“This is much better.” I look around the house, placing my hand on my hips and swiping my forehead with the bandana I tied to the front of my head. Gio and I did most of the work around the house last night, but this morning we had soldiers already sanctioned at the gates, front doors, and out back. Part of my clearing everything out was removing anything that reminded me of Victor. I didn’t want any reminders of him in the house at all.

“What time’s Wolf getting here?” Gio asks, opening the fridge and taking out a pitcher of orange juice.

“Tonight. I need to restock.”

“I don’t know,” he teases, swiping his mouth with the back of his hand. He places the orange juice on the counter. “Whoever did this restock did a good job.”

“That’d be me.” Juno waves, rolling up his suit sleeves and entering the kitchen.

Juno is around mid-twenties and has a reputation that follows him. I guess it’s why my aunt and uncle sent him to me.

“Thanks, Juno,” I say, smiling. “I do need to head into town, though. Necessities for Wolf.”

I sweep up my handbag. “Don’t get into trouble while we’re gone.”

Shampoo, conditioner, soap— “I forgot laundry detergent. Wait here with the cart.”

Juno looks over my shoulder. “I don’t know…”

“I’m in Walmart, Juno. Nothing is happening to me in here.” I don’t give him a second to answer before I jog off down the aisle, searching for the detergent aisle. Junk food. Refrigerators. A rug is held over my mouth and everything goes black.

This isn’t like the last time. It hurts more. My head aches, my body numb. I can’t feel anything around me.

“Ah, you’re awake…” Skully comes into view, and I blink my eyes to look around the space. A wooden cross, hedge lining maze, torches burning with fire, people gathered around me wearing white or black robes. The wind whooshes through the air and I stare up, distracted for a second, watching as the thick branches sway, dancing with the wind.

“What do you want? I know everything,” I say harshly, but my throat burns like I’ve swallowed acid.

“Ah…” He steps in front of me, and I look through the eyes of his metal mask. “I doubt he would have told you everything.”

“What do you mean—” I shuffle, tugging on the ties knotted around my wrists. They erupt with pain when I move, and I peek up over my shoulder to see blood dripping down from the rope.

“Now.” Skully removes the hoodie from his head.

“Stop,” a voice echoes from behind him, and I panic when I find Wicked. “Let her go, Skully. It’s me you want.”