Lies and Funerals Under the Moon Chapter 8

Liam’s pupils contracted sharply.

Not in service!

He stared at the number on the screen in disbelief.

Kate and he grew up together. She had used this number since she got her first phone.

Their numbers were identical except for the last digit. Hers ended in 6, his in 9.

How could it be disconnected?

Liam dialed again. The answer was the same.

Cold sweat broke out on his forehead. He realized something was wrong.

Katrina saw his expression and asked, concerned, "Liam, is something wrong? You look terrible."

Liam walked out the door, speaking urgently. "It's nothing. I have to go out."

Ignoring Katrina’s calls, he got straight into his car and drove to the Healer's lodge.

Passing the spot where he had kicked Kate out, Liam couldn't help but look.

A heavy rain a few days ago had washed away all traces of blood.

But Liam clearly remembered Kate lying on the ground, covered in red.

He gritted his teeth. "She's just angry. She's just punishing me..."

He rushed into the lodge.

The nurse checked the system based on his info and spoke flatly.

"A few days ago, we did admit a patient named Katherine Sterling. She had over a dozen cuts from a silver blade. She lost too much blood. She almost died."

"We resuscitated her for twenty-four hours to bring her back. She checked out not long after waking up. We don't know where she went."

Liam listened, stunned.

"Over a dozen cuts?"

He was so angry at the time. He felt like he only slashed two or three times. How could it be... over a dozen?

Kate was terrified of pain.

Usually, a paper cut would make her pale, and she’d come to him for a hug.

Over a dozen cuts... with silver...

It almost cost her life.

Even for Katrina, how could he have been so cruel?

Liam clenched his fist and slapped himself hard across the face.

The nurse jumped, looking at him warily.

Liam ignored her. He turned and left.

He took out his phone, dialing Kate over and over.

Always disconnected.

He messaged her on social apps. It showed he was blocked.

He called her friends, her family. They either claimed not to know or hung up on him immediately.

When he called back, he was blocked.

Even when Kate first found out about the affair, she hadn't been this absolute.

Panic set in. Liam realized this time was different.

He drove around the territory, checking every place Kate might go.

Every spot triggered memories of things they had experienced together.

Memories he had pushed down were now resurfacing, vivid and sharp in her absence.

Desperate, Liam finally called his mother.

Since the incident where she attacked Katrina, they hadn't spoken.

The phone rang for a long time before she answered.

Liam’s voice was hoarse. "Mom, where is Kate?"

The former Luna was silent for a moment, then laughed mockingly.

"What right do you have to ask about Kate?"

"I told you, you would regret this."

She hung up.

Liam listened to the dial tone, feeling lost and suffocated.

Suddenly, his phone rang again.

He grabbed it with hope, but his eyes dimmed when he saw it was Katrina.

It took him a moment to answer, his tone surprisingly impatient. "What?"