Total pages in book: 140
Estimated words: 140940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 705(@200wpm)___ 564(@250wpm)___ 470(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 140940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 705(@200wpm)___ 564(@250wpm)___ 470(@300wpm)
It struck me then, how sometimes, the mere act of someone walking hand-in-hand with you into the darkness could lend an unexpected strength. A shared courage that might not fully get rid of the terror but could make it more. . .bearable.
It was in that horrifying reality that I realized I truly needed Pavel’s presence with me the entire time. Like Maxwell was afraid to walk down the steps to the witch’s basement, I was terrified to be in the hallway by myself.
Did my brain know this. . .and send him along with me because of it?
A part of me wanted to flee, to turn back and escape this nightmare.
Stop it. Pavel is with you. All will be fine.
Amidst the swirling winds and the ominous creaks of this forsaken hallway, I found myself reaching out to Pavel, almost without thought. “Give me your hand.”
Pavel turned to me. “Why?”
“I am. . .” My tongue felt heavy and thick. “I am scared.”
Those words sliced through my pride with surprising ease. “I want you to hold my hand.”
A curious smirk spread across Pavel’s face. “A lion’s heart is fierce and bold, yet he too can shiver in the shadows of fear.”
I frowned. “Just give me your damned hand.”
“Yet, it is in the acceptance and understanding of his vulnerabilities that the lion finds a deeper, more resilient strength.”
Then, slowly, Pavel extended his hand towards mine. The contact, simple yet profound, was like a lifeline thrown across the chasm of our fears.
His grip was firm.
Grounding.
A silent pledge to share all burdens.
Thank God.
With Pavel’s hand in mine, the darkness seemed less oppressive.
I thought of Maxwell, and hoped that I had been this very comfort to him as we went down those stairs to the witch’s basement.
Wake up, Maxwell. Please. . .I am understanding you better now.
With Pavel’s hand in mine, I moved forward. “Cousin. . .”
“Yes, Kazimir.”
“I should not have killed you.”
Pavel chuckled. “If you had not, then who would be holding your hand right now?”
Pain hit my heart.
“If I was not here, you would be fleeing away from the hallway, probably pissing your pants.” Pavel’s voice cracked at the end. He cleared his throat. “No. Better I be here. Better my death. . .serve a purpose to a happier life for my son.”
“My mouse loves him.”
“And will love him more than you and I could even fathom.” Pavel’s bottom lip shivered. “I see it. He is better because of her.”
“And we are better because of them.”
Pavel squeezed my hand tighter. “Come on.”
Together, we meandered through the decaying hallway.
A little girl wept around us, although we couldn’t see her.
Then, the man’s voice whispered from the darkness, “If you tell anyone, they’ll die. Everyone. Your parents. Daryll. Even Max. It will be your fault.”
I gritted my teeth.
You fucking piece of shit.
Rage burned through my fear.
The wind wailed through the cracks in the window.
I let go of Pavel’s hand and stormed forward. “I hope that bastard is still here. I will fucking kill him better than Lunita did.”
“I doubt that he is here, Kazimir.”
The scent of iron became stronger. Then soon, I spotted a solitary door. It was bright against the blackness.
At first glance, it appeared almost surreal, as if painted a vivid, startling red. But as we drew closer, the grim truth unveiled itself.
It was not paint.
It was blood.
Dark and viscous.
Oozing down the wooden door in a silent, relentless descent.
My stomach churned at the sight.
We stopped in front of the door, right as I saw the number ‘0’ at the center and in this tarnished gold.
My jaw tightened. “This is where the original lives.”
“I believe you are right.”
I reached out to grab the knob.
“Wait, Kazimir.”
I kept my hand in mid-air. “What?”
“Are you sure you should open the door. This is a clue. A major clue. The alters can tell Emily where this is. Lunita could walk her up the stairs, and possibly together. . .they too could walk hand-in-hand to this door.”
I liked the sound of that a lot, but there was a part of me that. . .wanted to do all of this for my mouse. I didn’t want her to have to be in this darkness. I damn sure never wanted her to have to hear the little girl’s weeping and that disgusting man’s whispers.
She was to be my wife.
I was supposed to protect her from as much pain as possible.
“Kazimir. . .”
“But, is this enough?” I frowned. “Or. . .”
“What do you want to do?”
“Go inside. Find the original. Save her. Protect her. Love her.”
“I understand.” Pavel smiled. “You love Emily.”
“I do.”
“But, I think this is where your role ends.” Pavel’s eyes mirrored the turmoil within me. “Kazimir, this is her mind, her battle. Are we sure that you walking into that room is the right course?”
“But. . .”
“Healing. . .it is a personal journey.”