We remain silent for a moment. He doesn’t move to turn around and I don’t attempt to release him.
“Tell me what happened that night,” I murmur.
“That night?”
“The night of the fire. The night I lost you.” I blow out a shaky breath. “I want to hear it from you.”
28
Aiden
Past
Elsa didn’t show up.
I waited all day, but there’s no trace of her.
The chains clink behind me as I pace the length of the room.
I stare at the arrow she drew on the side of my arm and it’s starting to fade. I want to keep it. Every time I see it, I recall the focused expression on her face when she drew it. The line between her brows. The twitch of her nose.
Maybe she won’t come anymore.
Maybe the red woman hurt her.
I’ll save you. Her soft voice echoes in my head. I promise.
My pace quickens. She promised not to leave me here and I know she won’t.
I sit back down, my gaze locked on the door.
The wound hurts, and I’m warm and hot. Perspiration coats my temple and back. I don’t know if it’s because of the wound or the weather.
My head rests on the cold wall, eyes fluttering closed. Just a second. I’ll remain like this for a second.
I shake my head.
What if Elsa comes when I’m asleep?
She can come now…
Or now…
I must’ve fallen asleep because someone is shaking my shoulders. I tense, thinking about the red woman.
No.
Her hands aren’t soft and small. She doesn’t smell of cotton candy and Maltesers.
The moment I force my lids open, Elsa’s grinning face greets me. Her missing tooth is starting to grow.
She leans down, wraps her arms around my shoulders, and hugs me. Her joy runs in spades between us. Even though it hurts and I’m about to collapse, her energy is contagious. I can’t help but smile despite not knowing what she’s so happy about.
Is it weird that her happiness makes me happy?
“Daddy came home!” She gushes. “I’ll wait till Ma goes to bed and then I’ll tell him about you. He’s going to help you!”
My smile falls.