Page 76 of Famine

Oh God.

The previously sullen boys now appear intimidated, and the middle-aged couple look downright terrified. Only the old woman isn’t caught in the grips of fear; she looks more resigned, like she’s seen this all before.

Famine steps in close to the family, his scythe looming over them. His back is to me, but I’m still tense with nerves.

“W-welcome to our house,” the woman stammers out.

“Yourhouse?” the Reaper says, incredulous. He cocks his head. “I’m afraid my men have lied to you if they made it seem likeIwas the guest.”

I close my eyes. I can’t watch this.

“Perhaps we should give you an honest reception,” he continues. “Men?”

It’s the mother’s scream that does it for me.

“Stop!” I say, my eyes snapping open.

It might’ve been the mother’s scream that prompted me to do anything, but it’s the grandmother’s gaze that ensnares me now. She and I lock eyes, and she gives me a look that says,but what can you really do, girl? You cannot fight a storm and hope to win.

Famine’s men ignore me. Even as I’m scrambling to get off Famine’s horse, they drag the family away.

Famine, turns to me then, eyes narrowing.

I’m still trying to get out of the saddle, which is especially hard with an injured shoulder. I end up sort of just falling off the horse, crying out as I hit the ground, the action jostling my wound.

The Reaper closes in on me. In the distance, I can hear the rising voices of the family. The sound of it tightens my gut. No one thinks things are going to escalate this quickly … until they do.

Not even I anticipated this sort of escalation, andI know better.

When Famine gets to me, he pulls me roughly to my feet.

“Undermine me again, and I will make the situation so much worse,” he promises.

I lift my chin. “Fuck you.”

In response, he grabs the wrist of my good arm and pulls me towards the ranch house’s front door. Off in the distance, the screams have reached a crescendo. I’m shaking, full of fear and hopelessness. That, and a touch of anger. Smoldering, righteous anger.

Famine kicks open the front door. Inside, more of the Reaper’s men linger.

“Round up the people of this city and find a building big enough to fit them all,” Famine announces. “Tonight, I want there to be a celebration in my honor.”

Chapter 22

I’m unceremoniously dumped into a room.

“You’re to stay here,” Famine says.

“Or else what?” I say defiantly.

The horseman steps in close. “Stay. Inside.”

“Make. Me.”

His mouth curves into a sinister smile. “Fine. Just remember you asked for it.”

Before I can pick apart his words, Famine grabs me again and hauls me over to the bed.

“What are you—?”