Shattered Pride

Sloane’s trembling hands pushed the taxi door open. She stepped out onto the cold, unforgiving pavement. Every nerve in her body screamed in protest, a visceral terror paralyzing her limbs. She did not want to walk toward the imposing figure waiting beneath the flickering streetlamp, but she lacked the courage to disobey the silent command he had just issued. She dragged her heavy, injured legs fo