Shattered Souls (Halston U #3)

Prologue

PROLOGUE

C urled up at the head of the bed, my arms are wrapped around my legs as my gaze bounces around the strange room I’m in. My knees knock together as another shiver overtakes me, the fear paralyzing. I don’t know where I am. How did I get here? The last thing I remember is falling asleep in my bed. I said night night to Mommy in my head and pretended she tucked me in, the way she does, where she makes sure all the edges are tucked in around me. Snug as a bug in a rug . That’s what she says to me. It always makes me giggle.

I’m not giggling now.

I’m scared.

I want my mommy.

I want my teddies.

My bed.

Why am I here?

There’s nothing in this room. No toys. The bedsheets aren’t even pink. This isn’t my bedroom.

The tears come then. Heavy and heart-wrenching as I bury my face in my knees.

My nose runs, and my cheeks are red by the time I cry myself out. I’m tired. I want to sleep, but I’m scared.

Just as they begin to droop, a flicker of movement catches my eye.

There’s a man in the doorway.

No, not a man. A shadow.

He doesn’t move, and neither do I.

“Please,” I beg, “I want to go home. Please. Take me home.”