Page 9 of Hidden Echoes

“Should she be doing that?” he asks, glancing at Charlie.

“She can do whatever she wants,” Charlie replies coolly. “I’m not keeping her prisoner.”

I smile at the exchange. My excitement builds with every step toward the door. For the first time in my life, I’mabout to see the world beyond the walls that caged me.

The moment my feet hit the cold concrete outside, I stop, overwhelmed. It’svast—so much bigger than I ever imagined. Katie’s stories never prepared me for this.

I wander aimlessly, letting my feet guide me until the smell of something unfamiliar but delicious makes my stomach growl.

If you eat without your father’s permission, he’llpunish you.

Let him.

Following the scent, I step into a small restaurant. The cold floor chills my bare feet, and heads turn as I walk in. Their eyes linger too long, drinking in the sight of my disheveled hair, the white streaks standing out like scars against the dark. The thin hospital gown clings to my body, revealing too much, but I don’tcare.

My attention is lockedon a plate of golden, net-like food dripping with a rich, brown syrup and topped with a dollop of white cream. My mouth waters. I grab a handful and devour it, the sweet, buttery flavor exploding on my tongue.

“Hey!” a man shouts, his voice thick with irritation. “That’s mine, sweetheart. If you’regoing to eat it, you’ll have to pay.”

I ignore him and take another bite, savoring the warmth.

“Cat got your tongue, darling?” He steps closer, his hand settling on my waist.

Big mistake.

I turn my head slowly, meeting his gaze with a smile that doesn’t reach my eyes. “You shouldn’t have done that. You’re not part of my protocol. You didn’tpay for me, and you definitely don’t have my father’s permission to touch me.”

“You ate my food. You pay,” he growls.

I tilt my head, mocking innocence. “That’snot very chivalrous. Where are your manners?”

With a quick motion, I grab his hand, twisting it until the sickening crack of breaking bones fills the air. The sound is satisfying, calming.

“Crazy bitch!” he howls, clutching his wrist.

“It’s bad to swear,” I chastise, my voice dripping with faux sweetness. “Do you kiss your mother with that mouth?”

I grab a knife from the table, pressing it to his throat. His face pales as he pleads.

“Please, please, take whatever you want! Just don’tkill me!”

I smile wider, the blade steady in my hand. “But then how would I have fun?”

“Ma’am,” the server stammers, his voice shaking, “I need you to put the knife down. You’rescaring the customers.”

I turn to him, my eyes narrowing. “And no one was scared when he touched me without permission?”

The man looks down, shame coloring his features.

“Mia!” My angel’s voice cuts through the tension, and I look up to see him standing in the doorway, his expression a mix of worry and frustration.

My heart stumbles in my chest. He came for me.

“Hi,” I say softly, dropping the knife and smoothing my gown as if it will make me presentable.

My pulse quickens as he approaches, and I can’thelp the small, shy smile tugging at my lips.

CHAPTER 3

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