“Oh, darling, I’m just getting started. But for now… I’ll let you stew,” she purred, her footsteps retreating.

I exhaled, relieved. Darkness finally cloaked the room. I glanced at my hair, noting the small hairpin still holding it in place.

“Better than nothing,” I muttered.

Seconds later, I was still trapped, unable to unlock the door. Then I heard voices outside—two familiar, wolfish voices.

“Let’s teach her a lesson,” Ian hissed.

“Yes!” Rylan cackled.

Before I could react, screams tore from my throat as the floor beneath me seemed alive with crawling spiders and buzzing bees. They’d shoved a beehive through the small back window.

The spiders bit, the bees stung, and I cried out helplessly.

“Somebody! Help me!!” I banged on the door frantically.

No one answered—only the boys’ cruel laughter.

“Don’t try to mess with us next time,” they teased.

My right eye swelled, but I forced myself to work faster at the lock, ignoring the relentless stings.

Finally, the door gave way, and I bolted into the courtyard, screaming.

The twins glared, teeth bared, and claws extended.

“You never learn, do you?” Rylan snarled.

“I think it’s best you never return,” Ian growled.