“Don’t say that. You don’t know what you’re talking about.” Why did she use such hurtful words? It was just like the horrible moments before he was forced to silence her.
Only I’m not silent, am I? You killed your own sister. You abused your own sister. You should have protected me.
“I did! Why can’t you understand? I made sure Father never touched you again.”
But you touched me, over and over again, and now you’re going to pay for it. You’re on your own now, Royal. There’s no one to help you.
Wanting to shut out the voice in his head, he plugged his ears with his hands and walked away from the car toward the ridge of trees at the edge of the parking lot.
You thought you’d silenced me by putting me on that pedestal, but you can’t shut me out now, brother. You may have stitched my mouth closed, but I still have my voice.
“Stop it. Just stop it.”
You can’t make me do what you want anymore. Do you hear me, Royal?
“Stop!”
“Royal?”
The voice sounded different this time. Somehow closer and yet somehow farther away.
“Royal Hill, I’m here.”
A flash of blonde hair appeared at the edge of the woods.
Elaine.
No, Jinny. Even here, outside his home and away from everything that smacked of his sister, the resemblance was startling.
“Jinny?”
“Yes. It’s me, your Jinny.”
She moved between the trees, a specter. With her dark clothing, she blended with the tree trunks, seeming at one with the forest. Her hair gave her away, though. So delicate, the way it framed her face. So innocent. His Jinny.
He’d stolen her innocence.
For the first time in his life, remorse crowded in on him, demanding to be seen. Was there a chance he’d really hurt her as badly as she said? It hadn’t been his intention. He’d wanted to free her, to bring some beauty into her sad life. Surely she could forgive him for his awkward methods.
Maybe this new Jinny would forgive him. None of the other ones had. They’d all been afraid of him after learning the truth.
She emerged, standing at the edge of the wooded area. “I’m here for you. Just like you said.”
“You listened. That’s good.”
Her head bobbed in a tight nod. “You like that? When people listen to you?”
“I know what’s best for you. I’ve been trying to tell you, but you just won’t listen.”
“That must be frustrating.”
“It is.” He dug his hands through his hair. “From now on, you must do everything I say. Our lives depend on it. Is that clear?”
“It’s clear, Royal.”
He smiled. “I’m so glad. I knew you would be the best one of all. I could see it in your eyes. There’s such pain in your eyes. You need someone like me. I can teach you about beauty, about the love that can exist between likeminded creatures.” He held out his hand. “Come, Jinny. It’s time.”
But Jinny stood still, a shadow of accusation in her blue eyes.
