Chapter 67

• Penelope’s heart pounded violently against her ribs as she sprinted through the park, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Her voice was hoarse from screaming.
• “Anya!” she called, desperation clawing at her chest. “Anya, where are you?”
• The afternoon sun bathed the park in warm light, but to Penelope, everything felt cold and suffocating. Parents strolled with their children, unaware of the panic gripping her. Some cast curious glances, sensing the distress in her voice, but no one had seen a little girl wandering alone.