Page 12 of Back In the Shadows

7

ELLA

With a sharp gasp, I snapped my eyes open, and my breath caught in my throat as I took in the dimly lit room that lay before me. The single light bulb swung back and forth, its flickering illumination casting eerie shadows that seemed to dance around the cramped kitchen. I scanned the space, taking in the tattered orange couch and ancient television set across from me. I was in the far corner of a living room, but whose and why? A combination of body odor and stale air smell filled my nose, triggering a violent sneeze that echoed off the walls. As I recoiled from the sneeze, my head collided with something hard behind me, sending a loud thunk echoing through the area and causing stars to skip across my vision.

“Shit!” My skull throbbed as I pressed against the spot where it had smacked the unforgiving glass. Taking a deep, ragged breath, I forced myself to survey my surroundings. The space was suffocatingly small, and as my eyes adjusted to the faint light, terror gripped my chest and squeezed until my heart stuttered in fear. Suddenly aware of the confining walls closing in on me, I frantically searched for an escape. My fingertips scrambled at the smooth surface that served as my prison withfour glass walls and a cement floor. There were several openings, most were small but some large enough for a hand to fit through, mocking me. In a desperate attempt for freedom, I reached for the ceiling but even standing was impossible in this cramped space. Panic consumed me as I quickly realized there was no way out.

“Let me out!” How did I end up here? Flashes of memories came to mind—a man in a suit, another one sneaking up behind me on my porch. Terror and anger surged through me.Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!I’d been drugged and kidnapped. Tears threatened to spill down my cheeks, but I refused to let them fall. If I wanted to survive, I needed to keep a clear head. Forcing myself to remain calm, I reminded myself it would only be a matter of time before Death and our friends searched for me. With their help, I wouldn’t be here for long. The thought of being stolen from my family intensified my rage, and I vowed to kill the motherfuckers who had taken me away from my babies and husband.

“Listen up, motherfuckers! You took the wrong girl. Let me out before you regret being born.” I released an ear-piercing scream and kicked at the cage, hoping to find a weak point. “Let me out! Who are you and what do you want from me?” Sweat beaded on my forehead from the exertion, and I wiped it away with the back of my arm. My pulse pounded so hard my ears rang as I smacked the wall until my fist throbbed with pain. Although I was terrified, I needed to save my energy and use my damn brain to get out of here. I forced myself to take in my surroundings, but all I could make out were rows of stuffed animals on the opposite wall. Most were clowns, but then my attention landed on a Chucky doll. Shivering from the cold temperature of the room, I rubbed my arms and stared at the creepy Chucky. That movie had always weirded me out, but this was on a whole new fucking level of weird.

Slamming my eyes closed, I forced myself to take several deep breaths. Panicking wouldn’t help me get the hell out of here. I slowed my breathing, calmed my mind, and imagined myself and Death killing the pieces of shit who stole me. That anger would drive me and keep me sane. Revenge gave me a little something to look forward to as well.

A sudden sound pierced the silence, shattering my meditation. My head snapped to the side, and I saw a figure approaching, his dark hair standing up in wild tufts. He wore tattered jeans covered in dirt and a faded navy shirt that clung to his emaciated frame. Had he also been imprisoned in this underground cell? His gaunt appearance evoked pity and fear from me in equal measure. I needed to be careful around him, but my mind was already racing with plans to escape. If only I could break free from this glass prison.Think, Ella! Pay attention to your surroundings and take notes.

“She’s awake. She’s awake.” He clapped his hands together as he chanted. The high pitch of his voice sent chills racing down my arms.

My throat suddenly grew raw and dry, but I forced myself to speak. “Who are you?”

He turned on a dime, arms flung out like blades of a helicopter. His grin became manic as he spoke. “It’s been too long since I’ve had company. So, when the boss called and said there was a package for me, I couldn’t contain my excitement.” He stopped spinning and his smile widened even further, revealing yellowed teeth. “Allow me to properly introduce myself, Ella McCloud Fletcher. I am Xavier Hyde.”

“Like Jekyll and Hyde,” I muttered. Anxiety set in as I scrambled to come up with a plan. Should I attempt to befriend him and gain his trust until I could make my move? Or should I resort to threats and fight off the son of a bitch? My mind raced with the few options I had, but one thing was crystal clear. I hadto time it perfectly. I only had one chance, and I couldn’t fuck it up.

My thoughts were cut short as he approached, and I gasped in horror. Crawling over his shoulder was a massive spider, its hairy legs inching closer and closer toward me.

Trembling, I pointed at him and stammered out, “There’s a s-s-spider on you.”

A cruel grin twisted his lips as he looked at me with large, wild eyes. “Yes, there are many here. You’ll see them.”

My heart dropped as I realized the gravity of the situation. “Many?” I croak out. “What kind are they?”

“My masterpiece! I have worked for years to breed the perfect spider, and here they are–big,hairy, and extremely venomous,” he replied. “They love dark places to hide. Don’t worry Ella McCloud Fletcher, they only hurt if they bite.”

My hands trembled uncontrollably as I prayed that the venomous creatures wouldn’t attack. But deep down, I understood my fate rested in their unpredictable nature and my quick thinking.

I gulped, wondering how dangerous they were, and what would happen if one bit me. If there were a lot of spiders like Xavier said, there could be more than one bite.

“Please, I’m begging you, don’t let them hurt me.” My body shook with my pleas. “You don’t understand, you don’t want me here. I’m involved with very powerful people, and I don’t want you to get killed.”I definitely want to hurt you, though.

His maniacal laugh echoed off the cement floor and walls.

“Don’t worry that pretty little head of yours. If you behave, then the spiders won’t get near you. You have my word. I’ll keep you safe.”

Before I realized it, I opened my damn mouth and said, “You’re holding me hostage, so what in god’s name makes you think I can trust you?”

Xavier’s smile fell, and he knelt next to me, the glass the only thing between us. The spider climbed down his arm as he placed his palm against the side of the cage … right next to a large hole that was definitely big enough for the creature to crawl through. I would kill that motherfucker the second he entered my tiny space. Thank god, I still had my tennis shoes on. My sundress offered little protection from the frigid temperature or the critters, but by damn, I would beat the hell out of the spiders.

“My little pet wants to meet you.”

The venomous spider scurried through the small hole and down the side of the cage. My mind was consumed with terror as I desperately searched for a way out. But then I saw it, my only chance. With a burst of adrenaline, I lifted my foot and brought it down with all my might, crushing the bastard against the glass with a sickening crunch. Guts and legs splattered across the floor and wall, creating a disgusting mess.

Xavier’s face contorted in horror, and he released a blood-curdling scream. His dark eyes locked on mine, filled with anguish and betrayal.

“Why would you do that? He was my friend.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “We clearly don’t have the same definition of friendship.” A wave of disgust washed over me as I wiped the remains of the spider off my shoe and onto the cold concrete floor. Meeting his gaze head-on, I delivered my ultimatum.

“If you keep me safe from these monsters, then we can be friends. Otherwise, I can’t protect you when my husband comes for me.”

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