Can see

AURORA

My eyes flick toward the door. Run! My mind screams. I don’t even know what lies on the other side of that door, but the red exit sign lets me know it at least goes to the outside. But then what?

I’m in a city that is completely new to me. I don’t know my way around or have anyone to help me. Not that it really matters much. I didn’t really know anyone from the city I grew up in either. The people I did know would be quick to hand me back over to my stepmother, Mara, who would then hand me over to the man who paid a small fortune to have me.

For a fraction of a second, I thought maybe I could do this. Arranged marriages aren’t so far-fetched. I think lots of cultures still believe in them. Though I’m not sure if this could be considered the same thing since Edward Blackwood actually bought me. It wasn’t as though our parents thought we’d be a good match or something. I mean, the man is at least twice my age. Hell, he’s almost three times my age.

I met my soon-to-be husband at a