I twisted and squirmed, but Morgan was too strong for me. I swung my head around and tried to bite her arm. But she lifted me off the floor and carried me to the back of the bleachers.
“Let me go! What are you doing? Let me go!” My cries came out high and shrill, my voice cracking in terror.
She shoved me behind the benches and slammed my back against the tile wall. “Morgan, stop—!” I pleaded.
“Your turn, Delia honey,” she said, her green eyes as cold as ice, her voice low and hard. “You’ve asked for this, dear, and now it’s your turn.”
“Asked for this?” I choked out. “Asked for what? Morgan, please—”
She lowered her voice to a whisper. “I’m so hungry, Delia. Soooo hungry.”
Her eyes rolled up in her head. Her mouth opened wide, revealing long, pointed teeth. She lowered her head quickly.
I gasped as her teeth sank deep into my shoulder. Her hands tightened their grip as the teeth pierced my skin. She began to suck.
I held my breath. The wall was a yellow blur in my eyes.
What am I going to do? What am I going to do?
My only thought. The words repeated in my mind.
What am I going to do?
My whole body jolted as Morgan stopped abruptly and slid her teeth from my shoulder. The light appeared to dim in her eyes as she squinted at me.
She made a sick gagging sound—and shoved me away, pushed me hard into the wall.
Spitting, choking, she swept her hair back off her face. “Omigod! Delia, you—you—” she uttered.
I knew what I had to do. I took a deep, shuddering breath and pushed myself off the wall. I spun away from her and forced my legs to move. My knees wanted to fold. My whole body wanted to collapse.
I wanted to curl up on the floor, curl into a tight ball where I’d be safe and alone. But I knew what I had to do. I knew. I knew.
The ceremonial Linden Vikings ax was propped in a corner beside the food table. I could see the yellow-and-blue handle tilting against the wall.
I stumbled forward, legs still not wanting to cooperate. I swung both arms forward, prepared to grab the ax handle.
“Delia—come back!” I heard Morgan’s harsh command. “Come back here!” in a bellowing voice that sent shivers down my body.
I glanced back to see how close she was. She was running hard, her red hair flying behind her. “Come back, Delia!”
I grabbed the ax handle with both hands. Gripped it tightly. Raised it off the floor. Heavier than I’d imagined. Heavier, the handle long and straight.
I know what I have to do, Morgan.
I know what I have to do.
There’s only one way to kill you.
She dove at me, mouth open in an angry roar, hands outstretched to grab me.
I swung the ax, and Morgan screamed.
