*Isla*

The girl standing before me is not what I expected.

Emery stands, slowly clutching the bars as she peers at me through the darkness. The lightbulb hanging from the ceiling flickers as I pull up a stool and sit facing her, crossing my legs with my hands knitted in my lap. Elijah said not to let her out. I wonder why? I guess I’ll find out.

I give her a minute to look me over. She doesn’t hide her curious gaze, unlike other people I’ve come in contact with ...