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“If I can get the key, we can be together.”
Elliot is young, naive, and thankfully in love with me. He’s the only reason I’m still alive. I owe him my life. “I’d like that,” I lie. While Elliot has kept me alive physically, thoughts of Thorne have kept me alive mentally.
Daydreams of Thorne walking down the aisle with a beautiful woman on his arm, bouncing overactive children on his knee, and thoughts of my family thriving in America are what’s kept me going all this time. I did this so they could live: my family, the crew, and everyone on his ship.
The blood Elliot brought me churns in my stomach, making me nauseous.
“I’m going to get you out of here,” Elliot interrupts my thoughts.
“Thank you, but don’t make promises you can’t keep.”’
He covers my hand with his. “I’m not.” He turns, leaving me chained in the dungeon that has been my home. I don’t want to think about Elliot’s words. Getting my hopes up will only result in pain.
The blood in my stomach churns once more,making me throw up. I’d rather be dead. Why didn’t Kragen just kill me?
……
The sound of keys rattling and the smell of sulfur draws my attention to the door. It’s the unmistakable warning that Kragen is coming. I prepare myself for whatever might happen. “Oh, you’re home,” he says with a laugh as he enters. “I thought you might be out at the moment.”
Asshole.
“I just got back,” I retort. Instead of the scared little victim Kragen kidnapped, I’ve become the vampire bitch being held captive over the years.
Kragen’s laugh fills the room. “That’s why I keep you around. No one else would dare speak to me that way.”
“I have nothing to lose.”
“Aye, you don’t. That’s what makes you so fun.”
“Fuck you, Kragen.”
He pulls a pocket watch to his face. “Looks like we don’t have time today. Plus, it’s time for your bath. I need to remind Elliot of his duties. Oh, wait. I forgot. Elliot is dead.”
I look up at his words. “What happened to him?”
He shrugs. “Somehow, his head felloff.”
Kragen’s words strike me in the gut. “You bastard,” I whisper.
“First, you offer your body. Now you call me a bastard. You are quite finicky today.” I don’t respond, and he moves closer. “You’re weak-minded, Elsie. That boy was feeding you. Do you think I don’t know what happens on my ship?”
I stare down my captor, refusing to retreat. “Get out.”
“Look at you, being all brave.” He pulls the key to my chains from under his collar, setting it on the wooden floor just out of my reach. “Let’s see how brave you actually are.”
I fight the tears forming in my eyes. “Kill me,” I whisper.
Kragen laughs again. “What would be the fun in that?” He leaves the room, closing the door behind him.
I stand, walking as far as the chains will allow, pulling against my restraints as hard as possible. It’s something I’ve done millions of times over the years, and even though the pain of the silver burns my skin, the desire to be free is stronger. I stretch closer and closer to the key that’s just beyond reach.
“No!” I scream as my fingers are mere inches away from the freedom they represent.
“Elsie,” Elliot’s voice says through the door. “Are you okay?”
“Elliot? You’re alive?”
“Aye.” He laughs softly. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
