Dancing with Shadows ✔

Seeds of Doubt

Dancing with Shadows

Chapter 11

A month and a half had passed since Emma moved back in with Richard and Kate. It felt as though the turbulent days with Declan were a distant memory, almost as if they had never happened. The three of them fell back into their routine, running errands together like they always had. The rhythm of their simple life was comforting and familiar.

One late morning, Emma found herself in the bustling city of Life, gathering more materials for Kate's crafts. The market was vibrant and busy, with vendors calling out to passersby and customers haggling over prices. Emma had just finished purchasing a variety of fabrics and beads, waving goodbye to the vendor with a smile.

As she turned to leave, she collided with someone, causing her to stumble and drop her materials. "Oh, I'm so sorry," she said quickly, bending down to pick up her supplies.

She was reaching for the last spool of thread when a foot came down hard on her hand, causing her to yelp in pain. Emma looked up, her heart sinking as she saw Jessica grinning down at her, flanked by two other girls who looked equally smug.

"Well, well, well," Jessica said, lifting her foot just enough for Emma to pull her hand back, then causing her to fall back onto the ground. The girls behind Jessica giggled, their laughter grating on Emma's nerves.

Emma scrambled to her feet, anger bubbling up inside her. "What is your problem?" she yelled, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and fury.

"Declan," Jessica replied coolly. "Stay away from him."

Emma's eyes narrowed. "He's my mate, not yours," she snapped, but before she could say anything more, Jessica slapped her across the face, the sting sharp and immediate.

Jessica's eyes blazed with anger. "He has been mine from the beginning!" she screamed, grabbing a fistful of Emma's hair and yanking her head back.

Desperation flared in Emma, and she turned her head to bite Jessica's hand. Jessica howled in pain, and for a moment, Emma thought she might be able to get away. But then Jessica's friends were on her, punching, slapping, and kicking her. Emma tried to shield herself, but the blows kept coming, leaving her gasping and crying out in pain.

The assault felt like it lasted forever, but finally, the girls stepped back, leaving Emma curled up on the ground, covered in cuts and bruises. She could hear them laughing as they walked away, their voices growing fainter with each step.

Emma lay there for a moment, dazed and hurting, before she managed to sit up. The market seemed to go on as usual around her, people too absorbed in their own lives to notice her plight. With a great effort, she got to her feet, wincing with every movement. She gathered her scattered materials as best as she could, her hands shaking.

As she made her way back to Richard and Kate's cabin, Emma's mind was a whirlwind of emotions. She felt humiliated, angry, and above all, heartbroken. The memory of Declan's final words to her haunted her, making the pain even more acute.

When she finally reached the cabin, she was exhausted, both physically and emotionally. Richard and Kate were outside, tending to the garden. Their faces turned to concern the moment they saw her.

"Emma, what happened?" Richard asked, rushing over to support her as she stumbled forward.

"It's nothing," Emma muttered, but her voice broke. "I just... I need to sit down."

Kate quickly fetched a chair, and Emma collapsed into it, her body trembling.

"Tell us what happened," Kate urged gently, her eyes filled with worry.