan, who was staring around my room. He ran a hand across his chin, idly flicking through my bookshelf. I watched him for what felt like hours, as he ran his fingers across the worn binds of each book, sliding one out every so often before swiftly placing it back.
"I'm fine by the way" I mentioned, after the wait became unbearable. He flinched then, as if I'd caught him by surprise. I watched as he took off his worn out hat, setting on top of the books that had previously held his attention, before he turned to me.
I felt my heart stop, if only for a moment.
His vibrant green eyes seemed to burn brightly, his gaze filled with worry, anger and if I wasn't mistaken, fear. He now ran a tanned hand through his messy chestnut hair, his burning stare silly lingering on me. Making my blood boil.
"Nat, I want the truth, alright?" asked, his voice so soft, I barely heard it. I fiddled with the hem of my sweater. "What truth?" I almost squeaked, breaking eye contact with him, finding my top suddenly interesting.
"Natalie, don't play dumb" he growled sharply.
My head snapped up staring directly at him, seeing the set determination on his face. My heart thumping so loudly, I was surprised he didn't hear it. He'd figured it out. "It's Nathan actually" I countered, trying to keep my face expressionless as panic began to spike my veins.
He stared at me with confidence, the corner of his lip twitching, ever so slightly.
"I don't believe that. I know it's you. You can't keep it away from me anymore!" he explained, the anger and hurt plain in his voice. It was my turn to winch, hearing that tone of voice from him made it clear I had to sort this out. Fast.
"Look Ethan, I know your upset after that girl left you at the hotel but that doesn't give you the right to start accusing your team mates of being female!" I complained trying to sound angry with such accusations. True or not.
Ethan gave an aggravated sigh before he closed the gap between us in two long strides, gripping my chin in his iron grip and pulling it upwards. "What the hell are you doing" I snapped, trying to pry his strong fingers from my chin.I felt his cool fingers skim my bare skin, pulling something jagged from beneath my shirt.
Oh . . !
He released by chin, allowing me to see the obvious look of triumph on his face. "What were you saying?" he asked holding the necklace in his palm. I felt my face burn in embarrassment at being caught and in anger at being forced against my will again. I snatched the necklace from his grasp and shoved him away.
He stumbled back, the look of triumph faded instantly. I tore open the lock and tugged the door open. "Get Out!" I snapped glaring at him, feeling my face heating up. Ethan looked back at me, his mouth open slightly and his liquid green eyes showed guilt and a slight trace of joy at knowing the truth.
"Nata-" he tried to say before I cut him off. "I said get out!" I yelled, knowing full well that someone would probably hear me. Ethan knew this too. With great reluctance and a last fleeting look at me, he stormed out the room.