Book 3: Captive

Lydia

My head hurts. A pounding at my temple makes me wince as I try to open my eyes. I’m lying on something hard and cold. Nausea has me swallowing back bile in an attempt not to puke.

It takes me a second to realize it’s not the headache that’s causing the nausea. I’m in a moving vehicle. I force myself to open my eyes. It’s dark, and I have to wait for my eyes to adjust so I can see better.

My hands are tied together. There’s tape on my mouth. I peel it off quickly, not minding the sting as it’s ripped from my skin. Panic begins to creep in as I realize what’s happened to me.

I was on my way home from Moon Grove. While driving on the main road, I noted a fallen tree blocking my way. When I got out of the car to check the tree, I saw that it hadn't fallen down on its own. The cut on the tree was too clean.

Somebody chopped down the tree and left it in the middle of the road. Before I could get back in my car and find another way home,