CASSANDRA'S POV

I took the glass of champagne from the passing waiter like it was an oxygen tank and swallowed it down in two long gulps. The bubbles burned briefly on my tongue and then cooled, leaving a faint, pleasant sting. It was the little luxury I allowed myself tonight, one stolen breath in a night of constant motion and obedience.

Madam manager had just drifted away into the crowd, the smile already on her face as she moved from one client to another. Finally, for the first time since I arrived hours ago, I had a moment to breathe. My shoulders eased minutely, though they remained tired and tight...