Everyone but Emmet, who sometimes smirks into the mirror and taunts me on purpose.
I swear if I ever get back, I’m going to strangle the shit out of him.
I stretch out as best I can with the shackles digging into my ankles and wrists. I can only walk two steps forward before the line between myself and the wall grows taut. I pull against the restraints until I can’t take the pain anymore. I crumple to the ground, chains clattering with a loud echoing bang.
“I see we’re in a good mood today.” Pride’s voice calls, and I scramble to stand back up even though my knees quake together.
“Oh, look at you. Regaining that strength, I see. Good. Good.” The light gleams off his red skin as his pointed tail flicks aimlessly behind him.
“What do you want?”
“Calm down little Ledger. I only wanted to see how you were. You know we made a good pair you and I.”
“Yes, I loved having something control me like a puppet to do their bidding.” I rest my back against the wall and feel the edges of the bricks jut into my skin.
He tsks. “I’m sorry to hear that you didn’t enjoy how powerful I made you.” His lips curl up into a sneer, showing off his pointed teeth. “But what I need from you is to tell the council that you and your fraternity brothers trapped us in you these last two years.”
“Why would I do that. We both know the headmaster made us drink from those challises.”
“Is that what we know?” He asks, stalking closer to the bars. “What I know, is that one day I was down here, minding my own business, and the next I’m in the body of a teenage boy, able to smell the fresh air again. To feel the wind on my skin. I was given a taste of what life could be like above, out of this endless purgatory. Don’t think I won’t do what it takes to feel that again.”
“The headmaster said you were all in on this together. That he was freeing you to help open the veil.” If I know anything about Pride, it’s that he can’t be trusted. He clearly told the people in charge that I was the reason he and the other sins were able to escape this place, and I won’t be playing whatever game this is.
“We seven make our own choices.” He flashes that smile again, making my stomach churn.
“Don’t forget what I told you, or I’ll make sure your little witch pays the price.” He taps his nails against the bars.
“How are you going to do that, when you’re stuck down here.” I ask.
“I might be here, but my brothers are up there with her, getting stronger by the day.”
“You wouldn’t do anything to her. You need her to open the veil.” I hate that he knows everything about me. My weaknesses. What to say to make me do what he wants.
“Do we now?” The way he says that sends a sliver of doubt into my mind. I watch as he begins to walk away.
“Don’t you fucking touch Salem.” I call out as he leaves. He only lets out a menacing chuckle. I go back to pulling at my chains to no avail. I need to get the fuck out of here, and soon.
ChapterForty-Four
SALEM
SONG: FIGHTER BY CHRISTIAN REINDL, POWER HAUS, DREAM HARLOWE
“Ican’t believe we’re going back in there,” I say while sprawled out on top on Walker. I tried to grab some sleep while we wait for tonight, but my mind is churning. I keep seeing the creature rear up on its hind legs and come charging towards me.
Walker draws little calming circles on my back as he stares up at the ceiling, his arm tucked behind his head. I run my fingers over his chest, feeling the beat of his heart.
My phone buzzes, rattling against the nightstand. I ignore it, wanting to stay in the cocoon of warmth Walker’s body is giving me.
My phone buzzes again, and Walker groans. I reluctantly sit up, grabbing my phone to see my grandmother’s missed call. I let out a sigh, preparing myself to deal with them.
Growing up in their house had fucked with my head. They tried to stifle who I am. They tried to snuff out my light and put me in a box so they could tolerate me. But I stood here, shining brighter, despite their attempts to mold me into someone I wasn’t. I am a force to be reckoned with, and I refuse to shrink myself for others who would want me to be anyone but myself.
“Woah, Salem. Your eyes are black.” Walker says grabbing my wrist, his face full of concern.
I blink my eyes, shaking off the anger that had settled over me. I unclench my fist and sit back down onto the bed.
“Sorry, I don’t even know what happened. I saw my grandmother’s name and it must have triggered my magic. I need to figure out how to not let my emotions control it so much. Did you see anything in those books from Madame Leroux?”
