I spat blood, my strength depleted, and collapsed.

When Kenneth pinned me, a wave of hopelessness ran over me. No one was going to save me. I might actually die here tonight.

I did not want to die. I wanted to struggle, but a sharp pain in my neck put me into unconsciousness.

The echo of stiletto heels on stairs ran through the air as Lucia approached with a knife, her face grim. "If you had tied her up properly, she would not have been able to break free. You're absolutely worthless." Kenneth remained quiet, his thoughts a thousand miles away.

Lucia loomed over me, out cold, her face chalk-white....