I am Hermes with wings at my feet. I don't look back. I am never going to look back again. I whisper a promise to my sisters that I'll come back for them—one day.

My breath is a staccato beat peppering the air. I can taste life.

My palms hit the door of the guest home hard. The metal piece in my bra falls out and bounces against the wooden porch. I kneel and grab it. There's a tiny button. I press it and an additional, thinner, metallic piece flips up. It shines and in it, my reflection stares back at my determination.

When I touch the thin part, the item draws a bead of blood. I marvel at the way the bead looks like a ruby. A week ago I would have flinched at the sight of even that tiny bit of red. Now I know it's simply a part of me. No Devil is waiting to eat my bones because of it. The only Devil, I now know, lays on the kitchen floor and the other is running errands.

I look at the item. I realize what it is. A switchblade! I had seen one in a book. Though the picture and description had been scribbled over, it had been lightly done in pencil. I could see everything well enough when I held the page to the light. I didn't know switchblades were sharp but I was pleasantly surprised.

I run my palm over the blade. It cuts again. I admire the sharpness. Blood falls to the ground. I mark the fact that I was here.

My sisters and I have been prisoners because of our hair but what we are is cursed by lies.

I spot Alejo moving to the open window. He looks frazzled but better.

"You're awake," I utter breathlessly.

"Wobbly but yes. I'm not going to pass out again."

I hold the blade possessively. "We're in danger. He knows you're here."

I expect to see fear in Alejo's eyes but I see anger. I'm sure it matches the rage I felt when I hit Tyrone. "Is he coming?"

"If he can get up off the floor. I hit him on the head with a meat tenderizer. Can you walk without falling?"

He nods. "I'll fly if I have to."

A sound from beyond the trees startles me. I beckon him frantically to come down. I know there's only one way to save us all.

I grab fistfuls of hair and begin to hack it off. Strands fall to the ground. A gentle breeze carries away some. Freedom rests upon my tongue.

I drop the last fistful of hair when Alejo opens the door.

I grab his hand. 

Together we run.  

The End