Marni Ashgrove

Prologue

Small grunts of pain. Shuffling. The sound of a whip. A cry.

I crack open my eyes and take in my surroundings. The dimly lit room is circular, and has a few small candles in holders hung up on the brick wall.

Another whip, more cries, a deep, gravelly voice, 'Tell me!' More whips.

I search around in my brain, trying to come up with a memory about how I got here, why I'm here, if I'm next.

More cries, the sound of a door opening, then slamming, then a brief period of silence.

I'll start with the basics.

Whimpers. 'Shut UP.' The voice again. A whip, silence.

My name is Marni Ashgrove. I'm thirteen. I'm from England. I don't know where I am.

'Help! Somebody, help me!'

My name is Marni Ashgrove. I'm thirteen. I'm from England. Where am I?

'Please, Stop. I can't take it.'

My name is Marni Ashgrove. I'm thirteen. I'm from England. I recognise that voice.

'Stop! I'll tell you! Just stop it, please!'

My name is Marni Ashgrove. I'm thirteen. I'm from England. That's my father.

'He's lying. He's no use." The voice, a whimper, a cry, a thud. Silence.

My name is Marni Ashgrove. I'm thirteen. I'm from England. They're coming for me.

My name is Marni Ashgrove. I'm thirteen. I'm from England. I'm next.