Page 7 of Liar Byrd
“Tell me you didn’t do this, Mom?” I whisper.
Floorboards creak, and another man emerges from the shadows of our kitchenette.
Walker, another of Jeremiah’s acolytes.
As I back away, I notice the bag I packed and left by the door is no longer there.
A soft creak sounds from behind me
I whip around.
Pierce pulls the cabin door open and steps inside, his heavy bulk blocking the doorway.
Blockingmein.
My eyes return to my mom.
I shake my head, disbelieving. “Mom, tell me you didn't do this.”
“This is where we belong, Byrdie.” She smiles warmly at Jeremiah, who responds with a soft, almost paternal smile. “This is our home now.”
“But it isn't.” I extend my trembling hand to ward off the acolytes approaching. Every part of me trembles. “It wasn't before. Please help me, Mom.Please. Don't let him do this. Mom!”
Snatching up a bowl from a side table, I throw it at Pierce. He bats it aside.
And then it’s over.
Nowhere to run to. Nothing to throw. No way to escape them.
Trapped.
“Take her to my cabin,” Jeremiah orders them.
"No!”
I fight and kick out, but Jeremiah’s acolytes are all so big.
“Don't let him do this! You're my mom. You're supposed toprotectme.”
“And I am. This is the future you deserve. You have been soblessed.”
I recognize the glimmer I caught in her eyes before.Envy. When I told her that Jeremiah wanted me as a wife, she was envious, wishing it were her.
Tears run down my cheeks as they pull me out of my cabin. I keep searching for Mom. I keep hoping she'll stop this, but she never does.
She doesn’t come.
Chapter 4
Byrdie
The sun is rising as I leave Jeremiah’s cabin to return to mine and my mom's.
I am not alone.
Behind me, two of Jeremiah’s acolytes trail me.
They’re silent, but their presence is heavy.
