Chapter 61

  Alice

  I officially hate what I've become.

  Classical music is playing from an old-school stereo, and Riley is dancing around with me in a room with barely any furniture. She is humming the melody and throwing me around like a rag doll, not caring about the numbing pain in my limbs.

  In Riley's eyes, I'm a toy, and in mine, I'm a lifeless zombie without a purpose. After hours of compulsion and a night of not sleeping, I'm so exhausted I've forgotten the meaning of breathing.

  "Bravo, Alice!" Riley is beaming at me, showing her razor-sharp teeth as she twirls me around with graceful movements. "You're lovely with that red dress hugging your waist. Too bad your mate isn't around to watch you—William would love to see you dance."