There was a huge commotion outside of the room. I woke up to the sound of blood-curdling screams and the terrifying noise of ripping flesh that made me curl into a ball in the far corner of the room. Otis’s eyes widened as well, and he immediately crawled towards me and Catherine and held us tight in his arms. “I’m here. I will never let them hurt you or Cath,” Otis whispered in my ears over and over until the horrible sounds receded and everything went silent. My heart pounded hard in my chest as I held Cath closer. Otis’s strong arms were around my shoulders, holding me tight against him as well. His eyes were sharp, but I heard his heart steady. I stared at the hard expression on his face, and I didn’t know why there was anguish in there—or maybe guilt? I wasn’t sure, but it confused

