Phantom Hollow Thought of all of the people

It doesn't fucking matter, he cut in before the girl could get much of a word in (effectively nullifying most of what was said). She had begun to ask him the same damn question that everyone else he encountered seemed keen on: why did he run, and what did he do? Was he innocent or was he guilty? But he curtailed that with his gravel-laden shout.

I don't see the point in answering that question, he spat, not when those bitch-ass girls have already ruined my life. He glared from where he stood, then seemed to get an idea and lurched towards Wraen—turning so that she could get a good and full view of his eyeless side. Just know that your family was wrong. They jumped to the wrong fuckin' conclusion and I paid the price.

Wraen was right in thinking he should've stayed, but not everyone reacts the same way under pressure. He was now about to explain the situation to her; he would not tell anyone ever again unless it was very important, because he just didn't want to relive the horror of it all. Screech withdrew a second later, his tongue sliding out to lick at the dried blood across his ruined face, but he sneered at the taste. I hope — if they go against Blackfeather, if they fight in the war — I hope Blackfeather kicks their ass.