When had he come outside?
I hadn't heard his footsteps. I hadn't sensed the shift in the air.
It was too late to hide anything now.
I stood up slowly, brushing soil off my fingers, the Stone of Duality still in my hand. I lifted it slightly and mouthed, What's this?
When you're cornered, you don't defend yourself. You take control.
Lewis's eyes flickered. Just for a second. A crack in his calm.
That was all I needed.
With my other hand, I pulled the pendant from around my neck. The piece he had given me weeks ago rested against my collarbone, warm from my skin. I brought it up and fitted it against the black stone in my palm.
The two pieces locked together instantly.
Black and white.
Two teardrops folding into each other.
A perfect circle.
A perfect lie.
I grabbed his hand before he could pull away. His pulse thudded beneath my fingers, strong and steady, but I felt the tension hiding underneath.
Explain.
I didn't need my voice to demand it.
