Page 21 of Traithorn

Red

No, no, no. This cannot be happening.

It fucking’t can’t!

My knees grow weak, and I rush outside the bedroom into my small bathroom, falling onto the floor right before the toilet. I push open the lid, expelling the bile rising in my stomach,poised as vomit. I’m lucky I haven’t had much to eat, because I’d be throwing it all up. Falling back, leaning my back against the wall, my body is weak, cold sweat wracking over me.

Mayhem Castle.

The castle in the middle of Vexglade’s forest, where no civilization resides. I’d forgotten about that place, only visited once, and it was enough to give me the chilling creeps to avoid it altogether.

That castle was the only thing left intheirwill, their only property before I sent them to jail.

I fall over the toilet again and vomit my guts up. All weak and so fucking exhausted of this entire mess. Terrified out of my goddamn mind.

“I think you should go,” Casper says from outside the bathroom while leaning against the doorframe, voice deep and husky with sleep. He holds the envelope in his hands, scanning it over. “It could be fun. Who knows?”

“What’s wrong with you?” I ask, feeling the sour sensation in my stomach again. He notices my state of mind, and yet he has the audacity to say that.

Wasn’t he the one who literally got mad at me for receiving an envelope much like this? What is he playing at?

“I’m just saying. You don’t know who you’re up against. I will be a phone call away if you need me.”

That’s it, he must be insane. “I’m not fucking going.”

He merely shrugs his shoulders, staring me over with a hint of distinct disgust. My face is pale, my lips dry as I wipe away the vomit with a towel that I throw in the laundry basket as soon as I’m done. Well, fuck him.

I slump against the cold floor, because this invitation? It only means one thing.

It confirms my worst fears.

The twins are back, and they’re definitely out to get me.

Chapter 10

THE FIRST RUIN

Isolde, Age 8

Mommy and Daddy havebrought back two other children. I knew they would come because they told me two school semesters ago, but that doesn’t stop the nervous fluttering in my tummy. They’re from an orphanage, Mommy said. I’m not sure exactly what that means, but I know they’re supposed to stay with us now.

“Go say hi to your new brother and sister,” Mommy urges softly, her hand against my back where she usually puts it when I’m closer to her, out of comfort, I think.

I almost stumble over the hem of my red, long dress, but catch myself just in time. Sand slips into my ballerina shoes as I glance around the playground. At least my parents picked a place I love for our first meeting. That makes me feel safe and not so scared anymore, especially as I pass the slide Daddy always takes me on.

Still, my legs are a little unsteady as I walk toward the girl and the boy standing by the swings with an older lady who has gray hair and wrinkles on her face. At least her smile is kind and careful.

The wind sends a burst of sand across my cheeks, and I squeeze my eyes shut. When I open them, I can feel their gazes on me.

My heart feels like a butterfly is fluttering inside me as I look back at Mommy and Daddy. They both give me a nod of encouragement. Taking a deep breath that makes me feelbraver, I take the remaining steps up to my new siblings.

Chewing on my lips, I nervously glance at them both. “Hi, I’m Isolde! I’m your new sister.”

The girl smiles so wide her gums show, giving a small wave with her hand. I notice her hair is the same color as my dress, and I point at the fabric to show her. She’s practically bouncing on her toes, looking around the playground with excitement that makes me frown. I like it here too, but I’ve never beenthathappy.

“Have you never been to a playground before?” I ask out of curiosity.

She tilts her head, then shakes it. That makes me frown even more.

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