thirty-one
☾
My blood boiled like a hot spring under my skin, consuming me from the inside out. I cried out till my throat was sore, till my nails bled from clawing at the drywall she pinned me to.
They all watch as she tortures me, stoic under their dark hoods blending into the shadows of the hall. Only Ceciley stood out from them, standing a foot from me, hoodless and grin taunting under the light.
She tsked as another round of magic hit me hard. I cry out, my head on the cusp of exploding from the pain. "I'll have to say, Lois, I'm a bit disappointed. After your performance at the Rival Games, I don't know..." she c****d her head to the side. "I expected more."
It took sheer willpower to raise my head and bare my teeth at her. "Release me and I'll give you just that."
She cackled.
