Page 93 of Shadows Within
After a few hours of laughs and more drinks, we come back inside and change back into some comfy clothes. I belly flop onto Sophia’s king size bed.
“What movie should we watch tonight?’ She yells from the bathroom.
“A classic—maybePretty in PinkorSixteen Candles?” I yell back. She doesn’t answer.
“Or whatever you had in mind?… Soph?” She still doesn’t answer. “You okay in there?” I get off the bed and walk to the bathroom door. I try the knob, but it’s locked.
“Sophia?” My sweaty palms fight with the doorknob as I try to open it. “Sophia, this isn't funny!”
Just then, something grabs me by the waist, and everything goes black.
Panic
Callum
I need to make my way to The Society eventually, but I struggle with the idea, aware that scrutiny and punishment await. It’s not that I can’t handle it, but facing Father means I won’t be able to see Scarlett for a while.
The streetlights guide the way to the mansion. Father has tried to call me four more times since our brief conversation earlier. I know that ignoring him will just provoke him more, but I’ll deal with the consequences later. Right now, I need to talk to Leo and find out what’s going on.
I look at the speedometer—I’m driving a hundred miles per hour in a sixty. Speed limit signs don’t pertain to me, or anyone else in The Society. Sure, if we get caught, we’re given a ticket, but it’s always torn up shortly after.
Every time I pull into the driveway, I feel more distant from this place and these people. The Society is a duty, not an honour. Some would say it’s the opposite, but I’ve felt this way since the day I began.
The lights are dim around the outside of the house. I walk through the long dark hall and up the staircase to the parlour. The scent of cigarette smoke floats down the corridor. Even though I haven't had one all day, the smell encourages me to wait.I don’t want to be like them.
I only hear Leo’s voice. He must be on the phone. As I turn into the room, Deluca and four other pledges stand there. Beside them is Victor Roberts, Sophia’s dad. It’s been a while since I’ve seen him here— they must be discussing some legal matters at hand.
“Gentlemen.” I nod. Their eyes scan me like I’m not worthy— like they think they are better than me. Victor wears a smug smile. Behind me, Leo doesn't smile at all, his eyes are trying to communicate with me.
Deluca steps forward. “Callum, we warned you.”
My eyes don’t leave Leo’s face. “I think I’d remember a warning,” I respond.
“This isn’t a joke, Callum.” Leo answers. “I’m sorry.”
His answer cuts me in half. There’s only one thing that he would be sorry about.No. I don’t answer. Instead, I pull my phone out and open her tracker. It’s been disabled.
“Where is she!” I yell. Deluca steps back.
“She’s safe, for now, Callum. You have your final initiation coming up and she’s been a distraction. We’re going to hold onto her until it’s done.”
“Where is she?” I step toward him, our faces barely apart. He doesn’t move and his warm, liquor filled breath hits my face.
“You need to prove your loyalty to us, Callum. You’ve been far too sloppy lately.”
The anger that I feel isn’t rage, that’s what I felt when I saw Elliot on top of her. This is pure fear.
I can’t protect her if they have her. They will use her against me and make me choose. I know that they can break her, and that will fucking ruin me. Darkness washes over and clings to all my scattered emotions.
“If you hurt her, I’ll kill every. Single. Person. You love.”
It’s not a threat, it’s a fact. Deluca knows it’s true, but I don’t know if he cares enough about anyone to value their life. He doesn't know that messing with the one person who is everything to me will unleash a monster he’s yet to see.
Before I leave the room, I glance at Leo one last time.If I stay here any longer, I’m going to kill someone.I don’t have to say anything to him—he knows what they’ve done.
I walk down the hall and glance at a back room—where I found Emily. It’s one of the places they hide anyone they bring here. I open it, and the room is dark and empty.
I check all the rooms in the upstairs and main levels of the house, but there’s no sign of her. Finally, I go down to the basement. My area has been untouched. It doesn't look like anyone has been down here since Harrison and I brought Elliot in.
