I try to move again, willing myself to get up.
But I fail.
My eyes lock with hers. They’re pleading for me to help her.
She reaches out her hand.
With a loud groan, I reach my hand out, my shoulder screaming in pain.
But I can’t reach her in time.
No matter how much I want to.
I bolt upright with a gasp.
Darkness and silence surround me, so heavy I can barely think.
My chest heaves violently as sweat clings to my skin.
For a second, I don’t know where I am.
Then the loft slowly comes into focus.
I blow out a shaky breath.
I’m home. Safe inside my cabin in Vermont.
Miles and years away from my past.
But it doesn’t feel safe. Not like it should. Because part of me is still trapped in that fucking house.
“Fuck,” I rasp.
I drag both hands down my face, breathing hard.
In.
Out.
It doesn’t help. Nothing ever really does.
Except—
My jaw tightens.
Except her.
Before I can stop myself, I’m out of bed and taking the stairs.
The cabin is dark and quiet as I make my way down the hallway.
I’m not thinking. Because if I do, I’ll stop.
And right now, I don’t want to stop.
Peyton’s bedroom door is crackedopen slightly.
I peer inside.
