Fifteen

The screams tore through the Mansion.

They had barged through her dreams and awakened her. At first, Olivia had been sure she was imagining things until she heard the screams ring out again, and again and again. She sat up perplexed. Beside her, Maya began to stir.

"Can you hear that?" Olivia asked with urgency.

"Hear what?" Maya asked groggily. As though in response, the screams pierced the stillness of the air all over again.

Maya blinked. "What's that?"

Olivia shrugged. "I have absolutely no idea, it's just weird…"

There was some level of suspicion on Maya's face. She had a vague idea about what was happening of course, but she hoped it was unreal.

"I think I'd better get prepared for the day," Maya said, avoiding Olivia's eyes.

"Okay, later?"

"Later. Take care,"

***

The man was seated and tied up. Fatigue sat heavily on his face, side by side with the blood gushing from his nose and mouth. He was bloodied and beaten, but his spirit remained unbroken. Much to the annoyance of