The knife felt heavy in Ashlynn's hand, and she twisted it over and over. She was shaking, nerves only eased by James' hands on her shoulder and her hip. "You're so afraid," he murmured into her ear. "There's no need for it."

Ashlynn hesitated a moment before she answered, he voice wavering. "Where do I aim?"

"The throat, dear girl. Slow enough to make her suffer, and an easy target to hit."

Ashlynn nodded, and he chuckled lightly, squeezing a bit too tightly. He turned her to face him, pressing a kiss to her forehead as he whispered, "you'll do wonderfully. I know you will."

She looked up at him, and he smiled at her, kissing her quickly on the lips. "Go on," he encouraged. "Don't even think."

"All right," she agreed, and he nodded before releasing her.

She looked down the hallway at Cierra, who was unlocking the door to her hotel room. "Cierra!" she called, and the dark eyes were on her in a moment.

"Ash?" Cierra said, and she forced a broad smile as Ashlynn began to approach. "Hey."

"Hey."

Cierra looked her over. "How are you doing?" she asked, and Ashlynn shrugged.

"I'm all right."

"Really?"

"Yes."

Cierra nodded a little. "Good," she said. "That's really good. Have you taken your pills?"

"Yeah," Ashlynn said.

"Really?"

"I'm taking my fucking pills, Cierra."

Her eyes went wide at that, and she laughed despite herself. "Sorry," she said. "Guess I'm just used to being in control mode. Have you had any attacks?"

"No."

"That's really good, Ash. Really."

Ashlynn nodded, managing a smile. "Yeah, it is," she agreed.

Cierra looked at the door, then back at Ashlynn. "You want to come in?" she asked. "It's been a minute since we talked."

"Three days," Ashlynn said, and Cierra bit her lip.

"Yeah, I guess you're right, aren't you? Well, come in," she said, and she opened the door.

They both stepped inside, Cierra closing the door behind them. She waved a hand to show the room off. "Welcome," she said. "Not quite as nice as yours, but it's something, right?"

"Yeah," Ashlynn agreed, nodding faintly.

"You really haven't had any attacks?" she asked, and Ashlynn fought the urge to roll her eyes as she nodded. "That's insane. I don't want to sound condescending or something, but, like, that's crazy."

"I've been getting by. Night is hard, though. Scary."

"Scary?" Cierra laughed, shaking her head. "What, are you five?"

She tensed a bit, laughing again before she looked at the floor. "Sorry. Sorry, that sounded rude. I didn't mean that."

"It's fine," Ashlynn replied, though it truly wasn't.

"I get what you mean. This place gives me the creeps. But, only two days left. We'll get through it."

"Yeah."

Cierra hesitated before she spoke. "Are you really sure you're okay? You're acting quiet. Weird."

"I'm okay!"

Before Ashlynn could stop herself, she was swinging her arm. The blade of the knife slashed across Cierra's throat, and half of a scream broke forth before Cierra hit the floor, blood seeping into the crimson carpet. Ashlynn was shaking, her eyes wide, frozen.

She felt a hand on her shoulder, and she turned to see James. He smiled at her stunned expression. "I did it," she whispered, and he nodded.

"You did."

Tears began to swim in her eyes, but there was a strange feeling in the pit of her stomach. A feeling of sadistic joy that made her body surge with adrenaline.

James was grinning. "What you're feeling now, dear girl, is the greatest feeling you will ever experience," he stated. "Savor in it. It won't last forever."

She looked down at Cierra, whose skin was beginning to lose its rosy color. James took her by the chin, lifting her head so she met his gaze fully. "Look at me," he said. "Not her. Me."

She nodded obediently as his thumb brushed along her jaw. She was the first to lean forward, kissing him gently, arms wrapping around his neck. Momentarily stunned, James stiffened slightly before he pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her waist. She bit lightly at his lower lip, and when they broke apart, he was chuckling. "Aren't you just delightful?" he asked, but he received no response.

Rather, she buried her face in his shoulder, this time making him stop entirely. He hesitated before he a brought a hand up to pat her back. "Thank you," she whispered, and his eyebrows furrowed.

"Whatever for?"

"For helping me."

He answered after a long moment, surprising even himself with the sincerity in his tone. "You're welcome, dear girl."