NICOLE

"I'm in a hurry—I have to find my friend," I tell Garith dismissively in one last attempt to free myself, but he doesn't budge and his grip is relentless to the point where it scares me.

Esmeralda's words are swirling around in my mind. He's dangerous, and right now, I don't feel safe.

God. I should never have come here.

"Do I make you uncomfortable, Nicole?" he asks with a tilt of his head. He's never looked more psychopathic than he does now.

"I'll be honest—you do," I admit ...