Lola was gasping for air. Even though the room was massive, the windows were open, and nothing was lodged in her throat, she still couldn’t seem to catch a breath. It was as though an invisible hand was wrapped around her throat, squeezing it tighter until black dots formed in her vision.

“Lola!”

She saw through her blurry vision how Ash stumbled back. Someone came up in front of her. He held her shoulders and slowly sat down on the floor with her.

“Breathe!” He ...