1.7

SLOWLY, MY EYES open to meet the blurry sight of my parent’s living room ceiling. I attempt to sit up but wince as a sudden pain shoots through my temples, almost sending me right back into the fetal position I had been curled into on the cold floor.

How did I get here? I thought.

Everything is a fog, still, I remember leaving Becca’s party... seeing Nero... then... nothing...

What happened after I left the party?

And why can’t I remember?

As the pain subsides and most of the ringing in my ears lessens, I manage to get to my feet, only to meet the entire circumference of the living room alight with flashing red and blue strobes, glaring through the open window.

I blink.

What is going o—

Before I can even arrange a thought, my door is kicked open, and in comes a brocade of Patrol Guards with guns aimed at the ready... Right at me.

“Put your arms above your head! Now!” One of the Guards shouts, spittle flying out of his mouth. My arms do as he says without a second thought.

“What— What’