Julian was still trying to calm down a good ten minutes after the call. The sight that had greeted him as he broke down the door would keep on reminding him of his failure for a very, very long time. With every whimper he heard from behind him, his heart shattered piece by piece. He mustered all the courage he had and finally turned around to look at Sia.

Sia was still lying in the same position, her back against the wall and her arms and legs limp by her side. Her dress was ripped in several places and lay in shreds all over the floor, revealing more than just...