Twisted Kingdom (Royal Elite 3)

His face morphs into utter confusion as he looks behind him.

Ma stands there, holding Daddy’s gun while crying. She’s crying so hard, her body shakes and the weapon nearly drops from her hand.

“W-why… Abby?” Dad croaks. “Why?”

“You c-can’t take Eli from me. Not even you, Ethan. Not even you…” She strides out of the room, the gun in her hands.

“D-Daddy?”

I run inside. My little feet skid to a halt.

Blood.

A pool of blood and Daddy lies in it.

My ears ring as I approach him. “D-Daddy! You p-promised you won’t leave me like Eli.”

“E-Elsa…” He breathes harshly, flopping down against the floor. “I... need you to do something for me, princess.”

“Anything, Daddy.”

“Run to your uncle Agnus the fastest you can.”

“No,” I sob. “I won’t leave you.”

“R-Run!”

“Daddy!”

“RUN!”

Suddenly, harsh hands pull me by the hair and the strands rip at the roots.

Ma’s manic blue eyes bore into mine. “Elsa! What did you give Eli? What did I tell you about not going to the basement?”

“M-Ma… Daddy is hurt.” I cry. “He’s hurt.”

“You’ll end up like him if you don’t do as I say.” She drags me behind her.

“Daddy! Daddy!” I screech and wail in her hold.

“A-Abby…” he breathes, his face pale and lifeless — like Eli’s. “Leave her alone. She didn’t do anything.”

“She gave Eli chocolate when it’s bad for his health!

That’s why he wouldn’t wake up,” she snarls. “Don’t worry, Ethan, I’ll make her a good girl.”

“Abby…” Dad holds out his hand in my direction. It’s all red. So, so red.

I reach out my hand to him as well, struggling against Ma. “Daddy!”

“L-Leave her… Abby…”

She smiles even though her face is full of tears. “We’ll be right back, honey. Love you.”

Ma drags me behind her. I struggle against her hold, fighting and crying. Them monsters in Ma’s eyes are laughing at me. They’re going to take Daddy just like they took Eli.

Then, they’re going to come back for me.