Page 137 of Daddy Sees Snakes

Now, as consciousness starts to slip away, I realize I might never see him again.

I'm sorry, Allegra, I think hazily.

I'm so sorry. I never meant for any of this to happen...

The edges of my vision blur, darkening rapidly as Lyon's fingers dig deeper into my throat.

I can feel my pulse throbbing against his palm, desperate and frantic.

My lungs burn, screaming for air that can't reach them.

Lyon's other hand moves.

There's a ripping sound, and suddenly I feel cool air on my skin.

He's torn my shirt open, exposing me.

The violation of it sends a jolt of adrenaline through me, but it's not enough.

I'm too weak, too close to passing out.

"That's right," Lyon's voice seems to come from far away now. "Remember who you belong to."

My eyelids flutter, growing impossibly heavy.

The last thing I see is Lyon's face, twisted with cruel satisfaction.

Then darkness swallows me whole, and I slip away into nothingness.

I'm falling, falling into an abyss where Lyon can't reach me.

Where no one can reach me.

Part of me wants to stay here, safe in this void. But another part fights, clawing its way back to consciousness.

Viper's face flashes in my mind.

Allegra's laugh echoes in my ears.

The girls at Satin Dreams, who've become like family.

They're all waiting for me.

I can't give up. I won't let Lyon win.

But the darkness is too strong, pulling me under.

My last coherent thought before I lose the battle with consciousness is a desperate plea:

Someone help me. Please, someone find me...

CHAPTER TWENTY

Viper

Christmas is supposed to be a happy time. A joyous occasion. But, I'm not feeling it.

Not at all.

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