Chapter 2

The floor is cold and hard. I try lifting my head from the ground, but it’s too heavy and it feels like it’s stuck. Dull, throbbing pain presses at the back of my head, reminding me I have a beauty of a migraine coming on. My fingers involuntarily curl in response, touching razor-sharp pieces of things that are tiny and smooth.

Ouch!

The noise comes out like a whimper and immediately the voices in my head make fun of me for being such a wus. Poor, pathetic little Sophie. Poor me. Where’s William now? Where’s your love now?

Love. Is that what it was? So stupid. How could I be so stupid? It hurts to even think about it, but I can’t help but feel sorry for myself. After all, here I am; just me lying naked on a concrete floor with a killer headache. Better close my eyes, better just fall asleep and forget this day ever happened. Rewind. Reboot. End of story.

THUNK!

What the—

THUNK! THUNK!

Fine, if that’s the way it’s going to be. I sit up (rather ungracefully), ignoring the sharp pains that shoot up my spine. By the time I cross my arms to give myself back some sense of propriety, I notice that glass slivers and strange, silver markings are covering the floor. Silver, like the color of jewelry or silver paint, swirled in letters and symbols are literally glowing all over the floor. The symbols pulse with urgency, almost vibrating.

My eyes drift, looking for something to wear. I find a pile of clothes folded neatly next to me, sitting on top of a pair of my shoes. I’m not sure where they came from, but I guess it doesn’t matter. This could be one, last kind gesture from William or one sick joke. Either way, getting out of here is my first priority. Then I’ll figure out what to do.