Chapter 41 Scarlett
CHAPTER 41
SCARLETT
“G ood, you are ready,” Mikale said, entering the room where she was being kept. Servants had dressed her in a gold gown. It flowed to the floor with capped sleeves and an open back. It was simple and stunning, even if it wasn’t her taste in the slightest. A silver belt had been slung along her waist with silver slippers on her feet. Heavy silver earrings hung in her ears, her amulet at her throat. At least he had let her keep that. Her silver hair had been curled and hung loosely around her shoulders. She sat on the stool at the vanity where they had painted her lips dark red, smudging kohl along her eyes. Mikale’s eyes roved over her, not bothering to hide the desire in them.
“Let’s discuss tonight,” he said smoothly, coming to crouch before her. He placed his hands on her hips, looking up into her face. She sat motionless, but narrowed her eyes at him. “You seem to have retreated somewhere inside that head of yours,” he observed, peering into her eyes as if searching for her.
She did not say a word.
“Your friends will be at the dinner tonight along with Prince Callan.”
She gave no reaction. Her face remained blank.
“You will be expected to interact with them normally,” he said through gritted teeth. “You need to at least acknowledge that you understand me.”
Her lips curled involuntarily into a cruel, twisted grin. “My dear Lordling,” she said, bringing her hand to his chest. Mikale froze, and she felt a sense of satisfaction deep within. Oh, he had no idea what he had allowed out when he threw her in here. She ran a finger along his throat and felt him swallow. Shadows wreathed her hands and fingers, and she saw him glance at them. She leaned down to him so she was right next to his ear as she whispered, “Do you not recognize what sits before you? After all, you released her.”
She had woken that first morning with shadows indeed all around her. Laying on that stone cold floor, she had watched with curiosity as they gently swirled around her like a lazy fog. They flowed amongst her hair. They climbed along her body like ivy. They wove between her fingers. They kissed her cheek. They whispered in her ear.
They made the help scream in terror when they came to bring her breakfast.
Mikale had been summoned home from the castle and had come raging into the room and stopped dead at the sight of her. He had kept his distance when he came to her room for the next few days, as if he continued to study her, only physically interacting with her to force her tonic. Until now, apparently.
She had studied the Darkness. She had watched it trail her footsteps as she moved about the room. At first, the shadows had terrified her until she realized they were studying her, too.
The Mark from that dream stood out vividly against her skin when she’d awoken as well, but the shadows swirled thickly around her forearm, keeping it hidden from the servants and Mikale.
“The shadows need to go, my pet,” he ground out from between his teeth.
“I cannot control the Darkness any more than I can control madness,” she said, leaning so close to him now they shared breath. “If you can make them leave, then be my guest, but Darkness is not so easily persuaded, Lordling . ”
Mikale pulled back, and Scarlett merely blinked at the slight unease that had entered his eyes. “Should you pull any of your usual tricks or maneuvers, it is no longer your friends’ lives that will be in danger,” he said slowly. Scarlett did not react, so he continued. “Prince Callan himself may find himself in mortal danger, and arrangements may have already been made to make sure your dear Cassius gets the blame.”
“No one would believe Cassius would attempt to kill the prince,” Scarlett said, her tone bored. “Honestly, this is all one of your more idiotic ploys.”
“There you are,” he sneered. He brought his hand to her cheek, braving the shadows that curled around his fingers. “Cassius is already believed to be one of your former lovers. Who is to say jealousy did not get the best of him when he found you left him for the prince?”
“You would put Callan in such danger?” she asked, raising her brows.
“No, my pet,” he said, rising and looking down at her now. “I shall be the one who saves him.” He held a hand out to her, and she placed her own in his, allowing him to pull her to her feet. “Come.” He pressed a kiss to her cheek. “We have games to play tonight, Scarlett.”
C ALLAN
The Crown Prince had dined at the Lairwood house more times than he could count. He had played here with Mikale as a child. They had never really been friends, not like he was with Finn and Sloan, but they had spent a lot of time together given the Lairwood’s family position.
Lady Veda met him at the door in a stunning dress of green and gold that put her ample cleavage on display. She doted and batted her lashes at him as she always did, and when servants had taken his cloak, she led him to the dining room, telling him how everyone else was already here. Sloan and Finn followed a respectable distance behind.
