she frowned when he burst out laughing . my stomach flips , but my eyes remain on his . 'let it bleed , brand , ' i told him . whats next was a few blocks south . her mother was never even home , most of the time . then they all started talking at once . `` sugar , water , and cherry-flavored syrup . '' why are you both staring at me ? '' `` but she 's maybe the only person he might listen to . '' and the four remaining could have restrained the guards , but then what . 