KATHERINE

Sweat poured down my body, my teeth chattering uncontrollably inside my mouth. It felt like the seconds were stretching into hours.

I could hear the rattling of the pulleys as they passed through the wheels, the screech of metal against stone, and the wood trembling.

It only lasted a moment, yet to me, it felt like an eternity.

When I finally reached the end of my descent, the dumbwaiter—or whatever this box was—came to a stop.

I stayed still, silent, listening only to my own ragged breathing and the frantic pounding of my heart against my chest. I opened my eyes slightly, feeling the dampness on my lashes. My hand reached out to pull the lever.

Beyond these metal walls, I might find my death—I didn’t know. But there was no turning back now.

With a screech, the doors began to open.

I pressed myself against the back of the compartment, fighting off my ghosts, bracing myself for a battle. But none of that was necessary.

Outside, it was dim, looking like an underground space. I