Alexandria
Pandemonium prevailed as my heart beat faster. The world around me was falling apart, and I was again powerless. I'd said I didn't want to leave the mansion. I'd protested, but here I was, being ushered, forcibly, toward the front of the house. Though I couldn't see the guests, their voices were audible over the sharp click of our heels as Suzanna and I stepped upon the marble floor.
“Dear, you’ll need to fix your makeup.”
I joined the others in ignoring Suzanna as panic bubbled in the depths of my stomach, creating a sour concoction. I needed to get away—not go with them. I'd done all I could to stall, slowing my steps, claiming I needed to go up to my room, anything. Each moment I searched for aid, for Patrick, for Jane, or for anyone who could offer me a lifeline. Even Judge Townsend had disappeared. Now as we made our way to the front door, the corridors and foyer were exactly how Alton had ordered them to be—empty.