Callan entered the dining room to find the Tyndell children and Cassius already present. Lord Tyndell, it turned out, was unable to come to the last minute dinner, but sent his regards and delight at the pairing. Lord Lairwood himself was, of course, with his father. He looked around the room for the reason they were there. He did not believe the note he had received that stated Scarlett had become engaged to Mikale. He wouldn’t believe it until he saw it with his own eyes.
Cassius met his gaze warily, but did not approach him, not with Veda still clinging to his arm. The young Lady Tava, however, gracefully closed the distance between them. He had rarely noticed the woman. She was quiet and aloof and tended to remain in her brother’s shadow, but she approached now in a beautiful dress of teal and silver, the spirit amulet of Falein, the goddess of wisdom and cleverness, at her neck.
“Veda!” she cried. “I feel as though I have not seen you in ages.” She took Veda’s hands in her own and kissed the girl’s cheek.
“Tava,” Veda said, clearly taken aback by the behavior. “How are you?”
“Wonderful. How are you?” Tava gushed. “Are you so excited to have a sister-in-law? Scarlett is the best, although I must admit, I am a little jealous you are stealing her from our house.” As she said the words, her eyes locked onto Callan’s. “Forgive me, Prince,” she said, dropping Veda’s hands and curtseying before him. “You are well?”
He smiled at her. “I am well, Lady Tyndell. I am sorry your father could not join us.”
She waved her hand. “Oh, he is always traveling somewhere or another,” she said. “May I steal Lady Veda from you for a while? I want to hear everything she knows about the upcoming ceremony. I have not heard a word from Scarlett since she was brought here, although I am sure she is just so busy with preparations.” Her eyes narrowed at Veda as she said the words, and Veda moved to step back from her.
“Of course. Go discuss whatever it is Ladies discuss about such things. This is indeed an exciting time,” Callan said with a nod to the women. Tava pulled Veda away from him. Glancing over her shoulder, Tava flicked her eyes to Cassius. Callan understood the message and made his way to the Commander.
“Prince Callan,” Cassius said, bowing before him.
“Commander Redding,” Callan answered, then he turned to Drake. “Lord Drake.”
“Prince,” Drake answered with a bow.
“I trust you find your manor a little quieter these days,” Callan said, fixing a smile to his face.
“We miss hearing a voice that has gone quiet, yes,” Cassius said carefully.
Callan dropped his voice low. “What has happened?”
“It has all happened so quickly. We are all adjusting,” Drake replied conversationally.
Before anything more could be said, Mikale appeared in the doorway and there she was on his arm. Her gold dress was stunning, though nothing he would picture her choosing for herself. Her face was as beautiful as ever, but her eyes seemed distant and far away. The ring she always wore was missing from her finger, and no other jewelry appeared on her, save for the earrings and her spirit amulet. As striking as she was, though, none of that was what made his eyes widen as she entered. Shadows swirled around her, trailing in her wake like fog on a cool morning. Some were slight and came in and out of view. Others were tightly coiled around her, especially her forearms, but there was no mistaking them for anything else.
“What is that?” he breathed to Cassius.
“I do not know,” Cassius answered, his lips pressing into a thin line.
They watched as Mikale led her to the table and pulled a chair out for her. She sat, leaning to the side to allow a servant to pour her wine. The servant had barely stepped back when she picked up the goblet and drank the entire thing, batting her lashes at Mikale as she held it up for the servant to refill it.
“Shit,” Cassius muttered under his breath. Then, as if remembering a prince was in his presence, he added, “Your pardon, your Highness.”
“She is drinking wine. That hardly seems worth worrying about. We are supposed to be celebrating, are we not?” Callan replied grimly to the Commander.
Mikale bent down to whisper something in her ear, and a smile Callan had never seen spread across her face. It was a smile of malice, and he watched as she ran her finger along the side of Mikale’s face, saying something in response none of them could hear.
“No, your Highness. She is not celebrating. Your Wraith of Shadows is playing. That is not Scarlett as you know her. That is Death’s Maiden,” Cassius said. “She is playing a very dangerous game, likely to get us information. If you ever loved her, you will join the game and play tonight.”
Mikale straightened and made his way over to them. “Callan,” he said, bowing before him.
He felt Cassius elbow him in the ribs, and he remembered where he was and why he was here. “Mikale,” he said, smiling and reaching to grasp his hand. “It appears congratulations are in order.”
