Chapter Nine

~Mel~

My entire body was trembling with fear, and I had cried so much that I couldn’t even muster more tears. I had been walking for what felt like forever, but it had only been about fifteen minutes. Three cars had already stopped, offering me a ride.

I was tempted—so tempted to just get in one of those cars and let them take me away. Deep down, I knew Carmine wouldn’t know if I accepted, but at the same time, I couldn’t shake the feeling that his eyes were still on me. His words echoed in my mind like a curse. The sting on my butt from where he’d hit me throbbed with every step, a cruel reminder of what had just happened.

I was scared—so scared—but I just kept walking.

That’s when I heard her.

I didn’t need to turn around to know it was her. The sound of her voice had become a part of my nightmares.

“I know you heard me, Mel.” Her voice was soft but cold, cutting through the silent night.

I turned around, and there she was—Hannah. Covered in blood, just like the first time she’