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Chapter One

The Serpentine, Hyde Park

Cold air raced over Cassandra Mills’ bare skin It was not like the refreshing breeze one experienced in the height of suh from her lips It did not soothe her spirit Heavens no The icy gust swept over her like frozen fingers deter, sent her heart into a sudden state of panic Had she been at home in the comfort of her poster bed, she would have snatched the blankets and snuggled down inside the protective cocoon Warm Safe But she was not at ho her body, the hard surface was definitely not her plush bed

She tried to open her eyes, but it was as if she had lids of lead She inhaled, hoping for a clue to her surroundings, and caught the smell of damp earth and the hint of sulphur that always acco

Morning?

No!

She recalled nothing since last night Nothing since the , the fruit punch that shouldn’t have eat le sickly, soerously potent

Mustering an ounce of strength, she stretched her feeble li in her head would not abate The cold set her teeth chattering She reached out looking for support, a ers slipped through naught but dew-soaked grass

A park She must be in a park

But which one?

The distant trickle of water caught her attention

Hyde Park?