Chapter 9: Ten Days, Nine Left

I thought he would explode in rage, order people to drag me off and beat me to a pulp to vent his anger. Unexpectedly, he just ordered people to carry me back to my room.

The walk back felt like the world’s slowest perp walk—two guards at my elbows, their hands gentle but firm. The house was silent, the air heavy with the weight of everything unsaid.

At dawn, he stood at my door.

He looked exhausted, eyes ringed with shadow, suit jacket wrinkled as if he’d slept in it. His hand lingered on the doorknob, the morning sun cutting across his face in a harsh, golden line.

"I know you dislike Lillian, but there really is nothing between us. We grew up together, her family had it rough, and now she’s gravely ill with no one to rely on. I can’t just ignore her. But Rachel, I have never disliked you. I was just afraid of you. As long as you don’t use those spells and tricks to control me anymore, I want to live well with you."

His words hung between us, awkward and earnest. I watched his Adam’s apple bob as he swallowed, waiting for me to say something that would make it all make sense.

I said nothing, only feeling so disgusted I wanted to vomit. Not being able to kill him is my greatest regret in this world.

I pressed my forehead to the cool glass of the window, closing my eyes against the light. The world outside was waking up—kids heading to school, mailboxes filling up, the American flag snapping in the breeze. I wished I could disappear into that world, faceless and free.

"Give me ten days. I’ll take care of Lillian, send her out of the house, and fulfill her wish to revisit the places of our childhood. When I return, let’s start over. Don’t be angry anymore."

After speaking, he left.

His footsteps faded down the hallway, the door clicking shut behind him. I counted to ten, then let myself breathe again.

They want ten days, but I only need nine. That works out just fine. Let them think they’re in charge. In nine days, I’ll be gone—and this whole story will finally be mine.

I tucked myself deeper under the covers, staring at the ceiling fan spinning overhead. Somewhere, a new day was starting, full of promise I didn’t believe in. Nine days. I could do anything for nine more days.