Page 23 of Hollow House
“Love, don’t test my patience,” he warned, his hand hovering gently over my neck.
One forceful squeeze, and he’d cut off all my air. My back arched slightly, and I reached out to grab his wrist. Surprise flashed through his eyes, assuming I was about to defy him.
Instead, I tugged enough to move his hand firmly against my neck. The light pressure was enough to revive all the desire that had been coursing through me only minutes before.
“You,” I answered quietly, my eyes heavy with exhaustion. “It all belongs to you.”
Chapter 12
“Sloane?”a familiar voice gently called.
I was in the same room as before, rubbing sleep from my eyes.
I looked around, most of my surroundings a blur no matter what I did. I tried squinting and sitting up, but it was useless. The sheets were tucked up by my chin as I positioned myself to curl into the fetal position.
“Sloane,” the voiced said again.
A figure moved, a mix of shadows and blur.
“Wraith?” I asked, my voice cracking and my throat dry.
I needed water or something to drink desperately. The figure moved closer, and I started to make out some of their features.
“Felix?” I questioned. “Why are you here?”
It didn’t make sense, not unless it was something with the shop. Did they forget to drop off one of the orders for the party? But how did he find me? My head hurt and eyes burned.
“Sloane, are you alright? I had to check on you,” he said.
“I’m fine,” I answered, confused and exhausted.
I needed more sleep, not an interrogation. Why was he here? How was he here? My mind reached for answers and came upempty. The silky sheets of the bed felt cool against my skin, and their movement made me realize I still had no clothes on.
My hands instinctively pulled the sheets higher as my face heated.
“Why are you here?” I asked.
“It’s complicated,” he answered. “I just needed to know you were alright here.”
I shook my head in confusion. The movement gave me the spins, my head pounding now. I wanted to give him an answer, but words wouldn’t come. The more I tried, the more discomfort I felt. My hand flew to my throat, my esophagus stinging as I tried to force words out.
Felix backed away from the bed, watching me in horror. I grew more and more panicked, sitting up in the bed. I didn’t care if my entire body was exposed; I felt like I was choking, unable to swallow or speak.
Air still flowed through my airway, and I tried to calm my breathing, but it was hard when panic and pain had grabbed hold of me. I heard a door open, and soon, strong arms wrapped around me.
“Sleep, love,” he spoke. “It’s only a dream.”
The words were soothing, and I found myself finally able to take a deep breath. As I inhaled, I swore I could smell the familiar scent of the Wraith pressed against me.
Only a dream, I repeated in my mind. I couldn’t speak, but I kept saying it over and over until I believed it. I nestled against him and let him stroke my hair. If this was a dream, I wasn’t sure I ever wanted to wake up.
“It’s time,” a deep voice spoke from behind him, and the Wraith pulled back.
I wanted to scream, but still, no sound came out. A man stood in the doorway, his medical mask not the ones the attendees of Hollow House wore. My hands reached for theWraith, but he slipped away, leaving me alone. My vision was still blurry, and I immediately lost sight of him.
The man moved forward, holding a large syringe.
I tried to fight it, but he held me down. As I kicked and thrashed, I realized there were multiple people holding me down. I looked to my left and spotted Felix, an apologetic look on his face. To my right, the Wraith gripped my arm, helping to pin me down.
