The Shadows We Hide

Chapter 9

Cody's Pov

I sit on the cold, hard floor, my eyes fixed on the door as I wait for what feels like an eternity.

Three hours have passed since Zak dragged me down here, and I've heard nothing.

No sound, no voice, no nothing.

Just the creaks and groans of the old house settling around me.

But then, suddenly, the door creaks open, and Zak's towering figure fills the frame.

My heart sinks as I see the anger and hatred etched on his face.

"Cody, I don't know what's wrong with you," Zak spits, his voice venomous.

"What have I ever done to deserve a child like you? You took all the attention from Catherine! You tried to poison me!! And now!!! You kill my child!?!?!?!?"

I try to protest, to tell him that it's not true, but Zak's not listening.

He's beyond reason, consumed by his own twisted rage.

He grabs my arm, his grip like a vice, and drags me out of the basement.

I try to break free, but he's too strong.

I bite his hand, desperate to escape, but he just laughs, a cold, mirthless sound.

"Ah!!!! Now you've done it!" he snarls, and I feel a wave of fear wash over me.

I try to run, but Zak's too quick. He grabs my legs and pulls me back, and I tumble face-first onto the stairs.

I feel a searing pain in my head and stomach as Zak kicks me, again and again, his blows raining down on me like a torrent.

I try to protect myself, but it's no use. Zak's too strong, too angry.

I feel my body go limp, my vision blurring as I drift in and out of consciousness.

Finally, Zak stops, his chest heaving with exertion. He grabs me again, dragging me back to the basement.

I feel like I'm going to pass out, my body screaming in agony.

As I lie on the cold floor, I feel a sense of despair wash over me.

I'm trapped, alone and helpless in the darkness. I'm starting to lose hope.

But then, I hear a voice. It's soft and gentle, but it's full of authority and power.

"Cody, do not lose heart," the voice says. "You are not alone. I am with you, and I will never leave you. You are strong, and you are brave. You can get through this."

I look around, wondering who's speaking to me, but I'm alone in the basement.

And then I realize that it's the Holy Spirit, speaking to me in my darkest hour.

I feel a sense of peace wash over me, a sense of comfort and reassurance.

I know that I'm not alone, that God is with me, and that He'll never leave me.