Chapter 150

CLAUDIA. I want to blame myself for not listening to Aristea, but the thing is, I did listen to her. I tried to get back to the surface when she told me. I didn’t get too deep myself, and now that the truth is out, I have a feeling that this is all just a big plan for Tristan. He knew what he was doing, and he was pulling me in deeper and deeper into his memories until there’s no way for me to get out. But there has to be a way, right? I got away before. I can get away now. Tristan walks closer to me, and my anger flares as well as the fear. I find myself staggering away from him even though I told myself to be as calm as possible so he won’t taunt me further. But the first step I take away from him makes him smile even wider. It’s as though he can smell my fear and he loves it. Contrary to what’s written all over his face, he says, “You don’t need to be afraid of me. You know very well I would not do anything to hurt you—” “Really?” I can’t help but interjecting. I know I should