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As their footsteps clammer down the steps, I wrap my arms around Mackenzie. “At least they didn’t tie us up,” I whisper against her ear. “That gives us a fighting chance. I have a plan.”
Her eyes brighten as they lock on mine. “I’m listening, tough guy.”
18
CHASE
Our ears strain for their footsteps and the click of the lock. Mackenzie’s wide, terrified eyes are locked on mine, waiting for my signal. I squeeze her hand, flashing her a reassuring smile.
We scoured the attic for any weapons we could use, but most of the trunks had huge locks on them. I found nothing I could use to break into them, which was unfortunate.
“I hate this. It’s my fault, Chase. I’m so fucking sorry…” Her eyes overflow with tears as she breaks off, her lip quivering. She blinks, tears running down her cheeks.
“Hey. No crying.” I grab her, lifting her onto my lap. “It’s not your fault, angel. It’s not like you had any idea that you were flagging down two crazy cult members who would abduct us for some strange ritual.”
She gives me a watery smile before it turns into a frown. “C-Cult m-members?”
I give a solemn nod, my expression grave. “I saw his tattoo, which matches what’s on the back of his robe. It said, ‘Divinity of the Chosen Ones’ in a circle around the skull and crows.”
“I-I didn’t pay attention. Oh, God, Chase. That’s bad, isn’t it?”
I don’t want to downplay the situation, but I don’t want to give her false hope. “I’m sure it is, angel. Luckily, we’ve only had to deal with those two instead of a large cult. So that’s good news.”
“R-Right.” She audibly swallows. “I’ve seen things on TV about cults.”
I nod, studying her creased brows and the frown on her lips. “Focus on our plan, angel. Nothing else.” I’m about to say more but stop when I hear their footsteps.
I nod and Mackenzie jumps to her feet. “It doesn’t matter, Chase. You were antagonizing him. I’m the one who’s going to suffer.”
I stand up so fast from the small, dirty table that I knock the chair over. “I wasn’t just gonna stand there and do nothing, Kenz.”
“That’s what’s important to you, isn’t it?” She jabs a finger in my chest, her breath heaving. “Youregois all that matters to you. Not the fact that you may have put me in more danger.”
From the corner of my eye, I see Orpheus and Rosario standing a few feet away, watching us. I can’t read Rosario’s face, but I don’t miss the amused smile on the devil’s face.
“I’m a man, Mackenzie. I’m not gonna act like a pussy who just takes someone’s shit.”
Mackenzie whirls around, her hands balled into fists. “That’s all that matters to you. Pretending to be the tough guy.” She paces around the room before spinning and facing Rosario. Within seconds, she yanks Rosario’s veil aside, throwing salt in her eyes. Rosario screams, drawing Orpheus’s attention. I use that moment to jab the rusty silver butter knife right into his eyeball before pushing Mackenzie in front of me, steering her to the steps.
“Run.”
As their howls swirl around above us, we race down the steps. Grabbing the knob, my heart pounds frantically as I turn it. I’m stunned to find it unlocked.
Shaking off my temporary paralysis, I yank the door open, then shove Mackenzie in front of me before hurrying out after her. Slamming it shut, I turn one lock, but the other requires a key, which I don’t have. That will have to do as far as locking them in the attic and buying us some time.
Grabbing Mackenzie’s hand, we sprint down the hallway to another flight of stairs. My palms sweat as I grip her hand tightly, my wild eyes searching for an escape.
Spotting a door at the end of the hallway, I tug Mackenzie in that direction, my finger over my lips indicating we must move swiftly and silently.
Stopping in front of the door, I turn the knob, relief filling me when I find it unlocked. Swinging it open, I push Mackenzie inside before slipping in behind her. Silently, I shut the door, the darkness enveloping us.
When I turn, the moonlight shining through the large windows provides us with a dim view of the furniture. Spotting a closet, I pull Mackenzie toward it.
Silently opening it, my eyes scan the space. I point to the far corner and Mackenzie ducks inside, lowering herself to the floor. Shutting the door, I quietly make my way to her, slipping to the floor beside her.
A million questions hang in the air between us, but no words are spoken.
Instead, we listen as Orpheus screams out instructions to Rosario. Her sobs are soft, and the words, “Yes, my dark lord,” grow fainter.
