Page 158 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

Ian shook his head. “He’s not going to stop hurting you, Anna, or controlling you. Do you even remember the last few months?”

Anna looked away. Hazy memories flitted through her mind. “He told me he loved me.”

“And he tortured you for the fun of it.”

Anna winced. “Not at the end.”

“Because he needed you to give him voluntarily...” Ian grimaced. “Do you really want to live like that? Do you want to keep being beaten and raped at his whims? Do you want him to take your powers and your babies so he can control you and everyone around you?”

Anna closed her eyes and shook her head slowly. He fiddled with her bracelet, and she opened her eyes to see him unlocking it. He quickly pulled it off her wrist and re-locked it.

Ian kneeled and cupped her cheek, his eyes filled with pain and regret. “You deserve a better life, Anna. And Devin... needs to be stopped. We can’t stop him if you are with him.”

“We?”

“Don’t ask too many questions right now,” Tommy said. “Ian’s been helping us. He’ll make sure Devin doesn’t know you’re gone until at least tomorrow afternoon, and by then you’ll be out of the state. Hopefully, Ian will be able to buy you more time, but that’s what we’re working on.”

Anna looked back at Ian, her heart dropping in her chest as she realized the full implication of what they were doing. “He’ll kill you if he finds out.” She looked around. “All of you.”

“He won’t know any of them were involved, Anna. Only me.” Ian held up the key to her bracelet. “Only he and I have keys to your bracelet.”

Tears filled her eyes. “He’ll kill you . . .”

“Probably.” He brushed away a tear with his thumb. “Anna, I have done horrible, terrible things to you. If you being free means I have to die, then so be it.” His warm hazel eyes glistened and his voice broke. “I hope you can forgive me.” He paused. “Knowing that will allow me to die in peace.”

“Oh, Ian!” Anna threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. “Of course I forgive you. I don’t hold anything against you. I know you wouldn’t have done it on your own.”

He hugged her tightly for a moment and then released her. He removed her necklace. “You are empty of him right now. He won’t be able to trace you.”

Travis and Tommy both hugged her.

“Go, Anna. I’ll see you in a few days,” Tommy said, pushing her toward Ian. “You need to get moving.”

Few days?

“Ian’s gonna take you to the road where Justin’s waiting for you. He’ll take you to your destination.” Travis grinned. “I’ll come visit you.”

Her two friends disappeared through a back panel and Ian took her hand. “We have to hurry.”

Ian led her through the dark woods. The remaining sounds of the Gathering faded as they climbed down one hill and up another. When they were far enough away, Ian turned on a flashlight and they were able to move at a faster pace. After about twenty minutes, the trees ended and a road appeared.

A black sedan was parked a few feet away. The driver’s side door opened and Justin stepped out. “Any problems?”

“All went as planned,” Ian said.

Justin extended his hand. “Thank you, Ian. For everything.”

The two men shook hands, and then Ian turned to Anna. “Anna, it’s alright. I’ll be okay. I’m ready to be free of him.”

Anna swiped at the tears that had fallen down her cheeks. Ian knew he was going back to his death and had no hesitations. What a brave man. She reached up onto her toes and kissed him on the cheek. “You’re a good friend, Ian.”

Ian stepped back and nodded. “Be free, Anna.” He gave her a last smile and then disappeared back into the dark woods.

Justin opened the passenger side door. “Get in. We have a long drive and not much time.”

She glanced back at the dark trees for a moment more, heart full of thankfulness for Ian, and then got into the car.

Chapter 88

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