Chapter 11: 9

*Cassie’s POV*

I woke up to the smell of maple syrup and bacon, the scent so delicious and inviting it momentarily made me forget where I was. Slowly, I opened my eyes, blinking against the soft morning light that seeped through the curtains. The room was unfamiliar—simple, yet cozy, with pale green walls and a quilted blanket draped over the bed I lay on.

Memories from the night before trickled in, hazy but vivid enough to make my heart race. Nicco. The club. The blood. And then... nothing.

I sat up carefully, wincing as a sharp pain flared in my shoulder. My hand instinctively went to the bandage that covered my wound, and I bit back a groan.

Swinging my legs over the side of the bed, I let my feet touch the floor. It was cool against my skin, grounding me as I tested my weight. Once I was sure I wouldn’t collapse, I stood up slowly, careful not to aggravate my side. The room was quiet except for the faint hum of activity beyond the door.

I walked to the door, gripping the knob with shaky fingers, and cracked it open just enough to peek outside. The hallway was empty, bathed in soft golden light from the morning sun streaming through a window at the end. I slipped out, moving cautiously so the door wouldn’t creak, and tiptoed across the hallway.

Thankfully, the wooden floor didn’t betray me with a squeak. I couldn’t help but feel a small surge of relief, as if fate was finally cutting me some slack.

Following the smell of food, I heard the faint sound of music and an occasional hum. My curiosity piqued, I inched closer to the source. When I reached the kitchen, I paused in the doorway, unable to suppress a smile.

A woman in her mid-fifties with coiled salt-and-pepper hair swayed to the music, her back to me as she flipped pancakes. The tune playing was one I recognized immediately.

*Listen, baby, ain't no mountain high... Ain't no valley low, ain't no river wide enough, baby... If you need me, call me, no matter where you are...*

The lyrics floated through the air, and the woman’s soft humming made it impossible not to smile. She moved with such ease and joy, dancing to the beat as if no one was watching.

I stood there for what felt like minutes, unable to tear my gaze away. The song came to an end, and as if sensing my presence, the woman turned around. Her dark eyes met mine, and a warm smile spread across her face.

“Well, look who’s finally awake,” she said, setting down her spatula and taking a step toward me.

I stiffened, instinctively taking a step back. My mind scrambled to make sense of the situation.

Who is this woman?

As if she could read my thoughts, she shook her head. “I didn’t kidnap you, if that's what you're wondering, baby,” she said gently. “I did the opposite.” She gestured toward my shoulder. “Repacthed and took care of you the whole night, I did.”

Her words took a moment to sink in. My hand went to the bandage again, and I looked at her more closely. There was no malice in her expression, only warmth.

“My name’s Glinda, by the way,” she added, picking up the spatula again.

Before I could respond, the doorbell rang. Glinda straightened, her brow furrowing slightly as she glanced toward the front door. “Well, now, that’s unexpected,” she muttered.

She set the spatula down again and wiped her hands on a dish towel before heading toward the door. I stayed rooted in place, my nerves on edge. Something about the timing of the doorbell didn’t sit right with me.

“Stay here,” Glinda said over her shoulder, her tone firm but kind.

I hesitated, torn between following her and staying put as she’d instructed. My instincts told me to stay hidden, but my curiosity and growing paranoia got the better of me. I crept toward the edge of the hallway, peeking out just enough to see the front door.

Glinda opened it, her stance relaxed but ready. On the other side stood Nicco, his dark hair slightly disheveled and his jaw tight. Behind him was another man with auburn hair and a sharp, businesslike demeanor.

“You’re early,” Glinda said, her tone light but pointed.

“I- we needed to check on her,” Nicco replied, his voice low. His eyes darted past Glinda, scanning the house until they landed on me.

I stepped out from the shadows, crossing my arms despite the ache in my shoulder. “I’m fine,” I said, my voice steadier than I expected.

Nicco’s expression softened slightly, though he still looked tense. The auburned haired male, on the other hand, offered me a small, knowing smile.

“Glad to see you’re up, I'm Phoenix by the way,” he said. “And judging by the smell, you’re in for a hell of a breakfast.”

Glinda rolled her eyes. “You two are like stray cats, showing up whenever you please.” She turned back to me, her expression softening. “Come on, baby. Let’s get you fed.”

Despite everything, I couldn’t help but smile. For the first time in a long time, I felt a flicker of hope—fragile but real.

As I followed Glinda back to the kitchen, Nicco and Phoenix close behind, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was only the calm before the storm. But for now, I let myself breathe. Just for a moment.