"Quit crying," she spat, clamping a hand over her mouth. "You're going to get us both caught. Is that what you want?" She pressed her closer to the wall, throwing cautious glances over each shoulder. 

   Belle sniffed, chest heaving as she helplessly prodded at her hands, fighting to stay silent. 

   Amelia released her when she quieted, gripping her wrist as she pulled her away to find a storage closet. It was old and filled with stale air, but it would be a better place to hide as long as they kept their voices low.

   "Please, Amy, I don't want to do this," she pleaded, a hand hovering over her own mouth. "Please. We can find the cups and stop-"

   "No. And you're going to quit whining, because we've been over this." She stared at her, then grabbed her chin, forcing their eyes to meet. "Are you fucking listening to me?" Tears filled her eyes again, and she pulled away, nodding frantically. Amelia let her this time, and she breathed a sharp sigh. 

   "You don't even believe in Vampirism. Are you seriously going to hide away because you're scared? Are you going to turn your back on ne and leave? Is that what you plan on doing to me?"

   "I'm not saying that, I'm saying there's better ways to handle this," she replied through a sob. "Please, Amy-"

   "And what's your better way, then?" Belle fell quiet, and Amelia narrowed her eyes.

   "You're going to do what I say." She held up her ring. "If I was able to get my hands on this, then what do you think I'm capable of doing to you?" She paused, then looked her up and down. She turned for the door. 

   "And clean yourself up. You look like a mess." She stepped away and shut the door, leaving Belle alone with dust, old brooms, and tears. Silently, she covered her mouth as she broke down, and didn't leave for another hour. 

   She knew she would get in trouble for skipping out on work, but she didn't care. 

   No punishment would make up for what she just helped her do.

❊