Nora's POV
I snap awake with a sharp inhale, my lungs burning for oxygen. The basement beneath the barn surrounds me, but the space has been transformed into some kind of makeshift medical facility. Panic shoots through me as I realize restraints bind me to a hospital bed. Images of the research laboratory flash behind my eyes, but I force myself to stay focused. Escape is the only option.
"Nora?"
My head turns toward the familiar voice, eyes straining against the murky lighting.
"Starla," I exhale with relief, then notice the other bodies arranged on gurneys throughout the room. Some shift slightly while others remain completely still. The stench of death confirms my worst fears about the motionless ones. "How are you holding up?"
"I'm not sure. My body won't respond to anything."
"Same here," another voice adds weakly.
My skull throbs and my right arm screams with pain.
"I'm getting everyone out of this place."
