Arlene's POV
The first thing I notice when consciousness returns are those familiar dark amethyst eyes staring down at me, brimming with unshed tears. A few drops fall onto my cheeks. I reach toward her instinctively because I know only one person with eyes that beautiful shade of purple.
"Linton? Are you hurt? Why are you crying?" My voice comes out hoarse.
"You found them," she whispers, helping me sit up slowly. "They're coming here now."
A wave of relief washes through me. They're on their way.
But where exactly are we? When did Linton arrive? I glance around and realize we're inside some kind of cathedral. The moment I look down at myself, I let out a bloodcurdling scream and scramble to my feet. Crimson covers everything. My dress, my hands, my arms, the stone floor beneath us.
"Oh god," I whisper, horror creeping up my spine as I try to back away. My feet slip in the crimson pool, and strong arms catch me from behind before I can fall.
