No Escape | Deadly Obsessions

"Do you really think you could hide from us?"

The voice slithers through the empty halls behind me, smooth as a blade dragged across silk. Calm. Too calm. But beneath it thrums something darker-a predator's amusement, a promise coiled tight in every syllable.

"She really thinks we wouldn't be able to find her."

I don't need to turn around to know he's smirking. I can feel it-the way his gaze licks up my spine, savoring my panic like a delicacy. That's how they are. All of them. Obsessive, cunning, possessive. Turning my fear into their entertainment.

"Why don't we start locking her up?"

Ice floods my veins. As if I wasn't already trapped. My ankle screams with every step, the bruise a throbbing reminder of my last failed escape. The halls stretch endlessly, mocking me, twisting like a labyrinth designed to keep me exactly where they want me.

"Run while you still can, Kitty."

Their footsteps echo behind me-leisurely, unhurried. They aren't running. They're toying with me. Certain I'll fail.

Then-a door.

Hope claws up my throat. I hitch my dress higher, biting back a whimper as fire shoots through my ankle. 'Please, please let it lead outside'. My fingers scramble for the knob, twisting-

Yes!

Cool air rushes over my face. Freedom. But before I can lunge forward, an iron grip wrenches me back. My back slams against a broad chest, trapping me.

"It's adorable how hard you try to escape us."

Laughter curls around me, thick as smoke. My vision blurs, the walls pressing in. The ringing in my ears drowns out everything but their voices-their victory-as their fingers dig into my skin, claiming me all over again.

"Darling, like I said. There's No Escape from us."