Confronting the Past

The party was in full swing, but all I could focus on was the man standing across the room. Richard.

His face was hidden in shadows, but something about his stance, his posture sent a chill down my spine.

Marion noticed my discomfort. "Selena, what's wrong?" he asked, his voice low as he looked at Richard with a venomous gaze.

I shook my head, unable to explain the sudden dread that had overcome me. "I... I think I know that man."

Marion's eyes searched mine.

 "What do you mean, you think you know him?" Marion asked, his expression a mix of concern and confusion.

 "I think he... he was there," I said, my voice barely audible. "The night I was taken..."

A look of understanding crossed Marion's face, and without a word, he grabbed my hand and led me away from the crowd.

 "Come with me," he said, urgency lacing his voice. "I won't let anything happen to you."