Did I learn that habit from a day planner?
Yes.
But I think the strategy holds up.
Another breath, and I start to break down my problems. First, I’ve been magically bonded to a potentially dangerous man. Second, an even more dangerous man might try to blow up the universe. And finally, third, I’ve possibly been kidnapped by a strange man.
I’m starting to see a pattern emerge. Are men the root of all my problems?
I should have stuck to reading about them. Men written by women are much less of a hazard.
Focus, Vivian.
Alright, one problem at a time.My first and most pressing problem is my possible kidnap predicament.
I mull the word around in my mind.
Kidnap.
It should be enough to terrify me. I have enough hours logged watching true crime specials to have a verygood idea of how badly kidnappings can go. But logistically speaking, there’s no way.
I have an all-too-recent memory of what happens when Leon and I are apart. When he left me to go see Need, the distance between us resulted in excruciating pain on my end. Given the absence of agony ripping through my body, Leon must be close by. If I had to take a guess, this must be the Council’s castle.
Why do neither of those thoughts help to ease my anxiety?
A chill runs down my spine at the thought that Leon could enter this room at any moment.
The last time I saw him, Leon was out of control. He was furious when I refused to give in to his demands. Namely, he wants me to unlock his collar so he can potentially kill my entire town in a battle with another all-powerful Destroyer. Oh, and not to mention, he’s also demanding my love, my blind obedience, and quite possibly, my womb.
Can’t forget those little tidbits.
A haze of despair curls around my throat, its icy grip trying to steal away my breath.
One step at a time, Vivian. Focus on what you can control.
The idea that I have any control is laughable, considering my life has been commandeered by all-powerful supernatural creatures. I’m pretty sure I’d have more control over a natural disaster.
At least you can take shelter from a tornado. But a Destroyer who can un-exist your realm with a single thought? That probably isn’t covered by bunkers.
Silently slipping out of bed, I’m distracted by my full bladder and focus on finding a bathroom.
Small goals.
There are two doors on the other side of the room, and while one is closed, the other is slightly ajar.
Tiptoeing across the worn wooden floors, I cringe when one of the floorboards creaks.
Still not a super spy.
Shame.
I’d like to think some lessons are so painful, you only need to learn them once. When I was kidnapped by my classmates, I realized that it’s better for dangerous people to think you’re asleep for as long as possible.
Of course, even with that piece of wisdom, I manage to stub my toe on a loose floorboard and let out a small expletive.
At the sound, I freeze, wincing at the pain in my toe and the noise I just made. I wait three breaths, listening for any sign of life outside my room. But nothing happens.
I’m counting that as a silver lining.
