"If you don't believe me" Ryker said softly, "you can leave now."
His words hung in the air like a gentle challenge. Not angry. Not accusing. Just calm. Like he already knew Lucas's answer.
Lucas's felt his throat drying. He swallowed hard and looked away for a second then he turned his gaze back to Ryker.
"I… I believe you," he said, his voice was barely above a whisper.
Ryker chuckled when he heard it.
"Really?" he leaned back, as he rested his chin on his hand, "Then how about this?"
He paused, then began to speak again.
"You used to bite your nails when you were anxious. But not anymore. Now, you scratch your thumb with your index finger instead"
Lucas froze hearing it.
"You can't sleep properly unless your feet are covered. Even if it is in summer. And every morning after you wake up you check the mirror not for how you look... but to remind yourself who you were once"
Ryker's smile sharpened just slightly then…
"Lucas, Or should I say… Noah"
