Vitiel

f the streetlights outside. I sat on the couch, leaning over the coffee table. Spread

tsteps echoed from

rs of living together meant my body recognized the exact

rned, the rusty cylinder

rrow entryway, bringing a rush of cold air and

up, crossing my arms, and stared coldly at the man wh

et. He loosened his silk tie, his eyes completely ignoring the hosti

tural, ingrained motion to pull me into a hug, acting as

ands stopped in mid-air. His thick eyeb

nt of rose perfume hit my nose. It was heavy, overp

so hard I had to turn my head away, bringing th

ime in my schedule to come see yo

n your bride at the altar, and you have the nerv

Her emotions are highly unstable. I am

ainst the crisp white fabric was a faint

eadly calm. "Does fulfilling your duty require moving her

through his dark hair, an aggressive, frustrated gesture meant to co

oward the study. His hurried steps proved wha

of the heavy oak desk and dig out a thick manila folder stamped with a

arm and turned to leave, not ev

suddenly stopped. He looked over his shou

Margaret Private Hospit

ails dug so hard into my palms I felt th

ante said, his tone leaving no room for argumen

e. "You will play the part of her best friend. You will not

was dead. In his place stood a selfish, cruel stranger. Th

o find a weakness. I forced the burning hatred out of my eye

I said

ched out and patted the top of my head, a dismissive, pat

rked my head to the side, my skin craw

nked it open, and slammed it shut behind him, f

ed three squirts of harsh liquid soap into my hands and scrubbed my hair w

ed up at the mirror, my eyes practically glowing with malice. Let the w

u exactly how terrifying