Page 26 of Volik

I fumble with the handle, trying to open the door, then lurch into the hall.

Other people are out here. Standing. Staring at the front entrance. Toward the sound.

I feel like I can’t breathe.

Something heavy throbs in the center of my chest.

But it’s not weighing me down. It’s pulling me forward.

I take a step.

The vibrations beneath my feet get stronger.

The shouting outside gets closer.

I take another step.

My vision narrows on the door at the end of the hall.

My skin tingles.

My…

I grit my teeth against another moan.

My breasts ache and my core throbs.

I clutch my hands together in front of my stomach, gripping my own fingers tightly so I don’t touch myself.

I need to flee.

I should run.

I take another step forward.

I can’t turn away.

I can’t stop.

Another step.

And my lungs fill with mint.

Fresh mint.

The bright green flavor I thought I smelled earlier.

My tongue sweeps across my lips, trying to taste it.

A needy sound builds in my throat.

I’m so hungry.

I feel… empty.

I need⁠—

Something moves closer from beyond the doors.