99

LORENA

He didn’t mention Matteo, but my mother hinted to my little family. They knew about Matteo. I had no choice but to go with him or risk Matteo and his grandaunt being killed.

Memories flooded back in a rush, and the choking fear was the only emotion lingering in my veins.

Ella and I were hustled through the maze. I pulled the trigger on my mother. I killed her.

I think. I hope so.

Man’s hands around my throat, against my mouth, sharp prick into my neck. The pain. Ella’s screams. We were trapped - like a moth against the blinding light. Except this light would kill us.

Ella and I have been living on borrowed time.

Hushed murmurs penetrated my brain. I tried to move, but my body felt too heavy. Like I had been drugged.

My heart thundered painfully, my skin felt clammy and cold, my head pounded.

Soft murmur and a whimper.

A painful grunt escaped my lips, and I twisted my neck in the direction of the soft voices.

“Lorey.” A soft whisper. Gabriella.