Flora’s Guide to a Second Chance at Love and Life

Jane was practically shaking in her boots, fear coursing through her veins. Even after that slap, she didn't dare say a word. She knew all too well that Josie was a real piece of work, treating human lives like they were nothing more than bugs under her shoe.

"I really underestimated you. When did you start teaming up with Fiona to take me down?" Josie sneered, her grip on Jane's chin as tight as a vice. Her face was ice-cold, but there was a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Aren't you worried about the Kidd family getting the boot? Had your fill of the good life, have you?"

Jane's face was as pale as a ghost, drained of all color, her eyes wide with terror. She couldn't even bring herself to look Josie in the eye. She knew the fate of those who crossed Josie-straight to the lab with them. She wasn't about to become one of those lab rats.

On her knees, trembling, Jane clutched at the hem of Josie's dress, pleading desperately. "Ms. Aisha, I messed up, I know. Please, spare me this one time. I promise, no more mercy for Fiona. I'll do whatever you want, just don't make me cross you again."

Josie stepped back, settling into a chair like she owned the place, her red heels dangling elegantly. Looking at Jane with a judge's stern gaze, she lifted Jane's chin with her foot, taunting her like a cat with a mouse. "You really ready to do anything I ask?"

Jane shivered at the thought, but nodded anyway, swallowing her fear.

"Perfect,” Josie said, her voice dripping with mock sweetness. "I need someone to try out a little experiment. How about you?"

With that, Josie forced Jane's mouth open, and a fleshy, worm-like creature seemed to appear out of nowhere, bigger and nastier than the one that had been in Fiona's cup.

Jane was petrified, struggling with all her might to break free. She knew these creatures were Josie's twisted inventions, leaving blood-red marks as a nasty souvenir. Whatever they did, Jane didn't want to find out.

With a desperate push, Jane broke free from Josie's grasp and bolted for the ballroom. Inside, chaos had exploded, people who'd sipped the wormed tea were losing it, driven wild by the scent of blood like puppets gone haywire.

Frozen in place, Jane watched in horror. She hadn't realized just how bad things had gotten. A few lucky ones had already bolted, while others, not yet crazed, managed to escape.

Suddenly, Jane felt a hand grab hers, yanking her to safety. Before she knew it, she was standing at the entrance of Everlast Hall.

"Fiona, our cars are trashed. We're stuck here for now," Jasmine said, her voice heavy with worry.

Shelly was in shock. They'd rolled up with at least four or five cars, and now every single one was out of commission!

"I've got a ride on the way. Keep your eyes peeled; this place is a trap," Jackson warned, standing protectively in front of Fiona.

Most folks had already bailed from Everlast Hall. The courtyard was still lit up likenoveldrama

a festival, but only the wrecked cars remained outside.

Just then, out of nowhere, an arrow sliced through the air, heading straight for them.