It's easy to just follow their directions, ducking into the stairwell after Neil pulls open the door, cringing against the smell as we make our way up. It really feels like we've just stepped into some awful horror movie, nearly every sound making me jump.

At the top of the first flighty, Derek turns back and I feel my stomach plummet again for a second when he looks at me. His tone doesn't sound angry though, almost sounds teasing when he mentions the pie I'd accidentally knocked off the counter at Semele's last week.

Still, it's only when he squeezes my shoulder as I pass him that I feel some of my anxiety settle. He still has every right to be angry, of course, but the idea that he might be able to forgive me is an enormous relief. Especially since there's no way I'm going to be able to leave his side for awhile. Not with things like this.

I've never been to Neil's apartment before, but I follow them to what must be the door, scurrying inside once it's unlocked and then immediately letting out a breath.

At least until I see something move out the corner of my eye.