Page 41 of The Count

“You’re right,” I finally whispered. It hurt to speak, but I did it anyway.

“You’re mine, little girl, and I’m going to keep you. Forever.”

He reached to the side, and I gazed up at the top of the canopy. Instead of staring up into the burgundy fabric that I expected, I was looking right back at myself.

It was my reflection.

In a mirror.

The only one in the house.

I watched as he grasped a small velvet box off the nightstand. I gawked as he opened it and pulled a massive sparkling diamond ring out of it.

He took my hand and slipped it on my finger.

“Forever,” I echoed.

The End