As I regained consciousness, Lovie’s laughter echoed through the room. I blinked my way back to reality, my eyes tracing the grin on her lips as she leaned against the wall.

“Tsk. Tsk. Tsk.” she tsked, chuckling as she circled me.

I tried to move but froze as I realized my hands were bound behind my back.

Lovie crouched in front of me. “There is no point fighting the ropes, you failed. You’re a failure, Julia. Back then, and now.”

She leaned over and turned on a ...