15

Hope’s POV

When I was younger, mother would read me the tale of Sleeping Beauty. I loved how the beautiful princess who was cursed to fall into deep slumber would be saved and awakened by her true love’s kiss.

It was only much later that I found out about the original version of the story.

Yes, Sleeping Beauty fell into a deep sleep. But she was not awakened by a handsome young prince. Instead, in her sleep, she was raped and impregnated by an old, evil king. There was no happy ending for Sleeping Beauty.

I do not want to end up like her.

My first instinct upon regaining consciousness is to sit up but for some reason, my limbs feel strangely heavy, as if a massive hand is pressing down on my body. I am lying motionless on my side on what feels like a thin, flimsy mattress.

This is when I realize that I am paralysed. I cannot move, open my eyes or call out for help. And all I can hear is the sound of silence.

I had been hit at the back of my head. Hard. I smell the blood on my face.

Fo