Chapter 14

After a few hours of rest, my stomach began to growl, reminding me that I hadn't eaten all day. Right on cue, Ace knocked on the door, offering food. I let him in, and he greeted me with a small cupcake adorned with 'Happy Birthday.' I inquired about the time, and he replied, "It's twelve ten; you're officially eighteen" while kissing me on the cheek. Ace asked if I got the package left at the door. I leaned my head to the side looking at him and I smiled and said you left that for me. Ace gave me a wide smile and said yea I figured you could use a pick-me-up. Did it work? I told him Yeah that I did need it.

I expressed my gratitude, but then a sudden pain overwhelmed my body. Ace urged me to follow him, but I refused with a loud laugh. His blank stare unnerved me, and his pacing agitated me further, prompting me to demand he sit down. I questioned the source of my pain, to which he ominously replied, "It's time." I yelled," Time for what? His words only fueled my panic, and I retrea