Chapter Five
Ariana
Warmth pressed against my face, like bright rays of sun, and I fluttered my eyes open to see Henry’s bedroom bathed in light.
Normally when I woke up, the world was still hushed and gray, the first streaks of dawn barely visible over the horizon.
Not today.
Today, sunlight poured through the curtains.
I glanced at the clock and sucked in a large breath.
12:17 p.m.
I couldn’t remember the last time I’d slept past seven, let alone noon.
Victor never allowed it.
Even the mornings after he’d spent all night torturing me, I was expected to be at the dining room table for breakfast at seven-thirty on the dot.
But Victor wasn’t here anymore.
Not just because I’d escaped.
But because he was gone.
Dead.
The thought hit differently than last night.
I understood it now. I may have escaped the prison he’d trapped me in, but I’d never be free while he still drew breath. I did what I had to do. For myself. For my future.
Just like Henry did all those years ago.
I rolled away from the sun, instinctively reaching for him.
But his side of the bed was empty, the sheets cold. I wasn’t surprised. I may not have been an expert, but I had a feeling it took a while to dispose of a body.
What did surprise me was the folded piece of paper resting on the pillow, my name written across the front in his bold, decisive handwriting.
I sat up and opened it, my heart warming as I read his words.
Ariana,
I didn’t want you to start your day without knowing how much I love you. Your determination. Your strength. And your fire.
You are a goddamn warrior. Never doubt it.
* * *
All my love,
Henry
In my old life, my mother used to encourage me to begin my mornings by meditating, repeating positive affirmations. How I was strong. How I deserved happiness.
But then I met Victor, and he beat any positive thoughts out of me, making me think I was nothing. That I deserved everything he did to me.
