Chapter 23

AVERY

I can hear the waves crashing against the shore, loud and fierce. The cold seeps into my bones as my hollow eyes scan the surroundings.

There has to be a way out of this even when a whole unforgiving ocean stands in front of me and the heavy footsteps from behind draw near.

Thump, and thump, and thump.

The noise only gets louder. Even the sound of the waves is not enough to drown the scary noise of death approaching on several feet.

“ They won’t harm you, Avi. Go wait in the corner and don’t speak a word. ” The commanding voice is not deep or authoritative. It’s just a child—my brother.

I look at him, fear gripping my bones and leaving me as hollow as my eyes. He stands at some distance, silently waiting for the approaching feet to come get him.

This is not the way to go. I try to scream, but in that state, my lips remain sealed and my terrified gaze rests on his back.

When those footsteps stop outside the door, my heart leaps to my throat and my trembling body rushes