Midnight Rose (completed)

Chapter 29

I refused to go back to my building. Instead, I paced in the lobby of the main building, waiting for my dad to reappear. Time passed so slowly that one minute felt like ten. I asked Elijah what time it was every few minutes, and while I would have lost my mind if someone did that to me, he would answer patiently each time. What could be taking so long? They had been in there for over an hour, and Polly had abandoned her post.

When the click of the door opening finally echoed in the lobby, my heart sank as I saw Polly's face. Tears rolled down her face. She was followed closely by Jack, who was dressed in all black still. An Elite member. Then my dad came into view, followed by another Elite member dressed in black. I ran up to them.

"Dad? What's happening?" Panic filled my voice. His apologetic eyes said it all. "No. They can't do this." I passed Polly, but Jack stopped me.

"Step aside," he said coldly.

"No," I refused and punched him in the gut. He was unfazed by my weak attempt.

A pair of hands grabbed ahold of my arms from behind and held me back. I glanced over my shoulder, surprised Elijah was the one holding me. "Let go," I screamed as tears rolled down my face and my heart pounded in my ears.

"Stand down," Jack commanded.

I felt like I barely knew him anymore. The Jack I grew up with would never have betrayed me like this. "Dad?" If hearts could shatter, mine would.

"I'm sorry, Peanut." He shook his head, defeated.

"How could they do this?" I fought against Elijah's hold. "Let go of me." Yanking only made his grip tighten. Polly was holding the doors as Jack led my father out. I refused to let my dad leave like this. I bent down and bit Elijah's hand hard, breaking his skin. The pain forced him to let go, and I ran toward my dad. Jack tried to stop me again, but this time I crouched under his arm and punched him where it hurts. He crumpled briefly, giving me a chance to hop into my dad's arms before the other Elite member could interfere.

"Please, don't leave me here, Dad. Take me with you. I can't do this without you." He held me tightly.

"Remember everything I told you and trust no one. Stay close to Elijah." His voice lowered. "Find your brother. Bring him home."

Jack's arms wrapped around my waist, tugging me violently. I tried to keep my hold around my dad's neck, but he reached up and pulled my fingers away.

"There's no sense in fighting, Peanut."

He released my grip on him. "I love you." Jack grabbed ahold of me. "I'll see you soon," he said as he walked out, Jack restraining me against his chest. When my dad was gone, I wiggled violently in Jack's arms.

"Let her go," Elijah commanded, coming face-to-face with him.

"Yes, sir."

Jack let go, and I fell to the floor, my strength weakened and my will broken. They left me crying on the floor. To mourn for my dad. But what they didn't know was the vengeance Penelope had felt was now boiling in my blood. The Order would regret shaming my dad. I would train hard, and if I were a Chosen, I would make them pay.

Elijah crouched next to me, scooping me in his arms and lifting me up. My head fell on his chest, and I closed my eyes. I was completely drained, and all I wanted to do was sleep.

A memory infiltrated my sadness.

"Hold on, Abigail. I'm getting you to help." Elijah's voice was desperate.