Chapter 45: Mental torment

"We are not done yet," she whispered, her voice low and dripping with malice. "And as for the chicken..." She paused, her hot breath fanning my cheek, sending a shiver down my spine. I held my breath, awaiting her sinister confession of the potentially unsettling meal. My heart thudded in my ears as her smile grew wider.

"It wasn't poisoned as you thought..." she said after drawing out the immense suspense; her words diffused the bomb of tension that had been tickling away inside me.

I exhaled deeply, feeling a sense of respite wash over me, my pulsating heartbeat steadying as my fear dissipated. I tilted my head to face her, my eyes flashing with resolve as I masked my face with an intent stare.

"You will never succeed in mentally tormenting me ever again," I declared, my voice calm and even yet laced with quiet confidence.

Our eyes locked, both fierce and piercing, neither of us willing to back down in the battle of wills where dark intent lay at the corner of our minds.

A sly