Cordelia awakes, her head thumping as if someone is driving nails into her brain, her body tensed and throbbing.

Her brittle sleep is broken by the doorbell's incessant, high-pitched ringing, and she moans painfully, rolling over.

The sound echoes like a hammer on glass, and each ring gives her a sudden, acute shock.

She presses her palms to her temples and mutters hoarsely, "Stop..."

But the doorbell continues to ring.

The blanket slips off her bruised body as she pushes herself to her feet.

Her muscles are screaming in protest, and every movement is excruciating.

Her bare feet touch the chilly wooden floor as she slowly swings her legs over...