Page 36 of Not Her Day to Die

September 30th

“Hey Rick.” My smile is tight against my teeth. I know the brothers are just out of sight. I know Jane is with them. “What are you still doing here? I thought you left a bit ago.”

They promised they wouldn’t intervene. But I imagine if I put up a fight, they will. They won’t be able to handle it.

“I was going to, but then I was worried about you out here alone and wanted to make sure you made it home.” He lifts his lips in a way that I think is meant to be comforting, but the light shining off his yellowed teeth has the opposite effect.

“I appreciate it! But I’m all set! Thank you.” As best as I can, I walk casually to my vehicle. Rick’s SUV is parked right beside it, and he stands on the driver’s side of the truck, nearly blocking me.

Faster than I expect him to move, he lashes out.

A needle goes into my neck. My world twists and dims.

And just like that, I become the prey.

The Little Lamb.

Part II Wildflower

Playlist for this part.

16

October 1st

Blinking rapidly, my vision focuses on the sight before me.

I’m in a dark room, there is only one flickering light on the far bricked wall. The room is filled with buzzing and following the noise I find a grate above me, a fan behind it.

Confusion hits me in the temple, my eyes shifting around the space. This isn’t aroom, it’s a dungeon. Complete with cobwebs, concrete, and two pallets on the floor.

The first one is empty.

The other isn’t.

My body.

I lie face up on the mattress, my skin is a nauseating pale white, with pink splotches across my cheeks. My hands are reaching for the sheet that is wrapped around my neck. That is choking me.

Someone is still holding it.

She levels me with her attention.

Not my body that she has just murdered.

Butme.

“There you are. I was getting worried. Too much time has passed.” Her chestnut eyes are empty, soulless.

I blink a few times, trying to understand what any of this is.

A glow shimmers between us. Bright and violet.

I recognize her.

“Luna?” I ask.

She curls her lips. “So, you’ve met my mom. That’s good. Maybe this time will be different.”