Maya's POV

My heart thundered against my ribs, my breath caught in my throat, and darkness swallowed my vision as strong arms yanked me backward. It dragged me into the shadow of a darkened van.

Resistance was futile; the grip was like iron. Fingers pressed harshly against my face, muffling any cries. All my instincts screamed: fight, run, but my trembling legs betrayed me; yet I rose with dread.

"Quiet," hissed the voice near my ear, a low one, raggedly impatient.

I swallowed the scream, ...