Beyond a Brotherly Bond | Grethan

Chapter 19

Author's Note: WELCOME BACK! I won't even waste your time with a long introduction, because this is the chapter we've all been waiting for...

ENJOY <3
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*Ethan's POV*

I falter in out and out of consciousness, as my overall functionality depletes by the minute. Meredith hasn't stopped by since the last time she so graciously visited us.

We haven't been given food or water, for what has felt like an eternity.

Chase regained consciousness only hours ago, devastatingly weak from already being drugged days before. She didn't even have the energy to react to being tied to a chair, poor girl.

For a few moments, she and I had briefly discussed where we thought we were being held. Chase prognosticated that the cool, damp air indicated that we were underground; I agreed.

With each passing moment, Chase and I lose hope in escaping — or surviving, for that matter. The fluorescent bulbs above us have become nearly intolerable, as our irises have adjusted to the encompassing darkness.

As my eyes begin to close again, a small creaking sound echoes from the darkness. My heart leaps out of my chest, but my body remains immobilized.

Chase and I simultaneously look up, keeping our heads low.

Meredith emerges into the dim light — her golden locks tied in a ponytail and an apron around her waist.

"M-Meredith," Chase begins, "p-please let us out... we'll d-do anything."

"Y-Yeah," I add, "We'll do a-anything you ask!"

"Shut up, both of you!" She crosses her arms and rolls her eyes. "Neither of you two are getting out... ever! I can't risk going to prison for this; I'm way too pretty!"

Despite not having ingested anything in days, I feel the sudden urge to throw up. How did I get stuck with the most repulsive parasite in LA?

"Anyway, I just came to let you know that our dinner is almost ready, pumpkin!" She beams with an eery façade.

"Our dinner?" I spit in utter confusion and disgust.

"Yes, silly! I promised you a romantic, candle-lit dinner; and that's exactly what you're going to get!" Meredith places her hands on her hips, emulating a mother castigating her disobedient children.

"Meredith... I-I'm not having dinner with yo-"

"Quite frankly, you don't have a choice, Ethan." Her tone quickly becomes caustic and intimidating. "I'm going to show you how fantastic of a girlfriend I am — one last time."

"One last time?" I croak.

"Yup! Consider it... your pre-execution meal," she smiles blankly at me, shooting daggers through her gaze.

"I'll be back in a bit to get you! And if you try anything..." she reaches into her apron, slowly pulling out a small, but very real, handgun. She concludes her visit with a mischievous smile before disappearing again.

Chase and I unhurriedly turn to face each other, bearing the same thought in mind: pre-execution meal?

*Grayson's POV*

I scour my closet, assembling a sombre outfit that'll help me roam undetected.

Meredith's only form of defense is drugging people, rendering them useless. I know for a fact that she won't overpower me if she can't see me coming.