The morning sun had not reached her window. The room was cold and gray, just like yesterday. There were no bars on the windows—only thick walls, a locked door, and silence so loud it made her ears ring.

Leylla was curled up on the bed in the special room they gave her. Dr. Aldrich had arranged it so she would not be in a shared cell. But no comfort could reach her. Not in this place.

Her long hair was a mess, falling across her face. Her cheeks were pale, and dark circles sat under her eyes. ...