“Thank you, my friend,” Mikale said, shaking his hand in return. “I have been anxious to introduce her to you. It has been a whirlwind of a romance, but when you find the one, you know.”
“That is what they say,” Callan said. His face hurt from the fake smile he was working so hard to keep on his face. He would do this. For her. He would play along as Cassius had put it, to learn what they needed to learn.
“My apologies. Has no one offered you a drink? Veda?” Mikale snapped his fingers for a servant and looked around for his sister. At the sound of her name, she appeared as quickly as Cassius and Drake disappeared from his side.
“It appears your fiancé has chosen the wine for herself,” Callan said with a raise of his brow as he saw her glass being refilled again.
“She is nervous about meeting you,” Mikale said, but Callan could see the ire he was working to keep from his face. Drake reappeared and began a conversation with Mikale as he made to move to her, and a second later, Callan saw why as Cassius slipped into a chair beside her. Scarlett turned to him and rested her head on her hand as if bored. Cassius made no move to touch her. With her other hand, her finger traced the rim of her wine glass. Those shadows moved among her hair that flowed down around her shoulders. He couldn’t help but remember the last time his hands were in that hair.
“Mikale,” Callan said suddenly. Time. Cassius needed time with Scarlett. Drake was trying to give him that. “Didn’t you get new racing hounds?”
“I did,” Mikale said slowly.
“I would love to see them,” Callan said. “I have been in the market. My tried and trues are aging, I am afraid.”
“Perhaps after dinner, your Highness. It is about ready,” Mikale said. His tone had shifted. It was stiff, and his eyes had darkened. He had spotted Cassius with Scarlett. As if his words summoned the food, a servant announced dinner was served. “Come, Callan. Head of the table, of course.”
Callan followed Mikale to the table. A servant pulled his chair back for him and once he had sat, Mikale slid into the chair to his right, next to Scarlett. Veda took the chair to Callan’s left.
“Commander,” Mikale said tightly. “I had thought you would sit next to my sister?”
“Oh, I would love to sit next to Veda, if you do not mind,” Tava said, sliding into the chair without waiting for a confirmation. “We have just been discussing all the wedding details. You men do not realize everything that must be done. A year-long engagement is hardly enough time, let alone a few weeks.” Her smile was pointed as she picked up her own glass of wine before her and stared at Mikale. Drake claimed the chair next to his sister.
Callan glanced sidelong at Scarlett…who was smirking like a cat. He discreetly looked to Cassius, who appeared completely unconcerned as he sat beside her, acting like he saw this side of her every day, and it was nothing new. But this, the woman who sat at this table, was nothing like the one he had kissed and shared whispers across pillows with in the dark hours of the night.
She brought her wine back to her lips. She had propped her foot onto her chair and her elbow rested on her knee. She was the picture of apathy. “My dear Mikale,” she purred. They were the first words Callan had heard her say since he’d been here. He felt her voice skitter along his bones. That voice that had purred in his own ear so often. That voice of shadows and darkness that would speak from the night in his rooms, now only in his dreams. “I told you my friends are quite rude and care nothing for propriety.”
“One would think they would remember such things in the presence of a prince,” Mikale ground out.
“Oh, yes,” she said and turned to face Callan, dropping her foot to the floor and straightening. He could hardly breathe as her entire attention became focused on him. Those blue eyes were flecked with gold and swirling shadows, and they looked him up and down with interest. “How rude of me to forget.”
“Prince Callan, meet Scarlett Monrhoe,” Mikale said, his eyes on Scarlett. “My betrothed.”
“Congratulations, Lady,” Callan said, with a slight nod of his head.
Her smile went serpentine. “I am no Lady.” Callan actually had to keep himself from flinching in his chair as her eyes held his.
“She is shy of the title,” Mikale cut in, and he seemed to almost sigh in relief when the first course was brought out, a vegetable soup from the summer bounty.
The soup course was filled with idle chatter and was a touch awkward with forced conversation. Scarlett hardly spoke. She just watched them all intently…and studied Veda as if she were planning to show her precisely why she was called Death’s Maiden. She didn’t even pick up her spoon.
“How did you two meet then?” Callan asked, as they began their second course. “That must be an interesting tale, seeing as how quickly this came about?” He cut his meat and took a bite of the glazed beef.
