A wave of violent vertigo slammed through Rebecca's consciousness.
The brutal shock of ice water hurled into her face wrenched her back to the waking world.
Her senses swam, then sharpened on a visage looming before her—a face distorted past recognition by pure madness.
She thought, 'Natalie? Why is she here?'
Adrenaline surged, driving Rebecca to struggle, but coarse ropes held her fast, every twist futile.
"Awake now?" Natalie's voice was a slow, venomous drawl as she dragged her feet forward. A sharp blade caught the dim light, spinning in her grasp. "Such a happy occasion, Rebecca. Shame you didn't invite me to celebrate."
The hatred-contorted features leaned closer, invading Rebecca's space.
"Natalie! What is this? Untie me!" Rebecca commanded, but a betraying tremor undercut h
