Chapter 6 - The Burned Secrets
The threat hung heavy in the stifling air of the church.
I wanted to know who my real family was more than anything.
But I looked at the man who had lied to me for decades.
I realized I couldn't let him win anymore.
"I don't care," I said.
My voice was steady and loud.
Mark stopped in his tracks, blinking in surprise.
"What did you say?" he demanded.
"I said I don't care about your secrets anymore."
"I will find them on my own."
"But I will never let you control me again."
Margaret smiled proudly from the side of the room.
Daniel didn't give Mark a chance to recover.
He charged forward and tackled my father to the marble floor.
The brass candelabra clattered loudly against the stone.
Daniel pinned Mark's arms behind his back.
"It's over, Mark," Daniel shouted.
Emily crawled across the floor in her ruined wedding dress.
Her veil was torn, and her makeup was smeared with tears.
She looked like a ghost haunting her own wedding.
She grabbed the candelabra that had fallen.
But she didn't aim it at Daniel.
She looked at me.
Her eyes were hollow and completely manic.
"You always have to be the hero, don't you, Sarah?" she whispered.
"You just couldn't let me have one perfect day."
Before anyone could stop her, she turned toward the altar.
She grabbed a tall, lit ceremonial candle.
The flame licked the air dangerously.
Margaret screamed, "No!"
Emily hurled the lit candle directly at my lap.
The hot wax splashed across my silk dress.
The fabric caught fire instantly.
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The flames shot upward, illuminating my terrified face.
And then the screams began.
