Lightning streaked across the sky, momentarily turning the deep blue night into a blinding white.

A deafening thunderclap followed, making Thea tremble uncontrollably.

The Lloyd estate had everything—except a leak-proof attic!

The attic was already hot and humid, but now, with the rain seeping through, it was downright unbearable.

Thea wanted to move closer to the wall for some shelter, but her hands were tightly bound with rope, and a short dog chain was fastened around her ankle, leaving her with barely any room to move.

The Lloyds found her too noisy and had stuffed a filthy rag—who knows what it had been used for—into her mouth. The disgusting taste...