Page 1 of Her Darkest Possession

1

INDIGO

Grisha dragsme through the busy station, fingers digging into my arm so hard that I fear he’ll leave bruises. His other hand hangs casually by a thumb in his pocket, but I know exactly what's in there. There’s the unmistakable outline of a gun visible against the fabric.

"Don't try anything stupid," he mutters, his breath hot against my ear. "I'd hate to make a mess so early in the morning."

People rush past us, eyes averted, no one noticing or caring about the man practically dragging me toward the ticket counter. I can scream. I can try to fight.

But then what would happen to Amara still being held at gunpoint by that cop? To Svetlana bleeding out on the sidewalk?

"Two tickets," Grisha tells the attendant. "One way to Albany."

Albany. Far enough to get me out of the city, but close enough that he can escort me personally.

I stand there, numb, as he pays in cash.

"Now we wait," he says, steering me toward a bench. "Train leaves in twenty minutes."

We sit side by side, looking like any other traveling couple. His arm slides around my shoulders, a mockery of affection that makes my skin crawl.

"You know," he says conversationally, "I can see why Anatoly would break his betrothal to my sister for you."

I stare straight ahead, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a response.

"You must be one hell of a good fuck, Amelia," Grisha continues, his hand sliding down to rest on my thigh. "To make a man like Anatoly forget his duty."

I swallow hard, fighting the urge to vomit as his fingers trace small circles on my leg.

"Maybe I'll find out for myself before the day's out," he whispers. "Give you a nice send-off memory before you go."

The station announcement system crackles to life, announcing that our train is boarding early.

“Up.” Grisha stands, pulling me with him. "Let's go."

The station loudspeaker crackles again with boarding instructions as Grisha's grip tightens around my arm and he shoves me towards the platform. "Move."

My feet feel like they're made of lead as we approach the train. Every step takes me farther from Anatoly, farther from any chance of safety.

We climb the steps into the train car. It's about half-full, business people with coffee cups and students with backpacks.Normal people going about normal lives. And here I am, being kidnapped in plain sight.

The conductor stands at the front of the car, checking tickets as passengers board. My heart beats faster. This is my chance. My only chance. If I can just signal him somehow...

"Tickets, please," the conductor says as we approach, his voice bored and mechanical.

I raise my eyes to his, widening them slightly, trying desperately to communicate without words. Help me. Please see that something's wrong. I open my mouth slightly, hoping he notices the fear written across my face.

Grisha hands him our tickets with a pleasant smile while his other hand digs painfully into my back where no one can see.

"Thank you," the conductor says, barely glancing at me as he punches our tickets and hands them back. "Enjoy your trip to Albany."

And then he's gone, moving to the next passengers behind us.

My heart plummets to my stomach. That was my one shot at being noticed, at someone realizing something was wrong. And it’s gone.

Grisha guides me to a pair of empty seats toward the back of the car, shoving me into the window seat so I'm trapped between him and the glass.

"Good girl," he whispers, patting my knee. "This will be so much easier if you behave."