Chapter 30

All of my oxygen expelled from my lungs. I sat squeezing my knees to my chest, trying to force air back in. I had to get out of here, out of this room, out of this house. Standing up, I drew in a short, ragged breath. Era still talked in my ear, but I could no longer hear her over my panic.

I fumbled with the lock on the door and tore it open, not bothering to close it behind me. I burst inside the movie room and found Derek lounged on the couch with yet another beer.

"I don't feel well. I'm leaving," I announced.

"What? Already?" Derek slurred his words together. "What about the movie?"

I slammed the door behind me and sprinted up the hallway. Back in the marble-floored room, my Icaries shoes squeaked as I ran. I flew out the front door and threw myself into my car.

"Kendra. Kendra!" I hissed.

Oh my god. Oh my god. Locked up tight, Era had said. Was Vivian being held against her will? A prisoner?