Chapter 258: Game/Reality

LAKE

Ollie's hand froze on the handle. He turned to look at me with those wide, hopeful eyes that reminded me so painfully of how Riley used to look before Andy had taught him that hope was dangerous.

"He acts like he does," Ollie said quietly. "He barely talks to me anymore. When he does, it's like he's forcing himself to be polite to a stranger."

"He's hurt," I explained, choosing my words carefully. "Xenois and Lumina lied to him his entire life. Or, not them specifically, but the lie existed and they were part of it. Andy was his aunt, Sophia was his mum, and then...