The moment Charlotte dragged Riele out of the chaos and into the quiet room beside the hall, her friend’s legs gave out beneath her.

“Riele!” Charlotte gasped, just barely catching her before she collapsed completely.

Riele's skin had turned pale. Her lips quivered. She clutched at her chest, breath coming out in short, broken gasps.

“I… I can’t breathe,” she whispered.

Charlotte guided her toward the edge of the couch. “Sit. Just sit for a second. Deep breaths, okay? Riele, ...