Genesis’s eyes blinked open, greeted by darkness. The room was shrouded in shadows, the windows completely covered by thick curtains. She looked around, but the blackness made it impossible to see anything—or anyone.

Panic stirred in her chest. She immediately climbed out of bed, but the speed at which she moved made her stagger. Her heart began to race.

She hated the dark. It reminded her of that place.

With trembling hands, she bent down and fumbled for the bedside lamp. Her fingers found the thin rope, and she gave it a sharp tug. Warm light flooded the room, pushing the shadows away. She exhaled, shakily, her breath catching on...