Help me!

Gina looked away, unable to meet his eyes.

"We both know I won't allow you to stay. But you haven't earned the right to die either. So I'm going to let you live," he declared.

The words shocked her, causing her stomach to lurch. She wanted to scream in anger and fight against these words. But they were true. If he killed her now, she wouldn't be able to do anything about it.

Lily and Lyla walked past, their chins raised proudly as if they'd accomplished something. They smiled smugly at Gina as she followed them inside, her steps faltering.

She stepped through the door of his home, closing it behind her. The house was warm, smelling strongly of lavender and honey.

"Sit down," he told her.

She sat in one of the chairs near the fireplace, taking deep breaths as she struggled to control her emotions.

He paced the room, his fingers tapping lightly on his leg as he thought things over.