Until the World Falls Down

by Jordan Lynde

“Although, either way, you have already consented.” “Consented?” I repeated, the air in the room chilly against my bare skin. “Consented to what?” “That depends on your choice,” he told me, releasing my wrist and stepping away to circle me slowly, like a predator stalking its prey. I took a shallow breath, unmoving and unnerved as he positioned himself behind me. “My choice?” “You could remain here. With me.” His lips brushed my ear, making my skin prickle. “I told you I would give you everything you ever wanted. I did not lie. Anything you wish for will be yours.” His words hung the air, and his presence behind me became suffocating as the uneasiness settled deeper. Something wasn’t right. I needed to leave. “And my other choice?” I asked, my voice shaking as my eyes darted to the only other door in the room. It had to be the exit. If I could make it out of the room, I could flag down the hotel staff if I had to. I didn’t want to believe Enver would hurt me, but anxiety crept through my veins. I didn’t really know this man. I’d followed him here without any regard for my safety—an oversight I regretted now. “You take on my labyrinth,” he said, moving in front of me again, hand skimming across my waist. “Make your way through it. Conquer it. You could still get what you want from it, too . . . only at more of a cost.”