A Final Fall novel Chapter 3

Ethan's eyes narrowed as he saw Ashley touch me. I flinched, every cell in my body remembering the pain, the fear.

He smiled, his voice deceptively gentle. "Welcome back, Leo." He put a hand on my shoulder, his grip tight, his eyes cold. "Let's let bygones be bygones. I forgive you."

But his words were a lie. His eyes held the venom of a snake, ready to strike.

I wanted to scream, to run, but I couldn't risk angering him. Every time he was displeased, the warden would find new ways to torture me. He would rip out my nails, stick needles in my fingers, whip me until my flesh was shredded.

The warden had promised: if I ever upset Ethan, I would be dragged back to that hell.

The mere thought of those dark days, of the pain waiting for me, was enough to make me tremble.

Ethan led me into the house, acting the perfect host.

As I stepped inside, I realized how much it had changed. My favorite gray slippers were gone, replaced by a pair of men's navy blue slippers. Ethan handed me a pair of disposable guest slippers.

My prized action figures, displayed on the coffee table, had been replaced by a vase overflowing with colorful flowers. I, who had always suffered from allergies, felt a sneeze building in my throat.

There were a few vinyl records scattered on the couch. Ethan's taste in music.

Everything screamed of a new master, a new life, a life that no longer included me.

Ashley frowned. "Why are you just standing there? There's a couch. Sit down."

I hesitated, unable to obey.

Seeing my struggles, my desperate attempts to communicate, Ashley's face softened. Her voice was edged with concern.

"Leo, what's wrong? What happened to your voice?"

Ethan, his eyes flickering with guilt, quickly answered. "He got sick in prison, Ashley. A really bad fever. By the time the warden found him, it was too late. It damaged his vocal cords." He squeezed her hand, his voice reassuring. "But I'm sure he'll recover. Don't worry."

Ashley's composure shattered. She slammed her fist on the coffee table, shattering a glass.

"You said your uncle would take care of him! How could this happen?!"

"Why didn't I know about this?!" She yanked her hand away from Ethan, her voice a low growl. "Get out! I don't want to see you right now!"