Page 136 of Break The Ice

I bite my lower lip. Which way do I go? I can’t find a way out of here.

A sob escapes me, and I turn frantically, turning to go back the way I came.

“Ryann, you’re hurting my feelings.”

He’s standing at the end of the corridor near the kitchen with the mask under his arm. The light at his back hides his face, but I’m sure he knows that.

This is all about the fear. This is my punishment. Torment me, punish me, make me run, make me afraid.

I back away, turn, and race in the other direction. It leads to the stadium, but I’ll have to take my chances out there.

I break through those tunnels and look around.

It’s empty, the whole place is empty. All I can see is stairs and orange seats. My trick with the fire alarm worked too well. I jump the divider and climb up the stairs, using the plastic chairs to drag myself up faster.

The chill of the ice reminds me of my mum and dad. I can feel them with me, urging me on, telling me not to give up. My dad’s got his hand on my back, and my mum is holding my hand.

Run, Ryann, you can do it. We believe in you.

I glance back, but I can’t see him. I can hear him, though, and he’s delighting in humming that fucking song. My mother’s song.

I let out a sob. Where are Kit, Callan, Raider, and Wren?

Have they abandoned me?

No! Focus on surviving. I keep my head up, running and jumping the chairs, trying to put as much distance between us before I hide.

I glance over my shoulder.

There’s no one there.

I stop and stand up, listening, but all around me there is silence, and my stalker has vanished again. Then the lights go off.

Chapter forty-one

Ryann

The lights dim onthe arena, and I find myself staring at the only lit area, which is the ice. I can see my dad skating around there holding his hands out to the child version of me.

If you fall, you get up and go harder.

I don’t know why I’m imagining my dead parents, but I’m grateful not to be alone. My lungs hurt, and I have a stitch. I inhale roughly and crouch in between a row of chairs. I slow my breathing and take a moment to calm myself.

Everything in me wants to run towards the light and run far away, but I know he will be down there waiting for me. I’m so conflicted.

What to do? I stand up, scanning the massive arena quickly, looking for any sign of him.

I crouch down and start moving towards the light when everything in me freezes up and doesn’t want to move towards it.

I’m scared. More than I have ever been. It’s because I have something to lose this time. Something that can hurt me. I don’t want to hurt them. I want the life I’ve found.

Fuck this guy.

I can see the hockey sticks that were left behind when the teams escaped. If I could just get my hands on one of them, maybe I’d have a chance at fending him off.

I run my hand over my thighs. My eyes widen. My phone! I reach into my pocket and pull it out, quietly scrolling until I get to Raider’s number. It calls, and nothing happens. I repeat the process with the others, but no one answers.

In desperation, I call Kelly Raines.

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