A Bloody Kingdom (Ruthless People 4)

“Because you asked me to help you get stronger, remember?”

I frowned. Not like this.

“I know you hate the dark, Wyatt, and I know you hate being alone.”

“I’m fine.” I crossed my arms.

“So I should just leave you then?”

“NO!”

Again she laughed.

“Mommy, I want to come out now.”

“Then come out.”

I pushed and pushed but it didn’t work. “Mommy, I can’t.”

“I’ll teach you how.”

“Mommy, I’m scared!” I couldn’t see.

“I know, but we have to do the things that scare us to become strong, okay?” I couldn’t stop shaking. “Wyatt?”

“Okay,” I said softly.

“Good, now move around. Do you feel anything?”

I did so and felt something hard and heavy. “Yeah.”

“Now roll over to your side.”

“Okay.” I did.

“Now feel the side; do you feel anything like panels?”

“What are panels?”

“Like curtains or…something covering something else.”

I felt along the wall but found nothing but carpet. “No.”

“Roll over on the other side and try again.”

I did. Wiping the sweat from my face, I felt again. “I think I got it.”

“Good, pull on it as hard as you can.”

When I did, light came in really bright, and I could see outside, but it was red and blurry.

“I did it.”

“Now use the heavy thing to break the red thing.”

When I did, the first person I saw was Uncle Fedel.

“Hey, kiddo.” He smiled.