CHAPTER 20: HAVE MY EYES EVERYWHERE.

I managed to push myself to my feet, then turned to see the building engulfed in heavy flames, screams of pain and the burning stench flesh filled the air.

I stood there, frozen, my legs refusing to move. This couldn’t be a coincidence, someone had planted those bombs there, but who? I couldn’t think. Everything was happening so fast before my brain could process it. Just a few hours ago I ran from Alexander’s house to escape the torment, only to find myself in a much bigger problem. I managed to escape, and now the place was on fire.

I sighed, frustrated as I turned away from the blazing inferno. What now? Where would I go?

The thought of going back to him made my chest tightened in anger and shame, but I had no choice. I had no phone, my backpack was gone, and there was nowhere to go. Katie’s place was miles away, and after what just happened, the thought of wandering the street made me shiver. I couldn’t risk it.

Swallowing what little pride I had left, I forced my legs to move. Just for tonight, I told myself. Just to gather my strength and figure out a better plan.

****

Pain. Pain was all I felt as I woke up. My head, my face, my whole body was in pain. Especially my back that was scratched too hard against the rough table, it was burning and itching.

Not wanting to think about it, I looked around me and realized I was back at the house. I didn’t remember how I got to the master bedroom. All I knew was that I collapsed to the floor the moment I reached it.

Pushing myself up with a groan, I dragged myself to the bathroom. I needed to have a warm bath then look for something to eat and drink.

I suddenly stopped when I walked past the mirror. Taking a step back, I stared at my reflection. My skin was pale, covered in dark bruises, my lips were slightly swollen and chapped, and my hair looked like a bird net.

At least, you’re safe, I consoled myself.

Filling the bathtub with warm water, I slid inside. Then began to scrub and wash my body until my skin turned red and my hand ached. I wanted to erase their touch, their smell. I wanted to feel clean.

But no matter how hard I scrubbed, I still felt dirty.

Tears blurred my vision as I finally gave up. Stepping out of the tub, I wrapped a tower around myself and grabbed another one to dry my hair.

"Back so soon?" The calm, mocking tone startled me and I turned to where it came from. Alexander suddenly stood near the door, his arms crossed around his chest. His expression was blank as he looked at me.

Ignoring him, I turned to the sink and began brushing the knots out of my hair with shaking fingers. How much his presence made my heart roil with anger, disgust, and most of all, hatred. So much hatred that it made my fingers trembled.

"Running didn’t work out for you, did it?" he continued, stepping closer. "It amused me how you think you can really make it out of my sight."

"What do you mean? I left, and if it weren’t for those men that held me back, you wouldn’t have seen me again," I defended.

He smiled. This was the first time I had seen him smile and it made my skin crawl. I had never seen something so evil.

"If that is what you think, then you have no idea who you’re dealing with." He stopped smiling, his expression returning to the one I was familiar with, putting me at little ease. "Just you know that you will always come back with your own legs. I have my eyes everywhere, following every step you take, every breathe you breath."

"You’re lying..." I said, fear creeping its way to my heart.

He looked amused.

"Lying? You can try it again and see it clearly for yourself. You can’t get away when I’m not done yet. No matter where you go, be it the moon or across sea, I will always find you, unless..." he paused, then his voice darkened, "you are dead. That’s the only way you can escape it."

My breath hung in my throat and my eyes widened in terror. What?!

"Why are you shocked? If I can find you so easily last night, don’t you think I will always do?"

My throat felt even more dried and I couldn’t bring myself to speak. He just stared at me, then turned around and left.

For the rest of the day, I couldn’t muster the energy to do anything. I just lay dead on the bed, my body numb and my soul lifeless. When it was eventually evening, Ms. Rita, the head maid came to convince me to eat something.

"Madame, I brought some food for you," she said, dropping the tray of food on the table.

"I’m not hungry... just take it back."

"Don’t say that, madame. You didn’t eat anything through out the day and you don’t look well," she insisted.

"I’m fine, Ms. Rita, I don’t just feel like eating."

Her face sunkened in concern, but she didn’t argue further.

"Okay if you say so, I will just leave it here in case you change your mind," she said lastly and left.

After she was gone, I slowly sat up, my body feeling heavy, and swung my legs over the side of the bed. I should eat, at least if I wanted to think very well and make a better plan, I needed nutrient and energy.

But it was easier said than done. I just stared emptily at the different dishes, the sweet aroma doing nothing to stir my appetite. Despite that, I still forced myself to take a few bite of roasted chicken. I didn’t even remember how the tomato soup tasted like, I just swallowed it mechanically.

And as I dropped the bowl, a thought flashed through my mind and dread settled in the pit of my stomach. My necklace... it would be auctioned off in two days. Oh God... I needed to contact Seith immediately. But the business card. I had to find it.

I quickly stood up, causing the chair to almost fall back, and hurried out of the room. Maybe it could be in Alexander’s room. It had to be.