Page 52 of Marked By His Touch
I scramble back into the tiny space, pressing myself against the cold metal wall of the closet. My body is trembling like a wounded animal.
The voices are closer now. They're moving through the kitchen, their voices a low murmur. I can't make out the words, but I can feel the tension in their tones. First, a woman's voice. Then a man's. And another man. I'm not sure how many there are. My senses are heightened, and every sound is amplified.
My hand tightens around the knife.I am a warrior. I am Ava Parker. And I will not go down without a fight.
My wrists are bleeding from the ropes that cut into my flesh. The blood, a crimson stain, seeps down my arms, leaving a dark trail on the floor.I gasp. Are my bloodstains outside, on the kitchen floor?
The voices drift around the kitchen. I don’t know where they are. I hold my breath, my body taut like a wire. I hear the sounds of movement, the rustling of fabric.
And then, the sounds fade. The voices retreat. A thick and heavy silence descends upon the kitchen. I let out a breath. I'm not sure how much time has passed, but it feels like an eternity. I have to get out of here. I push open the closet door, stepping out into the silent kitchen.
But before I can take a step, a strong hand clamps over my mouth, silencing any sound I might make. My heart leaps into my throat. I freeze, my body stiff with terror.
“Shhh,” a voice whispers. It’s a familiar voice.
Then, I feel a gentle and reassuring touch on my shoulder. I can smell her scent, the earthy aroma of moss, rain, and old perfume.
Katerina.
The world shifts. The pressure on my chest eases, the tension draining from my body.I am not alone. Katerina is here.
I pull away from her hand, turn, and throw my arms around her, my body collapsing against hers. My eyes are filled with tears.
“Katerina—” I sob. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“Hush child, hush,” she says and looks around.
"Where is Alexander?" I whisper.
Katerina doesn't answer. She simply strokes my hair, her touch gentle. "It's okay."
I stand there, clinging to her, my body shaking, my relief so overwhelming it makes my head spin.I'm safe. I’m safe. I’m safe.
“Alexander? Can I talk to him?” I ask.
Katerina pulls out a phone, her movements quick and efficient. She dials a number, her voice low, not to be heard. "Yes, I got her."
There's an answer on the other end, and then she says, “Come. I send— location.”
I release the tension in my jaw. We're not out of this yet. But knowing Alexander is coming makes things a little better. Knowing that I'm not alone. That I don't have to carry it all by myself.
“Katerina,” I say.
“Yes,devushka?” she says, her gaze flicking to the door.
“The other women, he has them. Nikolai has them. We need to get them out of here.”
Katerina nods, stretching her gray hair and setting it up in a tight bun. "All in time,Anya. All in time."
I look around, trying to find another exit to see if Alexander will come from where I entered. I can’t see the entire kitchen; it's huge. Industrial-looking, it has massive appliances and stacks of gleaming stainless steel. It's a kitchen built to feed an army, not a family.
I hear something outside the door, a muffled sound that makes my skin prickle. The creak of the door opens slowly, making me shiver.He’s just being careful, Ava.
I look back at Katerina, then back to the door. My mind's racing, replaying her words to me."Anya."She called meAnya.
"Wait, Katerina, why'd you call me that?" I ask, tilting my head. "Anya—"
Katerina doesn’t answer. Her eyes are fixed on the door.
