Stay By Me, Witch

The Aftermath

      As Ember waited for Toryn to show up, she went through Dai's phone and wallet. She noted that there was a new message on his phone, but went through his photos first. What she found there made her sick to her stomach. Apparently she wasn't the only girl that he'd done that too, but she was the only one he hadn't photographed or recorded. There were about 15 girls total in his photo gallery, three of which she knew. A shiver went through her as the wind picked up and she drew in closer to herself. She opened the maps app on Dai's phone and found where she was before opening his messages. She began going through his texts, starting with the first unread message which was from Sleyter. It read: Dude, where are you? You were supposed to be back hours ago! What did you do to her?
      Ember's body grew hot all over, her anger washing over her as she read the text over and over again. 'What did he do to me? What did he do to me?? He fucking raped me! And now he's dead' she thought with a grimace. She swallowed hard and thought for a moment before opening the message box and typing a reply.
      'Need some backup, things got a little out of hand. Meet me at the old warehouse off of Brittle Rd. It's the one that everyone used to throw parties at last summer', after typing everything out she reread it twice and then decided it was sufficient enough before sending it. She pressed the side button to lock the phone and then began to go through his wallet. She pocketed the forty dollars in cash, took his credit cards and then threw his wallet as far as she could. Sighing, Ember opened her own phone and went through her contacts before finding her younger brother, Alarec's, number and calling him. The line rang twice before it picked up and she could hear her brother.
"Ember? Sis?? Are you okay? Where are you? You never came to get us after school and then when I called the diner they said they hadn't seen you all day! Please just tell me that you're okay!" Alarec's voice came over the receiver at an alarmed speed, the tone of worry evident as he spoke. Ember sighed and nodded, then realizing that Alarec couldn't see her, decided to vocally reply.
"Hey kid, yeah I'm okay. I won't be home tonight though, I had something out of town to take care of. I'm sorry I worried you, I should have told you beforehand. Are you and Alex okay?" She hoped he wouldn't hear the shaking in her voice as she spoke, but alas it didn't seem to transmit to him.
"Yeah, we're fine. I had your ex give us a ride home because we weren't gonna walk in the rain. I hope that's okay, sis. When are you gonna be home? I have a field trip on Friday and I kind of need you to sign my papers so I can go." His voice seemed tired as he spoke, but she knew it was due to how late it was.
"Yeah, that's fine. I'm just glad he got you guys got home safely. I'll be home tomorrow evening, so I'll sign anything you need then, okay? I love you. Keep the doors locked and give Alex a kiss for me, I've gotta go," she was growing worried about what Alarec would say about her face when he saw her. She knew she'd have quite a few bruises on her face by tomorrow, if not already.
"Yeah, okay, love you too!" the call then falls silent, signaling Ember to take a breath of air. After a breath or two, she dialed in Toryn's number and waited for him to pick up. It took three rings for him to answer, but she heard the wind coming over the receiver so she understood why.
"Ember? Hello? Are you okay? I'm on my way, I'm about 10 minutes away, 5 if I speed. Do you need anything?" His voice was soothing and made her breathing come easier. She murmured a 'hey' before taking a deep inhale.
"Hey, yeah, I'm fine. I, uhm, I just wanted to know how far out you were. Can you get here soon? It's freezing and I don't think I can take much more.." her voice was soft and wavering, but Toryn understood.
"I'll be there in 5. Just wait for me, Ember" he told her. The sound of the call ending made Toryn's heart stutter and his stomach did a flop, but he knew he'd be there soon. He stepped on the gas pedal and sped his way to Ember, his mind going a million miles a second with thoughts of how she could be hurt. He was almost to where the GPS last pinged when he slammed on his brakes. She was on the side of the road and the sight of her made his heart drop. She looked absolutely awful. Her shirt was torn to shreds and though she had managed to tie it around her chest to try and hide her breasts it left the rest of her abdomen and her arms bare. The rest of her wasn't much better looking either. Her hair was messy. Face battered, bruised, and bloody. She looked like she had been punched in the face numerous times and if the finger-shaped bruises around her neck were any indication of what she'd went through... well... she'd definitely been through hell. She had dried blood along her ribs and at her hips, and looking closer it was hers, it had seeped from her cuts and flowed down her ribs and abdomen. Toryn's fingers tightened around his steering wheel before he brought the car to a stop next to her. He put his hazard lights on and parked before he got out and began taking his jacket and shirt off.
      "Ember? Hey, I'm here. Come here," He stalked over to her, pulling her into an embrace before looking her over more clearly. "Here, put these on and get in the car. I'm taking you to the hospital, okay?" The look of pure concern on his face made Ember's heart ache. She never thought he'd care for her at all, let alone come speeding to her rescue.
      Ember took the shirt and winced while getting it over her head. It fit her loosely, but she didn't mind. Anything that was covering her, but not touching her wounds was fine. She looked up at Toryn, her eyes shiny with tears before she drew him into a hug. She'd never had the courage to touch him in this way before, but being so scared and after all she'd gone through.. she decided it was worth risking. She was surprised to feel him wrap his arms around her, pulling her closer to him. She felt the tears overflowing and couldn't stop the strangled sob that rose from her lips as he held her.
      "Thank you, T-Toryn. Th-Thank you for c-coming f-for me" her sobs were broken and her words came out jumbled, but Toryn understood her. He pulled her closer once more before letting her go and opening the passenger door.
      "Get in, Ember. I've got to get you to the hospital. Those cuts look deep and I don't know how much blood you've lost. You're still in shock" his voice was low and concerned as he spoke to her. She nodded and got in, nearly howling in agony as she sat down. Toryn was by her side in an instant, laying the seat back so she wouldn't be upright. She bit her lip, sobs still coming from her as she laid back in the seat. She hated that this was how Toryn was seeing her, but he was the only one she thought would even consider showing up. She wrapped her arms around herself as he closed her door and walked around the car to get in on the other side.
      As soon as he was in, he was turning his hazard lights off and putting the car in drive.

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//attn: author's note//
Hey guys, I know it's been a while. I'm sorry it's taken so long for a new chapter, but here it is! Leave a comment and tell me how you like the story.

1,360 words - chapter 4