Cynthia Dion: 

I remained in his embrace for the next few minutes before he finally released me. I felt much calmer then, but the trauma of enduring so much and the realization that I was destined for an even worse fate left me feeling utterly hopeless.

It was foolish of me to ever think I could be considered blessed.

Holt led me to a corner and settled me onto a purple couch. Silence hung in the air for a few more minutes before I cleared my throat to ...