Chapter 45

• "We are not done yet," she whispered, her voice low and dripping with malice. "And as for the chicken..." She paused, her hot breath fanning my cheek, sending a shiver down my spine. I held my breath, awaiting her sinister confession of the potentially unsettling meal. My heart thudded in my ears as her smile grew wider.
• "It wasn't poisoned as you thought..." she said after drawing out the immense suspense; her words diffused the bomb of tension that had been tickling away inside me.
• I exhaled deeply, feeling a sense of respite wash over me, my pulsating heartbeat steadying as my fear dissipated. I tilted my head to face her, my eyes flashing with resolve as I masked my face with an intent stare.