Abby I arrive at the shopping center in the neighboring town, and the excitement bubbling inside me is almost palpable. The dress at the Alpha gathering reminded me just how much I used to love getting dressed up for fancy occasions. After Karl and I got divorced, the most I would really ever ge
I have savings, of course, but not enough to last forever. And with my restaurant being closed lately, I’ve been dipping into those savings. Buying a luxury gown and Venetian mask isn’t the wisest decision right now, but I just try to have faith that my restaurant will reopen soon and everything wil
Abby For a few long moments, I just sit there, my eyes wide with shock. My hands are so tightly wrapped around the steering wheel that my knuckles are pure white, and it takes almost all of my strength and willpower to peel my fingers back and release my grip on the wheel. “Okay,” I whisper with
Karl I sit in my office, the plans for the party shifting from a regular holiday gathering to a masquerade. The change feels refreshing, and much to my surprise, I find myself smiling as I work. The party is this weekend, which is only a few days away; I feel bad making it on such short notice,
Abby I had just turned eighteen, and I wasn’t expecting the words that my father had uttered. “Abby,” he had said, “we found your fated mate. You’ll be marrying him in the spring.” The emotions that had passed through my mind at that time had ranged from excitement to fury. Finding my fated ma
But my screams receive no response. I’m completely alone, alone with nothing but the snow and this stupid dress to keep my company. I huddle in the car, my teeth chattering as I try to conserve whatever warmth I have left. The sky is pitch black, and the howling wind outside only adds to the desol
Abby When I see the two bright beams of the headlights approaching, I don’t hesitate for a second. This might just be my chance to finally get out of here and get some help before I potentially freeze to death. I jump out of my car and wave my arms frantically, praying that whoever is driving th
Abby The truck plows on through the relentless blizzard, and my anxiety continues to mount with each passing second. The world outside the window is nothing but a white abyss, and I have no idea where we’re headed. Fear grips me the further we go, and I can’t shake the nagging feeling that I’m i