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Her lower lip trembles and she averts her gaze, looking ahead. Seeing the way Lucy killed them, so thoughtlessly and viciously, has me spiralling. Guilt from my past actions surfaces. My brain fog is getting worse, the ache making my eyes twitch. I can hardly recall anything now, as if with each step I’m losing more of my old self.

‘Were they your family?’ I probe.

Slowly, she nods, hugging her arms around herself as we walk. ‘Friends of the family but yeah. I’ve grown up with most of them. I thought I knew them, but clearly there’s a lot I don’t know.’

Nodding, I don’t reply to that, unsure of what else to say to her.

We finally reach the edge of the woods where a long road stretches out before us.

‘Shall I get us a car?’ I suggest, surveying the road, unsure whether we’ll come across anyone out here.

‘Get us a car?’ she repeats. ‘As in, steal one?’

I shrug. ‘I mean, yeah. Probably.’

She frowns at that. ‘I’d rather not commit a crime.’

‘What’s your idea, then?’

Chewing her lip, she tightens her arms around herself, staring down the road. I exhale, running a hand through my hair.

‘What’s the plan, Cupcake? I’m having a bit of trouble remembering anything about my life right now. I can’t think of anywhere to go or anyone we can turn to.’

She eyes me. ‘What do you mean? Are you experiencing more memory loss?’

‘I believe so.’

Her brows tip together. ‘We need to get away from Red Thorne. Get somewhere safe and then figure things out.’

‘Right. So, a car would be handy, then?’

‘There aren’t exactly many around,’ she mutters.

As if manifested by Tara, headlights swing around the corner.

Stepping out in front of the car, I hear Tara gasp and the man behind the wheel curses, stomping his foot on the brake. The car squeals to halt, extra loud in the stillness of the night. Prowling around to the window, I rap on it. Hesitantly, the man lowers his window, and the moment his eyes latch onto mine, his face becomes blank.

‘You’re going to let us use your car.’

‘Sure,’ he agrees easily.

‘Move to the back seat.’

Calmly, the man unbuckles his seatbelt and unfolds his long frame out of the car. Tara’s mouth is open as she gapes at him. He doesn’t even acknowledge her as he climbs into the back seat. Touching my fingertips to her elbow, I guide her around to the other side of the car and open the door for her. Wordlessly, she takes a seat.

We drive around until finally finding a petrol station. I pull up out the front and turn back, my eyes finding the man’s once more.

‘You will get out now. Call someone to come get you.’

Nodding, he clambers out of the car. Tara’s jaw is slack as she blinks at me with wide eyes.

‘So, it’s true. You just bewitched him.’

‘I made some suggestions,’ I shrug.

‘What’s he going to think just happened?’ she asks, looking concerned. ‘What if he doesn’t have anyone to call?’

‘Not our problem, Cupcake.’