Venessa’s POV
Muffled sounds reached me first, distant and warped, as though I were submerged underwater. My vision swam, unfocused, darkness clinging stubbornly to the edges. Something cold splashed against my face, followed by rough hands shaking me.
“…ake up!” a voice demanded.
The words barely registered. Someone tugged at me, trying to pull me upright. A strange thought drifted through my mind Was I dead?
“Wake up!” the voice came again, sharper this time.
A slap followed.
Pain flared, and suddenly the world snapped into place. My vision cleared, memories crashing back all at once. The woolly-haired man Tyreek. Recognition hit like a blow.
Had they killed me? Was this some cruel afterlife?
“She’s awake, Beta,” Tyreek announced, turning to the dark-haired man who had ordered my
