AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“We need to look back outside,” Matt decides.
This is a fact we’re all dreading, because the party is mainly happening outside. That means we’re gonna have to dodge our guests left and right.
Nothing is gonna set me back from finding Meg, though. I’m determined. I’m on a fucking mission is what I’m fucking on.
“What is she wearing?” I ask Matt as we go outside.
“She’s wearing a backless silver dress. And the damn mask, of course. I don’t know why we ever made this a masquerade party. I can’t tell who anybody is.”
I grunt in agreement, because suddenly, the dark and moody atmosphere of the party feels opposing. To me, it feels like the walls are closing in, as I realize Meg might really be gone.
I know she never would’ve left of her own accord. Something must be wrong.
Panic sets in as I look through the many party guests and try to find a silver gown. We look behind every bush and tree. We circle the party twice before venturing out farther across the extensive, perfectly maintained lawn and gardens.
I search by myself through the gardens, wishing they weren’t a maze of rows of towering shrubs and flowers. Normally the gardens relax me, but tonight is a different story.
Everything is steeped in darkness. I can’t tell where I’m going as the blackness of night envelops me.
Eventually, I emerge on the other side.
She’s okay. She must be somewhere. Surely, security would’ve seen her go otherwise.
I go toward the tennis courts. At least there’s some light over there.
She can’t be far. If she’s not here, then I don’t know where she could be. There’s the forest beyond the estate, but that’s about it. It’s just wilderness after that.
My brothers are headed in the same direction. I’m ahead of them by half a mile.
And then, to my horror, I hear Meg scream.
The sound causes me to run—and I run fast. She sounds terrified. I can’t get to her quick enough.
I run towards the tennis courts, which are brightly lit, save for one corner.
That’s where she is.
I see her crouched on the ground in the midst of an attack. There’s a guy between her legs ,and he’s just about to hit her over the head with the butt of his gun when I approach.
I come up behind him and forcibly wield his arm back until I hear a crack. The guy cries out in pain.
I have the advantage. I pry the gun from his closed fingers and look at Meg.
Her dress is torn to bits, and she’s bleeding and covered in scratches. She looks horrified. Her makeup is smudged from so much crying.
“Meg, I’m here,” I say. “Get out of the way. Now!”
She does what I say and tries to roll away from underneath the man, but the guy has a firm hold on her, gripping her legs and causing her to cry out in pain.
I start to see red as I realize he’s hurting her. He puts up a good fight, but I pound on him as hard as I can.
He lets go of her leg, so he can punch me in the face a couple of times. I don’t even feel it. I feel nothing but hot, powerful fury.
I’m gonna make him pay, whoever the fuck he is.
I’m going to fucking make him pay.
