Page 6 of Hart's Redemption

“You okay?” The gentle voice belonged to a similarly aged youth. His brown hair was shaggy, and he was clearly athletic.

“I’m fine.”

“We don’t have to do this.”

My gaze narrowed as it returned to Josh, who clearly still looked nervous, despite his pep talk.

“I know that.”

“Hey, no need to snap. I just don’t want you to feel pressured or anything.” The guy offered a reassuring smile that prompted a small one from Josh. “You know what? Let’s go get some ice cream or something. We can hang out, laugh, and just have a good time. We don’t have to do this today or at all.”

“What makes you think I don’t want to?” Anger and a hint of insecurity wove through Josh’s sharp question.

The guy chuckled and stepped closer, clearly not put off by Josh’s attitude. “You know what I am, right?” His eyes flashed yellow in the light.

“I know what you are, Zach.”

He chuckled again. “Just checking.” His gaze wandered over Josh with a tenderness that obviously unsettled Josh. “I don’t know why, but I have this crazy urge to protect you.”

Josh’s mouth twisted. “I can protect myself.”

“I don’t doubt it.” Zach closed the distance between them so their bodies pressed against each other and gently tucked a lock of hair behind Josh’s ear.

Josh instantly stiffened.

“Shhh. I’m not gonna hurt you, baby. If at any point you decide you don’t want to do this, then all you have to do is say the word, okay? Ice cream and talking are still one hundred percent good with me.” Zach brushed his fingers lightly through Josh’s hair, and Josh relaxed.

“I do want this.”

Zach’s response was to press his lips to Josh’s.

Understanding blossomed in my chest, and I quickly hightailed it out of there before I could intrude anymore on the private moment. While I knew I had no business witnessing any of the interaction, a part of me was relieved that at least Josh’s first time hadn’t been traumatic. I spared the white door, a sole spot of brightness in an otherwise dark place, another glance before moving on.

After that, the doors became easier to read. Fewer of them were of the ornate style that represented his house, and more metal ones took precedence. There was a smattering of other kinds, but I’d found my pacing. Doors zipped past as I raced through Josh’s teenage years. He grew from a pretty, yet awkward teen into a stunning young man.

At last, it seemed I was getting somewhere when another unusual door caught my attention. This one seemed to have no color, or at least not one that was distinguishable from the nearly black vines that covered it. They twined around the handle and spread across the wall while darkness seemed to seep from beneath it. I unwittingly stepped closer. Pain radiated out like heat, blistering my skin.

I took another step closer, fear that the Josh I sought was inside coiled in my gut. A scream that struck my very core vibrated through the barrier as I reached for the handle. I staggered back and looked up at the terrifying structure. Above the ominous door rested a bronze placard with a phrase etched into it.

I squinted in the weird light and finally made out the words:Thou shalt speak no word that is untrue.

My feet had a will of their own as I retreated from the awful door, the memory of that agonizing scream dogging every step until I was running full tilt.

Chapter 3

Elijah

Thisplacewasaspecial hell. If I hadn’t already figured out how to forgive the horrible atrocities Josh had committed, this certainly would have done the trick. All I wanted was to find him and get out of here. Then I’d devote the rest of my life to bringing as much light as possible to that man’s life, but I had to find him first.

My feet made no sound as I continued to run down the hall peppered with doors. With each step, the doors and the memories they held became more severe, and my anxiety increased. He had to be here somewhere. The sight of a more familiar door gleamed at me, and I skidded to a halt. I’d recognize that soft blue anywhere.

This ismydoor.

The impulse to peek reared its head. I forced it back. I’d already seen too much. Kotori had warned me about the dangers of seeing things here, and that included Josh’s memories of me.

But if this door is me, then I’m near the end.

No sooner did I have the thought than the hallway opened onto a cavernous room with no walls in sight. My brow furrowed as the sounds of battle drifted across the formerly silent landscape of Josh’s mind. Savage growls and the ring of clashing metal grew louder with each step until at last I emerged onto what appeared to be a battlefield.