Chapter 18Author's PovThe sun sat low in the sky, making the clouds pink and gold. Alison's cherry red convertible sped along the empty road, the wind sweeping across her blond hair. She sat behind the wheel with a victorious smile on her lips and her eyes hidden behind enormous trendy sunglasses. "Can you imagine it, girls?" Alison's voice came out clearly and sharply above the wind. "In a matter of months I'll be mated to Chad. It'll be the event of the decade." Her backseat buddies cooed and shrieked in response, creating a chorus of sycophantic praise. "Oh, Alison, it's going to be amazing!" "You'll be the most stunning bride ever!" "I can't wait to see Chad's face when he sees you!" Kate, the redhead, sat quietly in the passenger seat, her fingers trembling nervously in her lap. She glanced out at the passing scenery, trying to overlook the knot of worry in her stomach. The car approached a set of stunning, imposing wrought-iron gates. They swung softly open as the car app
Chapter 19: Kindness CageAvyaane's POV My eyes spring wide in the darkness as I awaken before morning. I momentarily lose track of my whereabouts. Then reality descends, oppressive and weighty. I'm at their residence. within their realm.The only sound in the room is the nightstand clock's gentle ticking. I lie very motionless, breathing heavily, listening for any noise from the other side of the house. Nothing. I guess the brothers are still sleeping.I swing my legs over the side of the bed very slowly and cautiously. My bare feet feel cold on the frigid floor, and a chill runs up my spine. The faint groan of the floors beneath me makes me wince as I stand.I have to do something, anything, to divert my attention. to put an end to the never-ending cycle of anxiety and terror that threatens to consume me. My gaze lands on the dust that is accumulating on the shelves. That's the best place to begin of all.I clean carefully, getting absorbed in the act of repetition. Clean the shelv
Chapter 21: The Price of AttentionAvyaane's POVThe bell rang, its sharp tone cutting through the classroom noise like a knife. I shuddered at the sudden boom; the events of the morning had already blasted a hole in my nerves. All around me, students were packing their bags, and I could hear the zippers closing and chairs scraping the floor. I just stood there, fisted firmly in my lap, not knowing just what to do.Kate lingered by me, her presence both comforting and confusing. Without saying anything, neither she nor I continued to the following class. The silence between us grew heavier and heavier with each passing minute, pressing down on me like a real weight. By the time we got to our third lesson, the worry was really getting to us."Why are you following me?" I let out a roar and realized right away how hurtful my words had been. It was strange for me to be noticed, much less to have others want to hang out with me.Kate's eyes flickered from mine to an area just above my s
Chapter 22: The Past's ShadowsAvyaane's POVWith a loud thud, the lavatory door closed behind us, drowning out the cacophonous din from the café. The sound of my shirt soaking wet on the ground was the only thing that broke the startling calm. Kate led me to the sink with delicate hands, treating me as though I may break at any second.I winced when I caught a sight of myself in the mirror. My hair was a mess, orange juice had left a sticky path down my front, and my eyes were wide with a mix of embarrassment and shock. I looked like a wreck, which is exactly how I felt.Kate's mirror met mine, a whirlwind of emotions on her face. Her eyes were flashing with a rage I hadn't expected to see, and her jaw was clinched tight. She murmured, "I can't believe Alison did that," and reached for several paper towels. "It's so childish, so cruel."I laughed sharply, the sound resonating hard through the tiled chamber. "She's your friend, isn't she?"Kate winced as though I had smacked her, her
Chapter 23: The Danger of DeceptionKate's POVThe last bell rung. Its high-pitched sound sliced through the classroom, announcing end of school. Kate heard kids excitedly raising their voices as they filed out. She sat there, unwilling to go up. Her gaze trailed Avy as she made agitated movements to pack her suitcase.Avy shook her hands a little as she closed her rucksack. Kate observed the shadowy areas beneath her eyes and the way her shoulders drooped, seemingly bearing an unseen burden. Though the words stuck in her throat, she wanted to reach out and offer some consolation.Avy said, "See you tomorrow," avoiding eye contact with Kate.Kate forced a smile and nodded. "Yeah, see you."Kate felt a twinge of regret as Avy left. She ought to have done and said more. However, given that Avy appeared resolute in keeping her at a distance, what could she do?Now alone, Kate sighed. With her elbows resting on the desk, she cupped her head in her palms. Her stomach turned at the idea of
Chapter 24: A Taste for Normalcy Avyaane's Viewpoint I followed Blair out of school. My heart raced; each beat was a powerful reminder of my weakness. The hallways were now deserted, with our footsteps booming off the lockers like a funeral procession. "Bye, Kate," I muttered. I could not look her in the eyes. I couldn't stand the confusion, hurt, and unanswered questions. Kate nodded. Her face was pallid, a canvas for concern and something more. Betrayal? She seemed to want to say something. However, she didn't. The stillness between us stretched like a gap I didn't know how to cross. Blair's hand rested on my lower back. It burned through my flimsy shirt, a symbol of ownership. I flinched as my body betrayed me. He feigned not to notice, but his fingers tensed slightly. A warning. We walked to the parking lot. Blair's automobile sat alone, sleek and black. Expensive. It was a sharp reminder of the world he came from, one that I could never completely belong to. "Get in," he sa
Chapter 25: Transformation's EdgeAvyaane's POVI awoke to sunlight pouring in through the dusty cabin windows. I felt pain in parts of my body I didn't even realize could hurt. Memories from last night's events resurfaced in quick bursts. The hands of Blair. The mouth that belongs to him. His weight. I shoved the memories aside. It was overwhelming to handle.Blair was already awake and wearing new clothing. He had to have carried a bag. He handed me a paper bag, the bottom soiled with grease stains."He grunted, 'Breakfast'," replied he. "Quickly, move faster. "We're running behind schedule."I gestured in agreement, unable to rely on my vocal cords. I felt a raw sensation in my throat. I quickly consumed an egg sandwich, still warm. I felt uneasy as it went down, but I still managed to swallow it. When would I have the opportunity to eat again?The restroom was tiny and dirty. One lone light bulb illuminated the cracked wallpaper. I threw freezing water onto my face. I stayed away
Chapter 26: Venom and VelvetAlison's POVI stood by my locker, surrounded by my loyal clique. The hallway bustled with the usual morning chaos, but I paid it no mind. My focus was on one person: Kate. She came closer, moving cautiously, her gaze shifting like a trapped animal."Very well," I drawled, my voice oozing with insincere sweetness. "See who has chosen to join us."Kate suddenly came to a halt, her shoulders becoming tense. She muttered "Alison," barely making eye contact with me.I moved around her leisurely, similar to a shark catching the smell of blood in the water. The girls stood next to me, their quietness filling the air with intimidation. Kate's delightful discomfort was exquisite. I enjoyed it, allowing the suspense to grow before I spoke once more."Hey Kate," I whispered, edging closer. "What did you find out about our small Avy?"Kate swallowed hard. I could see the conflict in her eyes, the desperate need to please warring with something else. Loyalty? Friendsh