Taken

Chapter 2

            Another step.

            It feels wrong. I'm being controlled by some unknown force that's preventing me from moving on my own, from even letting me think on my own. I don't like it.

            Another step.

            My hand reaches out as I approach the door, the music growing louder and louder with each step. My will crumbles around me as the music takes control.

            I stop in front of the door, my hand hovering over the handle. I feel that spark again, that voice inside of my head telling me to grab the handle and―

            But it's not the same voice, and it isn't coming from my head, but from the other side of my sister's door.

            "Help me, Aria. Save me!" The voice cries, her tone all too familiar to my ears and my eyes widen.

            I recognize that voice, I think, but it can't be . . . can it?

            I grasp the cold glass knob in my right hand, gasping when a blast of air and a wave of blackness consumes me for an instant before I find myself in Mother's room.

            My older sister, Nina, is there. She sits on the large bed with Mother beside her. Mother grasps Nina's hands in hers, a serious expression on her face.

            "Listen to me Nina," she starts, her tone earnest. "No matter how much they call to you, no matter how hard they beg, never go to them, never give in. They will try to trick you and lie to you; don't fall for it. You're stronger than that, I know you are." Mother squeezes Nina's hands with a pleading look in her eyes.

            I open my mouth to speak, but nothing comes out. I put my hands to my lips, but I feel nothing. I glance down at my arms and find that they are translucent, just an outline of their former shape. My eyebrows furrow and I frown.

            What's happening to me?

            I glance up at my mother and sister, seeing Nina nod with that familiar spark of determination in her eyes.

            "Yes ma'am," she says in a steadfast tone and I furrow my eyebrows once again.

            What are they talking about? And who's this 'they' Mother keeps mentioning?

            I walk over to them, not making a sound. I don't think I can make one even if I try. I wave my hand in front of their faces, hoping for some sort of reaction.

            They don't move.

            I turn to Nina. She looks the same from the last time I saw her. Her long brown hair falls in waves to her waist. Her intelligent grey eyes spark with that confidence that I could never possess; her porcelain skin is flawless. My big sister's natural beauty still stuns me even though I have lived with her since I was born.