Page 17 of Forbidden Knots

"You shouldn’t be here in the first place," I whispered, my hands still gently caressing my neck.

"Do you have a death wish or something?" he asked, stepping back as if realizing something.

"No," I said, my voice louder now. "Do you?" I asked, quickly moving to grab a lamp from the table.

But as I stepped closer, all he did was laugh, like he knew I couldn’t do it. Like I couldn’t defend myself. But I used to. I always defended myself, but ever since I arrived in this damn city, I couldn’t. It was like I had become a vulnerable soul, unable to decide whether to live or die, whether to care or not. Instead, I just existed.

"I know who you are," I said, my voice steady now, eyes locking onto his shadowy figure. "And I know what you want."

He stopped laughing, his eyes narrowing. "Do you, now?" he asked. The mockery in his tone was replaced by a hint of curiosity.

He came closer, snatching the lamp from my grip and spinning me around. His body pressed against my back, making me gasp as my heart raced. I felt his warm breath on my ear, a silent hum that matched the frantic beat of my heart. I closed my eyes, letting my hands fall to my sides, and then I felt his hand touch mine.

I gasped again.

"Why are you like this, my little Storm?" he whispered, his voice a dangerous caress. "Why are you fighting your feelings?"

"I don't know you," I said, trying to move my hand away, but he grabbed my arms, pulling me closer. His lips brushed against my neck.

"You want me," he whispered again, his voice a dark promise. "I see how you look at me. I can hear your heartbeat," he chuckled, his hand moving lower. "Your hand trembles at my touch; you can't resist the urge."

"You’re delusional," I shouted, struggling to free myself. Each attempt was met with a tighter grip.

His laugh pierced the room, chilling and triumphant. He spun me around, and his lips crashed onto mine. His tongue forcefully thrust into my mouth, dancing with mine. My eyes shut tight, and all I saw was darkness, but my body felt electric as if a storm raged within my heart.

He stopped, pulling away, and again my back pressed against his body just before I opened my eyes. "Do me a favor, Storm," he whispered, his voice low and commanding, "live for me."

"Sorry to break it to you, but Iamalive," I said defiantly.

"Are you?" he asked, releasing me. Just as I turned, he was already at the window, his back to me.

"Are you real?" I asked my palm on my lips. "I’m not imagining you, am I?"

He tilted his head just enough for me to see his smile, almost mocking, as if he were playing with me. Then he jumped, and by the time I reached the window, he was already gone.

A strange smile tugged at my lips, as if saying goodbye, but something inside me refused to let go.

Behind me, I heard a whisper, "Rose," Grandma said, her voice frail. "Rose, is that you?"

She slowly got up, looking disoriented. "Why am I here? What happened?"

I shook my head, trying to make sense of it all. "You tell me."

"I..." she began, her face downcast. "I don’t remember."

I knew I shouldn’t trust her. I knew I shouldn’t even be in the same room with her at night, but she was still my grandma. She was old and losing herself, and I couldn’t leave her like this.

"It's okay, Grandma," I said softly, helping her to her feet. "Let's get you back to bed."

TEN

Storm

Morning dawned, but I couldn't sleep last night. The bruises on my neck had darkened to new shades of purple and blue, with hints of green. I covered them with a red scarf, pretending nothing had happened. Pretending my grandma hadn't tried to strangle me.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror. I couldn't recognize myself. My hair was a tangled mess, dark circles hung under my eyes, my lips were dry, and my skin looked pale and burned out. This morning, I decided not to bother pretending, but I still hid my scars.

Just as I stepped out of my room, my phone rang. It was Mom. Seeing her number, I knew she was out of the hospital. I quickly retreated to my bedroom and shut the door.

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