“Oh, please let me tell him,” Scarlett said, her eyes going to Mikale. Her food again remained untouched before her. “I’m sure I would tell it much better than you would, Lordling . I don’t think you are prepared to tell such a tale.”
Callan did not miss how Mikale’s grip tightened on his fork at her sudden interest in being part of the conversation. “Of course, my pet .”
“We met at a feast a little over a year ago. He knocked the wind right out of me,” Scarlett said sweetly. Mikale tensed beside her, and Veda coughed, choking on her water.
“Sorry,” Veda muttered, taking another drink. “I swallowed wrong.”
Mikale was glaring at her across the table.
“I had just come to live with Lord Tyndell and was invited to attend the feast with them. Naturally, I was excited. I had never attended such a thing because of where I grew up, although I’d visited the castle numerous times before that night.” Everyone at the table seemed to be holding their breath as she paused to look at Cassius. “Cassius had left me on the dance floor to get me a drink. Like I said, my friends are incredibly rude.” Her eyes narrowed slightly as she said it.
“Alas, how many times do I need to apologize, Seastar? But it appears my leaving you to dance alone worked out one time,” he said casually, taking the bottle of wine before him and refilling her glass.
Her eyes changed, just for a moment, softening slightly. Callan could swear the shadows broke apart just a touch. “That it did. Because he found me.”
“And he’s replaced me as your favorite,” Cassius said, never taking his eyes from hers.
“He knows many of my secrets. Even some I kept from you,” she said.
“You know he will not leave you behind, right? That he will come for you,” Cassius replied.
“Yes, yes,” Mikale cut in, gripping Scarlett’s hand. Callan watched as her eyes became hard again, and the shadows reappeared around her, slithering down her arm, wrapping around the hand Mikale now held. “I found her all alone on the dance floor, looking around helplessly. I asked her to dance. I did not see her again until that dinner at Lord Tyndell’s early this spring. I know it seems fast, but we have been seeing each other in secret since then. She was so worried my father would not approve because of her upbringing, but one cannot fight true love.”
“No, one cannot,” Scarlett said, smiling. “Although one can certainly try to break and cage it.” She lifted her glass back to her lips and batted those lashes again at Mikale.
“Well, that is an interesting story indeed,” Veda said. “I am so excited to have you as part of the family, Scarlett.”
Callan did actually wince when Scarlett’s gaze became fixed on Veda. Her smile widened as she set her glass down once more. “Me too, Veda. I don’t have any sisters by blood, but I do have sisters of my own choosing. We grew up together. Once we started a wildfire and let it burn just for fun.” There was a long pause of awkward silence before she added, “Figuratively, of course.”
“Of course,” Veda said weakly.
S CARLETT
Scarlett allowed her wine glass to be filled by the servant yet again. She was still seated at the table as a dessert course was placed before her. She had not touched her dinner. She had not taken a single bite of the soup or roasted meats or vegetables or bread. The crumb cake would be no different. Mikale and Veda had steered and controlled the remainder of the dinner conversation, intercepting any questions that were addressed to her. Veda was trying far too hard and appearing way too interested in everything Callan said. When Callan would glance at Scarlett, he looked as if he were seeing her for the first time. She supposed the shadows didn’t help. Cassius was casual beside her, never touching her, but would glance sidelong at her often. Tava had been marvelous. She didn’t know the girl could act so well.
She had stopped listening long ago, though. Her attention had become fixed on Sloan and Finn, who stood by the door. They had clearly been here numerous times, seeing as they were relaxed and chatting with some Lairwood guards. She needed to talk to them. She needed to warn them of the threat against Callan, but Mikale was watching her every move.
She had nearly fallen out of her chair when Cassius had sat down beside her. Mikale had been none too pleased either. Cassius had quickly scanned her while she had propped her head on a fist, studying his eyes. “You have shadows all around you,” he whispered, holding his glass out to be filled.
“Yes, everyone seems very worried about them,” she had replied, moving her finger along the rim of her goblet, focusing on the feel of it beneath her finger.
“What are they?”
“I don’t know. Pieces of my soul, maybe?”
“What is he doing to you?” She had seen it. His impulse to reach for her. He practically trembled with the restraint to keep from doing so. She hadn’t seen him since their fight at Sorin’s, and those words still hung between them.
“Whatever he wants to do, I suppose. Nuri is safe?”
