Lorelei

The first thing I was aware of was the ache in my neck, a stiff, complaining pain from being curled in on myself. The second was the dull throb from my ribs, a constant, grating reminder of everything that had happened. The third was the complete and utter silence.

My eyes snapped open to absolute darkness. For one disorienting second, I thought I was back in my cottage, that it had all been a fever dream. Then the smell hit me—rich leather, the faint, sharp tang of gasoline, and ...