Page 83 of Goldsin

Deciding to check it out, I give the bedroom a quick glimpse too, making sure Julian isn’t in there. Then, with hesitant steps, I search for the owner of such an icy howl. I could almost make out the scream calling Julian’s name, but I’m not so sure. The voice was too distorted as it echoed down the halls.

What if the voice did scream Julian’s name? What if he’s in danger? What if he needs me?

I quicken my pace, head turning left and right.

Fear threatens to consume me as I speed through the corridor. Images of Julian, hurt, overtake me. As much as I try not to let it, this dreaded feeling takes root inside of me, flooding my mind with worst-case scenarios.

I need to find him now and make sure he’s all right.

He can’t be hurt ... he just can’t be.

The kitchen is empty, the only light coming from thecity skyline. Appliances are lined up on the counter ready for tomorrow’s breakfast, stacks of oranges piled one on top of the other. The room emits serenity, nothing like the scream I just heard.

I inhale a ragged breath.

Maybe I heard wrong. Maybe Julian’s fine and isn’t home yet. Maybe, just maybe, I was wrong.

Even with the new mantra I keep repeating to myself, I can’t shake the terrible feeling something is wrong.

God, why did I think it was best to stop at my apartment and leave the gun there before coming here? The one time I might need it to do good and I don’t have it with me.

I’m turning the corner when I catch a faint light coming from the end of the corridor. Like a beacon warning me.

Drawing closer, I feel the air in the atmosphere shift. The closer I get, the heavier the air gets. It’s not until the double doors are in front of me that I remember the last time I was in Lucian’s office.

Fear. It’s so palpable I could choke on it.

What if Julian isn’t the one in need of help? What if it’s someone else? Someone like my mom ...

I creep closer. The scream is on repeat in my mind. With each one I hear, the voice distorts, becoming more haunted. More tortured.

I just need to find out what’s going on.

The door to Lucian’s office is slightly ajar, enough for me to see Julian’s fist in the air as it aims for his father’s face. Enough for me to see Lady Harrow’s body getting touched by a man I’ve never seen before as he holds herwith a hand in her hair, pulling her head toward his chest. Her body arches as she tries not to touch him, but this only causes him to see it as an invitation to touch more. And more.

My throat swells, hand clutching my chest to remind myself to breathe.

Even with everything happening to her, she pleads with Julian to do nothing. To just stand there and let whatever they have in mind happen.

She pleads with him with tears running down her cheeks, the word “help” shining in her eyes.

Why are you letting him treat you this way?Why aren’t you fighting back?

“See how weak you are, boy?” Lucian tells him. “Just like your mother.”

But Julian isn’t weak. He doesn’t look it as he forces himself to stay still. Forces himself to follow his mom’s wishes and maintain control.

He looks the opposite of weak. Even with the dullness in his eyes and the paleness of his sheer skin, he is notweak.

“Go ahead—have your fun with her.”

Then the buttons of Lady Harrow’s blouse fly all over the place as the man rips it off her. His hands, greedy to explore, roam her now bare skin.

Squeezing, scratching, bruising her.

I can’t ... I can’t just stare and do nothing.

My hand falls on the doorknob, twisting it for support, but a weight pulls me back. Before I can make a move, a firm arm wraps around my chest and a hand claps over mymouth.

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