Chapter 41

Maura knew Caleb and the others were lost. No one remained to save her.

Aurora, slowly approaching, discovered a syringe. Curiously, she asked, "What's this?" Maura's fear surged.

"That's… mud water from the road," Maura stammered, forcing a smile that betrayed her terror. Her hands clenched behind her back, blood welling from her nails and mixing with the dirt.

"Oh, really?" Aurora smirked, brushing the syringe clean. Her expression was innocent yet scrutinizing. "Do you think I'll believe you?"

Maura's heart pounded. Cold sweat slicked her skin as she pleaded, "It's true! I was trying to scare you. I was wrong. I won't do it again. I swear."

Aurora mused, Since when did the Crawford princess admit mistakes so easily? I nearly shattered her skull, yet she dared to argue. Now, a syringe of 'mud water' has her apologizing? This must be special.

Her gaze fixed on the trembling Maura. Slowly, she backed Maura into a corner. "Where were we, Maura?"

Maura recoiled from the syringe, unsure of Aurora's intentions. Terror paralyzed her; she couldn't recall their conversation.

"Something about…" Maura stammered, her lips trembling, her eyes darting to the syringe. Her fear was evident.

Aurora placed a hand on Maura's shoulder. "It's okay. Don't worry. If you can't remember, don't bother. How could I trouble you?"

Oh, now you're scared? Aurora thought. Weren't you planning to use this on me?

"I'd like to borrow something," Aurora said.

For heaven's sake, take it! Maura screamed internally. But fear silenced her. If Aurora guessed its contents, she was finished.

Maura's teeth chattered. Pressed against the wall, she whispered, "W-what is it?" She'd do anything to avoid an injection.

Aurora glanced at the syringe, then used her free hand to tuck a strand of Maura's hair behind her ear. Subtly blocking Maura's escape, she said, "I'm curious about what's inside…"

Then, the words that chilled Maura to the bone: "I'll borrow your body to test it—see what happens when this 'mud water' is injected."

Maura shook her head violently, tears streaming down her face. "No! I was wrong! I won't ever do it again! I swear!"

I shouldn't have stayed, Maura thought, filled with dread. I should have left the moment I woke up. Dad, Mom… someone, save me!

Aurora's smile widened slightly. "You're so considerate. You wouldn't refuse me, would you?"

Maura's breath hitched. She struggled against Aurora's grip, but her body was weak, her limbs trembling. The wall was her only support.

"I'm a country girl," Aurora purred, tightening her hold as she plunged the needle into Maura's shoulder, emptying the syringe.

As the brown liquid drained, Aurora yanked out the needle, tossed it aside, and crushed it under her foot. She watched Maura's reaction.

Aurora, truthfully, didn't care what was in the syringe. Since Stacy had found it, letting her daughter experience it seemed fair—a dose of her own medicine.

Maura slid down the wall, collapsing to the floor. A raspy sound escaped her. "Hah… Hah…" Her nails tore at her shoulder, leaving a bloody wound.

A burning sensation spread through her body. She felt as if she would explode, her insides churning, pain lancing through her bones.

Maura thrashed on the ground, her screams piercing the air. "Ah!"

Aurora's eyelid twitched; a flicker of pity crossed her face, quickly suppressed.

If I hadn't overheard Stacy and Rocco, she realized, I'd be the one suffering. Maura wouldn't have shown me an ounce of sympathy. This was simply karma.

Maura's screams were interrupted by a ringing phone—Caleb's phone. It had to be his boss.

Aurora picked up the phone; "Boss" flashed on the screen. She answered.

A man's voice barked, "Done, Caleb? I heard a woman screaming. Is it over? Send me a video if it is. That little bitch Aurora dared to mess with Maura! One move from me, and I'll end her!"

The mention of Maura's name revealed the caller's identity: Rocco.

Rocco continued, then paused, sensing something amiss. "Caleb? Why aren't you speaking? Do you want the rest of your payment?"

A tinkling laugh replaced Caleb's silence. Rocco's frown relaxed. "Oh, Maura, it's you. How's the gift? If Aurora bothers you, let me know, I'll handle it!"

"Guess who," Aurora replied playfully.

Rocco's voice sharpened. "You're not Maura. Who are you?"

Aurora leaned closer to Maura, holding out the phone. "Your uncle's calling. Chat with him."

Rocco's voice was urgent. "Who are you? Where's Caleb? Put him on the phone!"