Page 21 of Ashes to New

He’d always been her light when darkness shrouded her mind. To see him utterly broken rocked the foundation of her world as much or more than the storm outside tested the integrity of the house.

“Then, we need to change our future,” she said, not knowing what that would mean. But she did. A brewing anger had settled in her gut, and it had been growing blacker with each passing moment.

“How?”

There was only one way, and Forest’s gentle mind would break with the knowledge.

“I can’t fight them.” His sobs turned uncontrollable. His entire body shook with his misery. “I’m broken,” he said.

“You’ll get better. You’re the strongest person I know.”And the weakest.

They’d endured too much. The damage had been done.

Beautifully broken. Emotionally ruined. That defined their existence.

She needed to save him before he was lost forever.

Together, somehow, they would come out of this stronger than they were now. To do that, required an unthinkable plan.

“Come,” she said, ignoring his protests when she gripped his shoulders.

Supporting much of his weight, she helped him to his room, and while she thought he’d be more comfortable soaking in her tub, Forest insisted on taking a shower alone. Unwilling to fight the issue even though she was right, Elsbeth helped him to his bathroom. She stood outside, but he managed well enough by himself. He wouldn’t let her close when he exited and ambled to his bed. And then, with a face full of fatigue and defeat, he collapsed on his bed.

She left him, her mind in turmoil, and went to prepare for what needed to be done.

Chapter Eleven

LIKE FOREST,ELSBETH opted for a shower, letting the steam build until it fogged the mirror. A thick layer of suds did the trick, washing the filth down the drain. Wrapping the long length of her hair in a towel, she dressed in a pair of jeans and a white cotton blouse.

She left her room and tiptoed to Forest’s bedroom. A quick peek confirmed Forest slumbered although his sleep appeared to be anything but peaceful.

Ideas percolated in her head, and none of them were good. A decision had to be made, however, and she struggled with the implications. As she was faced with a future of slavery for her and the brutality Forest would face in a fighting ring, peace settled quickly beneath her determination.

Now, all that was left to do was to wait out the interminable passage of time.

Elsbeth grabbed her copy ofWuthering Heightsand curled up on the couch in the great room. For a time, she became someone else and traveled a different path.

Forest woke later in the afternoon, emerging from his room to search the kitchen for something to eat. He said nothing, his vacant stare fortifying her resolve.

Her cell phone buzzed with a text a few minutes prior to five p.m. It was time. Clark Preston would be home. Master John wasn’t expected for several hours, giving her a window of opportunity.

Her mind stilled in those few moments while she waited for Clark Preston to arrive. Acceptance brought a ray of hope, something she latched on to because she feared the next few hours. The Porsche rumbled outside, followed by the screeching of the garage door sliding on its rails.

Elsbeth knelt on her rug and counted the eleven steps it took for him to cross the floor.

She completed the greeting ritual, kissing the top of his shoe, lingering for a moment to rest her cheek against the polished leather. His sharp intake of breath made her smile. She’d surprised him.

“Did you miss me, little one?” His voice softened with praise for her uncharacteristic display.

“Yes, sir.” She could have said more, but she didn’t want to raise his suspicions.

He took the two steps to where Forest stood, his feet spread wide on a base much more solid than his state of mind. She’d tried to get him to talk to her throughout the day, but her Beanpole had remained distant and vacant.

“I have something special planned for you tonight.” Clark Preston strode down the hall. “Come.”

The order was no different than the thousands that had come before, yet this one felt needful and raw.

Elsbeth rose, and with a glance at Forest, she followed Clark Preston down the hall and to the great room.