The Shadows We Hide

Chapter 16

TW: VERY GORY

Catherine's POV

I wake up to the sound of my alarm, but I'm not sure why I bothered setting it.

I haven't slept in weeks, not since Zak's threat.

I turn off the alarm and get out of bed, my eyes scanning the room for any sign of Zak.

I see him standing by the window, staring out at the darkness. I approach him cautiously, not wanting to startle him.

"Morning, Zak," I say softly.

He turns to me, his eyes cold and calculating. "Morning, Catherine."

I try to read his expression, but it's impossible. He's always been good at hiding his true feelings.

"Is everything okay?" I ask, trying to sound concerned.

Zak's expression doesn't change, but I sense a hint of tension in his body. "Everything's fine, Catherine. Just getting some fresh air."

I nod, unsure what to say next. We stand there in silence for a moment, the only sound the creaking of the old house.

Finally, Zak speaks up. "I have a surprise for you, Catherine."

My heart sinks. I don't like surprises, especially not from Zak.

"What is it?" I ask, trying to sound calm.

Zak smiles, his eyes glinting with excitement. "You'll see. Come with me."

He grabs my arm and pulls me out of the room, down the stairs, and into the basement.

As we descend into the darkness, I feel a sense of dread wash over me.

What has Zak planned?

We reach the bottom of the stairs, and Zak flips on the light.

I blink in the bright glare, my eyes adjusting slowly.

That's when I see her. Lisa, my cousin, is tied to a chair, a look of terror on her face.

"Catherine?" she says, her voice shaking. "What's going on?"

Zak steps forward, a cruel smile on his face.

"Welcome to the game, Catherine. You get to choose who takes the punishment."

I feel a surge of fear. What kind of punishment?

Zak explains the rules, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

We'll play three rounds, and each round, I get to choose who takes the punishment.

The first round is announced, and Zak explains the punishment.

He'll draw an intricate design on our skin with a knife.

I know I have to take it. I pray to God to give me strength.

As Zak draws the design on my stomach, I feel a surge of pain.

But I endure it, knowing that God is with me.

The second round is announced, and Zak explains the punishment.

We have to put our hand on a hot stove plate for 20 seconds.

Again, I take the punishment. I pray to God to give me strength, and I endure the pain.

The final round is announced, and Zak explains the punishment.

Someone will lose both their arms.

I look at Lisa, and she's begging me to take it.

But I know I have to make a decision.

In the end, I decide to let Lisa take it.

I know it's cruel, but I'm desperate.

As Zak takes the saw and begins to cut off Lisa's arms, I feel a surge of horror.

I try to stop him, but he's too strong.

Lisa's screams echo in my mind, and I feel like I'm going to vomit.

But then, I remember that I'm tied up. I need to get free.

I look around the room, trying to find something to cut my ropes.

That's when I see it - a small piece of glass on the floor.

I carefully move my chair closer to the glass, trying not to make any noise.

I manage to pick up the glass and use it to cut my ropes.

As I'm freeing myself, Zak is too distracted by Lisa's screams to notice.

But then, something unexpected happens.

Zak's saw slips, and he accidentally cuts himself.

He cries out in pain, dropping the saw. I see my chance and grab the saw.

With a surge of adrenaline, I attack Zak, cutting him repeatedly until he falls to the ground.

As I stand over him, panting heavily, I feel a sense of relief. It's over.

But then, I see Lisa.

She's lying on the floor, her arms gone. I feel a surge of guilt and regret.

"Lisa, I'm so sorry," I whisper, tears streaming down my face.

But Lisa doesn't respond. She's gone.

I'm left alone in the darkness, surrounded by the carnage. I feel like I'm going to lose my mind.

But then, I remember something.

God is with me. He's always been with me.

I take a deep breath and begin to pray.

"Thank you, God. Thank you for giving me the strength to survive."

As I pray, I feel a sense of peace wash over me. It's going to be okay.

I'm going to make it through this.

I look around the room, taking in the aftermath of the horror that unfolded.

Zak's body lies on the floor, his eyes frozen in a permanent stare.

Lisa's body is next to him, her arms gone, her face twisted in a permanent scream.

I feel a surge of grief and guilt. I'm responsible for their deaths.

But I know I had to do what I did to survive.

I take one last look around the room, then turn to leave.

I know I have a long road ahead of me, but I'm ready. I'm ready to face whatever comes next.

As I walk out of the basement, I feel a sense of closure.

It's over. The nightmare is finally over.

But as I emerge into the bright sunlight, I know that this is just the beginning.

I have a new life to start, a new life free from the horrors of Zak's abuse.

And I know that with God by my side, I can face anything.

Book Is almost at a close. I'd like to thank you all that have been with me from the beginning of the book till this point. I am grateful for the support.!