Chapter 14

FOURTEEN

Laura

T he area we'd docked at looked utterly deserted. The sea caressed at a pale sandy beach, intermittent dark rocks jutting out from the water along the shore line. A tiny stone cottage sat alone a little ways back from the beach, surrounded by nothing but trees, rugged grassy terrain and some distant cliffs.

Where were we?

If I'd have arrived here with anyone other than my captor, I might have described it as a perfect little slice of paradise. A pretty hideaway.

Instead, it was like a green cage. A bigger cage than the boat, sure. But no less isolated.

I only hoped that beyond the trees there were other people. A village when I could find help. A phone. Something. Anything.

Phoenix jumped over the gap between the boat and the wooden jetty, before reaching out for my hand. I ignored it and made the jump myself, my stomach in my chest as I looked down at the narrow gap. Still, getting squished between the boat and the dock would be better than willingly taking his hand. I landed on two feet before stumbling a step forward.

He carried numerous bags, picking his way over the stony ground that led to the patch beyond the beach. I followed, my legs feeling like they were at least half noodle after days on the constantly moving boat.

The ground was outrageously solid in comparison.

A hare darted across the path, disappearing into the long, untamed grass. Pebbles on the path dug into my bare feet with every step. What had happened to my shoes after Phoenix had taken me from the fire?

No idea.

Stepping onto the grass at the side of the path, I looked back at the spot where the hare had vanished. Phoenix trudged along the path toward the cottage, not looking back at all.

My heart thumped in my chest.

I dashed into the grass, following the hare.

Adrenaline fuelled my run until I hit a patch of trees, not looking back to see if Phoenix gave chase. My breaths became laboured as my thighs burned, the stitches in my chest tightening with every harried step.

Eventually, my legs could carry me no further, and I collapsed in a pile against a tree trunk, trying to breath through the ache in my lungs. I'd run uphill, through the trees, only stopping when they opened up to a new view.

A view that made my heart sink.

It was an island. A tiny fucking island. The cottage was the sole property on it. From the high point I could see the sea on all sides, wild sheep scattered through the open ground, grazing on the long grass.

Hot tears filled my eyes and I lashed out at the tree, catching my knuckles on the rough bark. Frustration fuelled my strikes and I didn't let up until my knuckles were bloody. Stumbling along the ridge, I found myself standing on one of the low cliffs, looking out over the never ending sea.

No-one was going to come for me.

Phoenix must have let me run, knowing there was nowhere to go.

My feet carried me to the edge of the grass topped cliff. Dizziness swept through me at the sight of the sea crashing into the rocks far below.

Just jump.

It could all be over so quickly. I was supposed to die in the fire, and what was the point of continuing? To be Phoenix's toy? Then what? Wait until he grows bored of me and hope for release? Yeah, right. He'd be more likely to bury me on this remote island where no-one would ever find me.

What if he left me there? Alone.

The tears came heavy, cascading down my cheeks until my hoodie grew sodden around my neck. I took another step closer to the edge, my toes no longer on the solid ground. Fear strangled my sobs and I closed my eyes, ready.

It would be quick.

I hoped.

Peace filled me, and I let a tiny smile cross my lips.

A snicker pulled me from my reverie, making me look down as panic swept up and filled me. I stumbled backward .

Fuck.

I'd almost done it.

I collapsed against the grass, throwing myself downward and letting the sobs take over. Curling into a foetal position, I let all of the pent up anguish escape. Tears gave way to sobs, and sobs gave way to desperate cries that sounded alien even to myself.

Death keeps coming so close, but I keep narrowly missing it. It has to be better than staying with Phoenix.

I jolted as something soft and warm nudged my neck. I'd been so lost in my near jump, I hadn't noticed another creature sharing the space with me.

A short pony stood above me, the heat from its nostrils blowing through my hair as it curiously sniffed me.

A surprised laugh erupted from my mouth, and a delirium filled me. The pony didn't seem to mind, it moved down to sniff along my neckline.

Pulling myself to sit, I reached out and stroked the velvety soft skin of its nose.

‘Well, hi,' I crooned, sniffling down snot and tears. The pony let me take what I needed, as if it was some magical beast sent by the universe itself in a moment where I needed someone kind more than anything else.

‘I don't suppose you have a phone?' I said through a tortured chuckle. The pony thrust its head against my chest, nudging me. I gave it a rub along the jaw and sighed. ‘Guess not. But this'll do.'

Wind swept up over the cliff face, whipping my hair around us.

‘At least I'm not the only one stuck here,' I whispered, pressing my face into the soft fur of the pony's neck.

We could be companions in our desolation.