Ruthless Empire (Royal Elite 6)

Silver

The following day, I don’t go to school.

As soon as Derek stops in front of Mum’s building, I rush out, my heartbeat nearly eradicating me altogether.

Mum lives down the centre of London, where it’s noisy and the traffic is suffocating. It’s her way to stay amongst people — even if they’re the most annoying type.

The concierge, an old man with a beard, greets me and I gulp so I can speak over the tightness in my throat. “I-is Mum upstairs? Did you check on her?”

“Mrs. Davis asked us not to disturb her.”

My knees weaken. I nearly fall right there and then.

No.

No, Mum. You promised.

He’s saying something else, but I don’t listen to him over the buzz in my ears. It’s like I’m pushed a few years back. It’s the same scene, the same foreboding, and the same deadly fear.

It’s all there.

I hit the lift’s button, but it doesn’t come down.

/> I storm towards the stairs and take two at a time. My knees still shake, but I manage to go all the way to the tenth storey. I’m panting, my uniform’s shirt sticks to my skin, but that’s the least of my worries.

The moment I’m in front of Mum’s flat, I just stand there. My limbs freeze and it’s like someone has cast a spell on me. I can’t move.

Oh, God.

Maybe I should’ve told Papa before he went out to work this morning. Maybe I should’ve had Derek come up with me.

I don’t want to go in there alone.

I…I’m scared.

My heart thrums loud in my chest and a shiver shoots up my spine, engulfing me whole.

Go, Silver.

You have to go.

My fingers are stiff and cold as I hit the password to her flat. The sound of the lock clicking open echoes in the silence of the hall like doom. I flinch, even when I try to keep my composure.

My hand strangles the strap of my bag as I tiptoe inside.

The first thing I see is black.

It’s so dark, I can’t make out my own hands.

Then the smell of something rotten follows. Something like meat and alcohol.

A sob tears from my throat as I run inside. “Mum! Mum!”

I trip over a table and my foot stings. I throw my bag down and continue hobbling towards her bedroom. I’ve learnt the way by heart and can reach it even in the dark.

My fingers tremble, hovering over the light switch. What if I find her on the ground like the other time? What if I’m too late? What if —

I hit the button and freeze in place.