Page 4 of Fortress of the Cursed

“Good.” I hear a car door slam. He’s already in his vehicle.

It’s not easy to move. My knee is badly damaged from where I fell, and my ribs are probably broken from his kicks. I dread Fynn seeing me like this. I should’ve just called the cops.

I somehow drag myself down to the basement, locking it closed from the inside. Fynn has my only spare key. I’m unable to straighten my leg, so I go down the stairs on my ass.

“How you doin’, Sage?”

God. All I need is his voice. I know that if I keep hearing him encouraging me, I can do this. I can get to the gun, and then I’ll be safe.

“I’m sliding down the stairs.”

“Did you lock the basement?”

“Yes.”

“Good girl.”

I try not to think about what happens if Cam comes back before Fynn gets here. I don’t need that thought in my head.

I can do this.

When I reach the bottom, I shuffle over to a small cupboard built in next to the furnace. I reach inside and find the small wooden box.

“I’ve got the gun.”

“Load it.”

With my hands shaking, I pull out the handgun, along with a box of bullets.

I know that if he does come back, I will shoot him if I have to.

I load the bullets, just like I remember, then put the safety on, shoving the firearm into the back of my jeans.

“It’s done,” I whisper.

“I’m six minutes away, hold on.”

“How will you get in?”

“Just stay put. Do not move from the basement, not for anything. Do you understand?”

I swallow hard, my head swaying. “Yes, Fynn.”

“Good. I’m coming.” He hangs up, and I drop the phone as it clatters to the ground.

My body throbs.

My limbs are sore, and my core aches.

I can’t even cry anymore; it’s like all the tears have dried up.

I grab a blanket that’s sitting on the folding pile near me, wrapping it around myself as I rest against the wall. I’ve never felt more cold or alone in my life.

I don’t know what my parents or my brother would think if they could see me now.

I never, ever thought I would bethat girl.The type of woman to put up with, what started out, as emotional abuse. Over time, things just slowly got worse.

And I was too scared to leave.

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