Chapter 20: The Ransom

*Layla*

I woke up with a start, my head pounding and my vision blurry. It took me a moment to realize that I couldn't move my arms or legs, and that there was something stuffed in my mouth, gagging me. Panic surged through me as I struggled against my bonds, trying to make sense of my surroundings.

I was lying on a cold, hard floor in a dimly lit room, the only sound the harsh rasp of my own breathing. Beside me, I could see Sophia, also bound and gagged, her eyes wide with fear and confusion.

What had happened? Where were we? The last thing I remembered was the bathroom at the gala, the attack by Sophia's friends, and then... nothing. Just a blur of movement and the sickly sweet smell of chloroform.