Back then, Hubert had looked me in the eye and promised, with every appearance of sincerity: "Don't worry. As long as I'm here, I will never let them hurt you. I won't let anyone hurt you."
I never imagined this day would come so soon.
When the centipedes and spiders were released into the basement, my scalp went numb. They moved as if drawn to me, locking onto my position with terrible precision, swarming up my body in a crawling, writhing mass.
Tiny, sharp stabs of pain, over and over, until I could barely think.
Hubert's expression wavered.
Clarissa pressed her fingertips to her temple, her voice going faint. "Oh no, Mr. Stephens, I think I'm feeling a little unwell…"
Without a word, Hubert scooped her into his arms and walked away.
I lifted my head just in time to catch Clarissa peering back over his shoulder. Our eyes met. She mouthed the words silently: You deserve this, you worthless tramp.
I clenched my jaw and slammed my hands down on the insects, crushing every one I could reach.
Only one thought kept me alive: I am not dying here.
When I came to again, the sharp sting of antiseptic filled my nostrils. I frowned, the smell alone enough to make my stomach turn.