“Nuri is fine,” he said through gritted teeth. “She wants to tear this whole godsdamn house to the ground to get you out.” A beat of silence before he said quietly, “Seastar, about what was said between us the other night—”
“Did he go home?” she asked suddenly.
But then Mikale had announced dinner, and their conversation had ceased. Mikale had come to her side, and their game had resumed. But Cassius’s later words now swirled in her mind.
You know he will not leave you behind, right? That he will come for you.
Time. She needed to give them more time.
“Scarlett, dear,” Mikale said beside her, with a hard squeeze of her arm.
“Hmm?” she asked, turning to face him. Those shadows twirled around her fingers, weaving among them. She held up her hand, playing with them, and saw Mikale wince slightly.
“I asked how you were feeling with your ailment and all. You hardly touched your dinner.” She could see what he wanted her to say. He wanted her to excuse herself so he wouldn’t need to monitor her for the rest of the evening.
“I am feeling quite well this evening. Isn’t that wonderful? I won’t need to retire early for once,” she said, placing her hand on his arm, digging her nails in. She leaned around him to look at Callan and said with a pout, “This poor thing. He’s too good to me. Normally I’m asleep by now. I cannot even tell you how many times he’s come to find I’ve fallen asleep on the cold, stone floor.”
“Goodness,” Tava said innocently. “Why would you be sleeping on the floor?”
“You know how quickly that tonic can take effect,” Mikale interjected. She could hear him working to keep his voice even, and she smiled serenely at him. “She does not always consider what is best for her.”
“Mikale,” Callan said from the head of the table, placing his napkin on his now empty plate. “I would love to see those new hounds now.”
Callan stood. A prince who would not be denied.
“Of course,” Mikale said, standing as well. “Drake and Cassius, I assume you will join us?”
“Of course,” Cassius said, rising to his feet.
Finn and Sloan readied themselves to follow them, but Scarlett said with a small laugh, “Surely his Highness doesn’t need his guards to follow to our own kennels? Do they not trust you, Lordling?”
Mikale’s face went pale at her words, and she knew. She knew he remembered her words from over a year ago. I bet I know his guards better than you. I can get them messages in ways you can’t even fathom.
To her relief, Finn spoke from the doorway. “She speaks the truth. If you are okay with it Callan, we’ve been here enough to trust nothing will harm you.”
“Thank the gods,” Callan said with a wave of his hand. “A moment’s reprieve from you two. Lead the way, Mikale.”
As the men went to leave, Scarlett did not miss the look Mikale threw to Veda. Neither did Tava.
After the men’s footsteps had faded, Tava looped her arm through Veda’s. “Show me the dress you plan to wear to the ceremony. I bet it is simply stunning.”
“I have a couple of options picked out,” Veda said carefully, looking from Tava to Scarlett. “Maybe you and Scarlett can help me choose?”
“Oh, I would love to, but I’m afraid I was putting up a front for Mikale. He worries so much, but I really should retire and take my tonic,” Scarlett said sadly. “Tava has excellent taste, though. She selected nearly my entire wardrobe when I was welcomed into their home a year ago.”
“Then allow me to escort you to your rooms,” Veda said sweetly.
“No, no,” Scarlett said, waving her off. “You have company, dear s ister .”
“Do not be silly,” Veda said, her teeth clenching. “You know how turned around you still get in this big house. Mikale would be most upset if I did not care for you when you are not feeling well.”
“One of the guards can assist me. Take Tava and show her your dress options,” Scarlett said, draining the last of her wine.
“I cannot wait to see them,” Tava said, tugging on Veda’s arm. “Is one of them pink? Pink would be stunning with your complexion.”
Scarlett wiggled her fingers at Veda, who looked over her shoulder at Scarlett while Tava pulled her from the room. The woman’s eyes were pure hatred.
“Effective as always,” came a voice from behind her.
She turned to see Finn behind her.
“Perceptive as always,” she replied. “I don’t have much time.”
“You are in danger?”
“Callan is.”
“What?” Finn’s eyes flitted to Sloan, who immediately left to go to find the others.
“There is a threat against him,” Scarlett whispered, standing from her chair. “They are set to frame Cassius for the attempt. He says he won’t actually get hurt, but I wouldn’t put anything past him.”
“You are speaking of Mikale?” Finn asked.
“Who else would I be speaking of?”
“That is a grave accusation,” Finn said darkly.
