She let out an exasperated breath. “No. I’m sorry, Erica. I—”
“You did exactly what you were supposed to do. My stepfather and brother have many of the police on their payroll. If you had, well. . .he might have returned to. . .” I closed my eyes. “I’m sorry. . .I never told you about them because. . .I never thought they would return to my life.”
“Where are you? I can get you. How can I help? I’ve been so worried.”
I opened my eyes. “So. . .I’m in a hotel suite. It’s been. . .a night, but I’m absolutely fine. . .and I’m married.”
“What?”
“I know.”
“You’re married?”
“Yeah. That’s why they carried me out—”
“To get married?!” Her voice shrieked at the end.
“Yes.”
“Well. . .are you sure we can’t call the police—”
“No. No. Don’t even think about it, Melanique. Please. I want you to be safe.”
“But they can’t just make you marry someone. There are laws.”
“One would think,” I swallowed. “But in the world that I'm in, the laws are different.”
“Are you safe?”
I didn’t even know how to truly answer that. What was safe when you were a woman in this world—a commodity to make power deals?
“Melanique. . .this is more complicated than it seems, but yes. . .I’m. . .safe.” I walked over to the balcony’s opened doors and stepped out onto the balcony.
Out there, the moon hung low in the sky, casting a silver glow over the dark ocean waters. Waves crashed against the shore. White foam shimmered in the moonlight.
The salty scent of ocean air was crip and cool.
Melanique spoke, “Are you sure I can’t help you?”
“There’s no need to try and help me.” I sighed. “I’m fine. Truly, and please promise me that you won't do anything rash like calling the police or trying to rescue me.”
“This is insane. You were just dancing on the stage and then. . .”
“I know. I know.” I shook my head. “Anyway, speaking of the ballet. What did you do? Did my brother and stepfather ruin it completely?”
“No. The understudy performed. Granted, no one cheered for her. Several journalists were asking about you afterwards, but they said they loved it.”
“So. . .you should get excellent reviews?”
“I should. . .and a bit of a scandal due to your disappearance, but scandal sells tickets, and that’s what I need to do this month if any other theater in Obsidian Bay will give me another chance.”
“You should be proud of yourself. You did an amazing job.”
“And you were the entire ballet. You captivated the audience.”
“Hey. Vaslav helped.”
Melanique sighed. “You’re married?”
