Chapter Ten: Trophies

Lachlan, fearing Lark will land in trouble he cannot fix, searches their apartment for secrets. Behind a movie poster he uncovers a wall cavity with a box of disturbing items. He resists distractions in her bedroom and returns to confront her.

When Lark arrives, Lachlan presents a coaster made from a bootlace with a suspicious stain, maraca-like bulbs that break open to reveal human teeth, and a mason jar holding a severed finger wearing a signet ring—glittering like a macabre snow globe. Lark jokes, then balks at the jar being opened, and finally admits she made it “festive.”

Pressed, Lark denies being a serial killer and calls herself a “multiple deleter,” first estimating seven, then ten victims. Lachlan’s stern push provokes visible fear, so he softens and asks why. Lark answers: so no one she loves ever has to kill for her again, subtly pointing to Sloane’s past.

Before Lachlan can ask more, Lark shuts down the conversation and tries to leave. He follows to the stairs and demands they talk, but she rejects his judgment, saying she told him because he already thinks the worst. She departs with Bentley, refusing further discussion.

Left alone, Lachlan realizes how little he knows about her beyond the armor she shows the world. He decides to dig deeper into the truth of Lark Kane.