Page 46 of Ashes

“Seth,” he said softly, his deep voice sending a current of fear through my body. “Rinny. I’m Seth. Your best friend. I see you hiding in there. Come out and play, pretty girl. I’ve been waiting forever.”

Seth. My best friend?

Seth was gone.

No. This was a lie.

Seth hurt me.

“I’m your Seth. Remember me? Please, remember me. We met when we were four. Do you remember what you were wearing that day? Think back.”

There was warmth on my thighs.

His hands.

He was touching me.

Up and down, he rubbed my legs. Slowly. Tenderly.

“A little, yellow dress that tied at your shoulders with ribbons. Your black hair was long. The longest I’d ever seen on anyone before. It was in twin braids down your back. And your eyes… Your eyes were the northern lights. So bright and colorful. I thought you were magic, Rinny. Pure magic made just for me.”

I breathed out.

I remembered that.

He’d asked me if I was magic.

His dark hair and blue eyes had mesmerized me too. He was bigger than me. Louder. Stronger. He took my doll and made me chase him when I wouldn’t answer him.

“You let me keep it,” his voice called out through the fog. “The doll I took. I still have it. I’d like to show you once you’re better. It’s in my bedroom.”

It was quiet for a moment as I stayed locked in my safe place.

“Rinny,” Seth’s soft voice called out. “Do you want to come out and play with me? It’s been so long since we played together.”

Seth. . .

“Remember us? Best friends. We were going to get married someday. You were my pirate princess. I rescued you. Don’t you remember?”

My chest felt heavy.

He saved me.

But . . .

I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t fucking breathe!

The world shook. My body trembled.

Please help me. It’s so dark in here. I’m scared. Seth, I’m so scared!

“Come on, sweet girl,” he cooed. “It’s me. Your Seth. Let me take care of you. We’re going to play pirates and princess again. This time, you’re stuck in a castle because your wicked stepfather stole you from me. And there’s a cruel wizard who wants to hurt you. We’re coming to save you. You just have to help me find you. Let me find you, Rinny.”

My heart beat faster.

I was trapped.

It was dark here.

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