A shock of cold hit Orlanda’s face like a slap from nature itself. Her eyes flew open, stinging from the icy splash, her mouth parted on a gasped scream that cut short halfway out of her throat. She coughed, sputtering, arms flailing for balance on the cold floor as water dripped down her hair and neck in rivulets. Her breathing was jagged, eyes wide and wild, her chest rising and falling as though she had just outrun a nightmare.

Standing above her was a shadow, Rob. He tossed the empty bucket aside with a dull thud and crossed his arms over his chest, staring down at her with an unreadable...