The Maze

Luna

A/N This chapter contains themes that could be triggering to some readers. These include domestic abuse, violence, explicit language and gaslighting. Please continue with that in mind.

July 15th-

It started with yelling about the little things. "Why are there pickles in this? I hate pickles." "I told you not to wear that shirt. It's too revealing." "You snore too loud. I can't fucking sleep."

Then came the slamming doors. Then throwing things. First was a plate, then a lamp, then a chair. When they hit me, he would stop and apologize. Dropping to his knees and sobbing. Holding me close and begging me. "Please forgive me, Scarlett." "I'm so sorry." "It won't happen again."

Liar.

The first time he hit me, I didn't know how to respond. I just stood there. Staring at him as my cheek throbbed. I knew my mouth was open but the shock kept me from moving. "Fuck. I'm sorry." "I didn't mean to." "I'm so sorry."

Liar.

Then it became a normal thing. The hitting. I learned how to cover the bruises with foundation so no one at work could see. I learned to walk on twisted ankles and keep the pain off my face. I learned to lie if anyone saw. I learned that crying just made it worse. And fighting back was not an option. I learned how to read his emotions so I could brace myself. I learned that he always told me he was sorry. "I didn't mean it." "I wish you didn't make me do this." "I'm so sorry."

Liar.

_________________ ________________ _______________

July 20th-

It's my last night at the club. The feeling in my chest was a bittersweet one. I'd spent the last three years on this stage. The smell of the alcohol and smoke in the air was one I found comforting. The lights and mirrors were home to me. Especially in the recent days. Dancing became my escape. I turned to the stage to distract from the fear of when the music stopped. I picked up extra shifts and worked every private dance I got. Anything to get out.

On the other hand, it wasn't an easy place to work. The clientele that frequented the club weren't always pleasant. Some of them didn't understand what no meant and tried to push boundaries. So, leaving wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing. It would be nice to have an actual career. I'd no longer be looked down upon for what I did to make a living.

When I got to the club, the girls had surprised me with a cake to say goodbye. They also gave me a framed picture of all of us together. I wasn't sure if the tears that ran down my cheeks were from sadness, happiness or fear of what was coming next.

The club was filled wall to wall with people. Tonight, was half off in honor of my Maze approaching. I saw a lot of my regulars in the crowd. But as my eyes scanned the swarm of faces, I hoped to see one in particular. I'd been an ass to him and I'd pushed him away. I haven't seen him since the morning at the coffee shop when he had someone else take over the register for him. All night, I begged whatever God there might be that he'd show up. That Travis would know something wasn't right and he'd save me from Ryan.

But he never showed.

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By the time I walked in Ryan's house, I was exhausted to the point where I thought my legs would buckle. The manager of the club gave me an extra dance that night and though the tips were nice, my body screamed against it. Dancing on a normal night was a lot, adding in the extra song and bruises that adorned my skin and it was a recipe for disaster.

I threw my bag on the couch, not thinking about later consequences. My only thought was how wonderful the bed would feel when I collapsed into it. I was so lost in those feelings that I never heard Ryan call my name from behind me. I never heard his angry footsteps behind me. I never felt his hand twist in my hair and yank me to my knees until it had already happened.

His hand pulled my head back so far that I could look up and see him. Tears already began forming at the corners of my eyes. I'd had my hair yanked before, but having someone's fingers laced in the strands up by your scalp was a whole other hurt.

"I was talking to you." He growled

"I didn't hear you."

He yanked my head back further. "The fuck you didn't."

My hands instinctively reached up to pull his from my hair. "I didn't!" He shoved me forward hard enough that I almost didn't catch myself. I scrambled away from him quickly, jumping to my feet. Every muscle in my body screamed to fight back even as it longed for rest.

"You need to answer me when I speak to you."

My fist balled at my sides. I knew fighting back would get me nowhere. I tried it before. "I didn't hear you." I repeated.

"Whatever" He rolled his eyes and waved his hand dismissively. "I don't even remember why I was calling you." I had started to walk away when he continued. "I'm glad you're finally done with that damned club."

I didn't respond.

"It was full of shitty dancers anyway."

That was the line that broke my resolve. I knew I was going to regret the words even as they were leaving my mouth. "Don't talk about my friends that way."

"Your friends?!" Ryan laughed humorlessly and took a step toward me. "Those sluts weren't your friends."

I squared my shoulders and faced him head on. "They were better to me than you have been."

I was on my backside before I even had a chance to react. I could feel something warm running my lips. I reached up to touch it, somewhat surprised to find my fingers red. My nose began to throb as though the sight of blood reminded it that it needed to hurt. I looked up at Ryan who stood over me, his face contorted in anger, fists balled up by his side. As we looked at each other, his expression began to melt to one of concern.

"Fuck, Scar. I'm going to get something to clean you up." I didn't really notice when he left. Or when he returned with damp cloth to clean the blood still trickling from my nose. I didn't really notice him telling me he needed to reset my broken nose. Or the shock when he popped it back in place. "I'm sorry, Scar. I didn't mean it."

Liar.

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July 23rd -

Luna,

We hope this letter finds you in good health and prepared for tomorrow's Maze. A vehicle will be at your place of residence promptly at 9am. Please be ready to leave then. Failure to do so will be seen as an act of abandonment and treated as such.

We are excited to see you and wish you the best of luck.

I never thought I'd be happy to know that my Maze was tomorrow. The thing that I'd hated for so long because it took so many choices from me was now the thing I longed for most. The Maze had become my freedom.