HER mouth fell open, her eyes widened, as she sat frozen in her seat, the weight of Carlson's words hanging heavily in the air. Her eyes widened in disbelief as the room seemed to close in around her.

"You want me to do what?" She asked, her voice barely above a whisper, as if speaking any louder would make it more real.

Carlson leaned back in his chair, the hint of a cruel smile playing on his lips. He folded his arms across his chest, his eyes glinting with cold amusement.

"You heard me, Orlanda, I didn't speak with water in my mouth. You are the vessel I need," he...