Chapter 154

I take a breath, pull myself to a complete stand and let it all out heavily. Refusing to be beaten this way. Mind over matter, push it away, don’t let him get to you. Never again. It’s a house, a moment from the past that can’t hurt me now.

I walk purposefully up the path to the massive doors, trying hard to push all the little visions, noises, feelings, and horrible thoughts away. The doors are still ajar for me, and I brace myself before stepping inside the brightly illuminated grand hall. Taking one last breath for courage and steeling my nerves.

Unsteady legs, turning to jelly, my hand trembles as I clutch my coat and bag to my side, dropping them on the chair by the door as I get inside. Trying to be calm.

Memories flood back instantly as my eyes scan the familiar hall. Alexi was pacing in here angrily, and his brother was holding him back. He was devilish and about to commit murder for my attempted escape. The night I ran because he corned me upstairs and use