Chapter 67

• EVELYN
• Dehydration gnawed at my throat, leaving it dry and parched as if I'd been wandering in a desert for days. My body ached for a chilled glass of water, something to soothe the discomfort clawing at me.
• Dragging myself out of my room, I padded downstairs, the dim glow of the hallway lights guiding me through the quiet house. The familiar creaks of the wooden staircase beneath my feet seemed louder today. But as I reached the last step, a sharp and angry voice cut through my ear like a blade.