Sitting across from her, I watched as she ate peacefully, completely unaware of the real reason for my visit.
Talia chewed slowly, savoring every bite, while I silently counted down the final moments of her life.
That girl had no idea she was finishing her last meal and that once she swallowed the final bite, there would be nothing left for her but me.
I had spent most of that morning pacing my room, contemplating what to do about her and arguing with the voices until my head throbbed.
You can’t keep her forever.
She knows too much.
I had argued back every time, insisting there had to be another way.
Maybe I could move her somewhere else.
Maybe I could keep bringing her food.
Maybe, eventually, she would understand why I had done all of this and promise not to tell anyone.
The voices laughed at that.
By morning, they had worn me down.
Every excuse I made they tore apart and every alternative I suggested they found a reason it wouldn’t work. Eventually, killing her stopped feeling like a choice and started feeling like the only way to protect the life I had finally been given another chance at.
Despite the situation, Talia hadn’t threatened to expose me or done anything that made killing her feel deserved.Thatwas what made the decision so difficult. I truly hated the thought of having to kill her. But I couldn’t keep her there alive, and I couldneverlet her go… especially not with everything at stake.
I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees. “You know, Talia, you’ve been such a good, kept secret… but secrets don’t stay quiet forever. Well, not all anyway.”
Talia froze mid-bite, and I could tell she had finally sensed that something was wrong.
“Wh-What is that supposed to mean?” she stammered, her voice trembling with a mix of confusion and fear.
“I have to figure out what to do with you. You can’t stay down here forever.” I paused. “Well, technically, youcould. But I sure as hell can’t keep sneaking over here every other day, spending money to feed you, cleaning up after you, and worrying about whether you’re gonna make a run for it, especially once I get too big to physically stop you.”
As I spoke, I rubbed a hand over my still-flat stomach.
“Being pregnant is exhausting as it is. I already have prenatal vitamins, appointments, and morning sickness to keep up with. Maintaining a captive was never supposed to be part of the pregnancy package… not for too long anyway. I also still have to make time for my man. Jace isnotabout to be competing with a hostage for my attention.”
A bittersweet smile tugged at my lips.
“I don’t want to kill you… really, I don’t,” I admitted, my voice softening with surprising sincerity. “You’ve actually been pretty cooperative lately. You’re kinda like a little house mouse—quiet, nervous, and always watching me like you’re trying to figure out whether I brought food or bad news.”
Talia’s eyes filled with fresh fear.
“But that’s the problem with mice.” I tilted my head as I studied her. “They stay harmless right up until they get desperate enough to bite… and I can’t afford to let you get that desperate.”
My hand slipped into my purse, fingers closing around the cold metal of the gun buried at the bottom. I tightened my grip and carefully pulled it free.
Talia’s reaction was instantaneous.
Her eyes widened in a mix of disbelief and fear, darting from the gun to my face, searching for reassurance.
“Oh, no! Please don’t shoot me! I’ll… I’ll go back to my regular life! I won’t bother you, I promise! Just don’t do whatever you’re thinking about doing! I won’t tell anyone! I swear!”
The abrupt voices that showed up were panicky and sharp enough to make my head throb.
She’s lying!
