"The course of true love never did run smooth." ~ William Shakespeare
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Kailani Hummel, an innocent small-town genderfluid teenager, gets sucked into a world that seems like only they can navigate in an attempt to save everyone they love. Will Qu...
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"...While everyone is out searching for the Forbes Triplets, we will all keep the family in our prays to help them through their tough year. No one can imagine how this event has affected Quinn Forbes after losing her wife just—"
The television's newscasting snapped to a black screen as heavy boots echoed through the cold basement. They grew closer and mixed with the faint sounds of music — Kailani Forbes' last album before their death.
"Did your mother sing to you a lot?"
Vaughn bit down on the rag tied around her face, wedged inside her mouth. Her eyes shot toward August, then Juniper in their miniature half circle in front of the television. They were tied up by their hands and legs and gagged, just like Vaughn. She was the only one not crying between them — Juniper more than August.
"I asked you a question." Holden smiled down at Vaughn. "Sis."
August's nose wrinkled in disgust. She fought against the duct tape, holding her hands down to the chair's arms, and protested through muffled screams. Her actions stopped when Vaughn shot her a sharp look, silently pleading with her not to anger the man after his last outburst.
"August, is it?" Holden smirked down at the teenager as he turned. His fingers brushed her tears off her cheek and gently twirled a strand around his finger. "You look just like your mother. All of you do."
Vaughn tried to protest when the man grabbed August's jaw and forced her fearful eyes up to his. She staggered in her chair, tilting and rocking it back and forth until a force shoved it back to the floor. Her head turned to try and Catch a glimpse of the man behind her, but her eyes locked on Juniper's crying as Holden began touching her face.
"Mmhft!" Vaughn screamed, jerking against the tape around her body.
"Hi, Juniper." Holden sank to his knees and watched his sister squeeze her eyes shut tight. His fingers traced the outside of her knee with a smile. "I need your help with a little project."
Juniper whimpered as Holden pulled the gag out of her mouth and fixed her hair out of her face. Despite the hands moving around her face, she kept her eyes closed as long as possible. Her chin was pulled up as Holden laughed lightly.
"What's wrong, kiddo?" Holden asked. "You don't want to hang out with your big brother?"
"Mo...Momma." Juniper stuttered. She shook her head and tried to seek help from Vaughn and August, but Holden pulled her face back. "No! N-N-No!"
