I squint, not knowing what he is holding. “What is that?”
“A brand, Little Bird. I'm going to mark you. I've got a matching one. It's a permanent version of wedding rings. Forever mine,” Maxim whispers, making chills run down my back.
He yanks down his pants, and I squeeze my eyes shut tight.
Maxim roughly grabs my chin, making me turn back around. “Open your eyes now, wife. Or else.”
I crack open my lids, spotting the healing brand on his hip. It doesn’t look fresh.
“When...?” I struggle to get the words out. “When did you get that?”
Maxim smugly grins, crossing his arms over his chest. He still hasn’t pulled his pants back up.
“When I first met you in The Morgue, Little Bird. I knew upon sight you were meant to be mine.”
My mouth flops open, no words coming out. Each new show of his obsession shocks me even more.
This inhuman beast tortured me, raped me, put me through utter hell. I wasn’t scared of him anymore—until now. My throat goes dry and closes up. My stomach churns, and I can’t contain the panic attack.
I start to hyperventilate, the walls closing in on me. There are spots in my vision, and my fingers and toes start to go numb. I fight desperately to push it back, but it doesn’t work.
“You... you’re not burning me,” I try to shout, but it just sounds like broken-up garbles.
Maxim says nothing, just walks back over and pulls out a long tool of some kind. He pushes a button, and flames shoot out of the end. He holds the branding stick in the flame, until it turns dark red. He comes back over, and my breathing is faster and choppier. I'm on the verge of passing out, which may be a blessing. I can’t withstand this... I can't...
He grabs my still shackled leg, pulling me closer to him. He shoves the gown up farther, exposing me completely. He traces the area right above my pubic mound. “This is perfect.”
I whimper and whine, but to no avail. As he brings the brand closer to my skin, I finally lose consciousness.
Hunter
I decide to track down Cynthia, Valley, and Bryan, to fill them in on what’s happening. I'm itching to be with the other hackersworking on this, but Pretty Girl would be upset if I didn’t tell her friends.
I head to the theater room, knowing how much my sister loved movie time with the girls. It’s a good place to check first.
I hear the murmur of voices inside. I walk in, narrowing my eyes to see in the dim lighting. A Marvel movie is playing on the screen. It looks likeThor.
Cynthia is giggling with Valley, while Bryan is watching the movie. The girls are talking about how hot Thor is.
I walk right up to them, and all three heads turn to look at me.
“What’s up, buttercup?” Valley asks, a smile on her face.
“Pretty Girl has been kidnapped by one of the masks, Demon.” I wince in sympathy, wishing I didn’t have to relay this news.
God knows my heart has dropped into my stomach. I’m sick with worry.
“What?” Valley screeches, shooting to her feet. Cynthia jumps up with her.
“No, my wifey... 11 can’t be gone,” my sister whispers, paling considerably.
The light in her eyes fades, alerting me to her mind buckling under again with the news.
Cynthia is shaking her head violently.
I clasp her upper arm, gently bringing her to me.
“I need to take care of my sister. Can you two hold up on your own?” I direct Valley and Bryan.