“You witnessed this entire dinner, Finn. You know me. You’ve seen me interact with nearly everyone at that table. Everything that came from my mouth was coded, including the message you picked up on from me,” she whispered quickly. She looped her hand through his arm. “Pretend to lead me from the dining room.” As he did so, she continued, “I don’t care how you do it, but speak to Cassius before this evening is out. Tell him what I told you. He will likely have more information for you.”
“You are not really to marry him, are you?” Finn asked.
“That remains to be seen,” she answered grimly.
They had entered the foyer. This was the first time Scarlett had seen any of the house without Mikale as an escort…and it was short-lived as he strode in the front door. His eyes widened in horror as he saw her on the arm of Finn. She stared at him, victory all over her face. Oh, he was livid.
“My pet,” he ground out, “where are you off to?”
“Shortly after you left, I did indeed begin feeling ill. Prince Callan’s guard is so kind. I feel like I’ve known him for years. Finn offered to escort me to my west room lest I should fall asleep on the floor,” she said, her voice going cold at the words.
“Kind indeed,” Mikale replied, striding for her. “Thank you so much, good sir. I can take her from here.”
Finn gave her hand an extra squeeze as he handed her over to Mikale.
Mikale practically dragged her up the stairs. After the first two flights, he threw her against the wall. “Careful, Lordling,” Scarlett crooned. “Lady Tava begged your sister to show her the dress for the ceremony, lest she see you getting handsy in the hallway.”
His lip curled, but he gripped her elbow again, pushing her down a hall and then up the spiral stairs. When they reached her room, he shoved her in and came in behind her, slamming the door shut.
“Did you think you were clever tonight?” he snarled, advancing on her. She backed up until she was against the wall.
“You told me to interact normally with them,” she spat back. “Did any of them seem fazed by my behavior? Did the prince?”
“What did you tell that guard?”
“We discussed the weather,” she sneered.
His hand slammed into the wall beside her head, and despite herself, she flinched. “If you did anything, everyone you love is dead.”
“You set up this little dinner, Mikale, not me,” she retorted. “Did I not say this was one of your more idiotic endeavors?”
“Quite the contrary,” he smirked, bringing his face close to hers. “This evening did exactly what I desired it to do. It brought you back from wherever you had retreated to.” There was a knock on the door, and two guards entered. One held her tonic. “How shall it be tonight, my pet? Will you take this willingly or by force?”
“Go to hell.”
The shadows curled around her tightly, and she closed her eyes as Mikale stepped back, taking the vial. The guards surged forward and gripped her arms, hauling her to the bed. She kicked and fought, like she’d done every other night since she’d come here. They forced her onto the bed, and Mikale straddled her, tipping the tonic into her mouth and covering it with his hand. “Swallow it,” he snarled.
When she had, he jerked his chin, dismissing the two guards, but he remained atop her. He brought his hand to her face, brushing her hair back. He leaned down, kissing the hollow of her throat. “Tomorrow, my pet,” he whispered. “Tomorrow you shall be mine.”
His head jerked back as the shadows swarmed him, protecting her somehow.
He snarled at her, and she smiled back at him. “Delightful, aren’t they?” she said, lifting her hand to wend her fingers amongst the swirling darkness. “Tell me, how do you plan to control them, then? Since you let them out?”
His eyes widened, and his hand snapped out, gripping her wrist and pulling it painfully to him. “What is this?” he demanded. Confused, she followed his line of sight. The shadows had receded enough to reveal the Mark on her forearm. When she didn’t reply, he snapped again, “Where did you get this?”
“In the depths of sleep,” she replied. Those shadows swelled again and bit at his hand. He dropped her wrist with a hiss.
“Who gave it to you?”
“I don’t know.”
“What did he look like?”
“Why do you seem afraid of a dream, Lordling?” Scarlett asked, tilting her head to the side.
He gripped her wrists again and pinned them above her head. He brought his face close to hers. “Our game has just begun, my pet. After tomorrow there is nothing he can do about it.” Mikale pressed a kiss to her mouth, hard and rough. Then he pushed himself off of her and left the room without another word, humming softly to himself. She heard the click of the lock as she pulled her knees to her chest.
Tomorrow. He had said tomorrow.
And who was he? The man in her dream?
She had needed more time, and instead she had lost it all. She had made a bad call. She had played a dangerous game, and she had lost.