Chapter 15: The Devil's Lair

FAYE

I remained in the dark, damp cell. Time becoming blurred in my mind. Nights blended into mornings and mornings blended into nights. I had no idea how long I'd been there.

My eyes became used to the dark and my stepmother brought me a bucket to used to relieve myself. I had to live with the stench of the uncovered bucket after. Still, I was grateful I didn't have to do it on the floor next to me.

I became used to the darkness. I'd always known the darkness. It seemed I would always belong to it.

I hadn't had a bath in days and all they ever brought me to eat was bread and water. I ate that with gratitude. They hadn't forgotten someone was down here.

I shimmied closer to the bars of the cell, hoping to get away from the smell. It didn't make it any better.

The basement door drew open, filling the place with a burst of fresh air. I breathed in deeply, thankfully, even if it was just that one breath of fresh air I got to take.

I didn't have the energy to check who it was. So I j