Page 7 of Ashes

Chapter 3

MY WEDDING DAY COMESall too soon, and I have a plan.

I’m going to kill my husband.

So, when no one’s looking, I snatch a knife and slide it into the sheath strapped to my thigh under my white gown.

My mother chose the dress, and I’m glad the veil and the skirt aren’t too big and won’t get in my way.

I just finish lowering my dress when the door opens and my mother enters my room. Her gaze falls on my arm, and it takes me a moment to realize what she’s looking at.

Ah yes, the bite marks.

“What happened to your arm?” she asks.

“It was an accident,” I say.

“I’ll get some makeup to cover it up.” She hurries out of the room.

Cover it up.

Right.

The only thing that ever matters is that no one can see how you really feel or what you really think.

So yeah, cover it up with clothes and makeup, and put up a facade.

Don’t let the pain out.

Never.

My mother never likes to talk about anything with me. I guess she doesn’t care how I feel because she knows my opinions and feelings don’t matter.

I hate that so fucking much.

But at least I’ll be out of this house.

Away from my parents.