CHAPTER 22: DOING HARRY'S DISTURBING BIDDING

"Bark like a dog. Come on, now, purr for me like a naughty cat.**" Harry's voice echoed through the silence of the night. Cecilia shot up in her bed, blinking rapidly in the dark. She'd been fast asleep, but the strange sounds from Sarah and Harry's room just across the hall jerked her awake. At first, she wasn't sure if she'd heard correctly. The walls were thin in this house, but surely she was mistaken. She sat still, trying to focus. Then came the unmistakable sound of muffled cries followed by harsh whispers. Cecilia's heart pounded as the noises grew louder—whipping sounds, groans, and Sarah's voice—but they weren't soft or filled with pleasure; they sounded strained, even hurt. Confusion and unease stirred in Cecilia's chest as she tiptoed closer to the door, half wanting to knock and half terrified of what she might find. She pressed her ear against the door, holding her breath. The conversation inside made her blood run cold. "We talked about this. The safe word is 'cupca