Ashes to Ashes

I’M ON THE BEDROOM FLOOR, JUST STARING OFF into space, when my bedroom door suddenly swings open. I run toward it and stare down the hall.

Are Kat and Lillia back here to do something else to me? I can’t let them catch me off guard again. I was so close to getting Reeve, so close to being free of this place. And again my supposed friends chose his life over mine.

As I walk out of my room and downstairs, I see the strings tied around the doorknobs, the salt on the floor.

It’s all perfectly done.

I know exactly the spell they used on me. They had to sacrifice two things they loved. I don’t know what Kat’s was, but I do see blood on the floor from her dog, Shep. She did give up something, unintentionally anyway.

There’s a necklace hanging from the front doorknob. I pick it up and immediately recognize it. The necklace Reeve gave her during spring break.

So she gave Reeve up to bind me. How poetic.

One of them must have gone back on their sacrifice if I’m free. There’s no doubt in my mind who I have to thank.

Kat and Lillia are dangerous. They know my secret, and worse, they now know how to control me. I can’t let them do that again. I won’t be bound here for all eternity. I’m leaving. Tonight. Before they know I’m even gone.

I close my eyes and try to feel him, find him.