Juniper lay still on the cold floor, her head resting against the wall, eyes half-lidded as if she were asleep.
Her breathing was slow and regulated, each rise and fall of her chest made to look natural. Every muscle in her body was tense, ready to spring into motion the moment the opportunity came.
A few minutes later, as if in reward to her preparation, the door to the basement creaked open.
The sound of footsteps followed, the person walking slowly, as if each step was placed with thought.
The man descended the stairs, his hood still covering most of his face, though the dim light caught the edges of a crooked smile.
"Wake up, sleepy head." He said, voice low but carrying across the room. "It's time."
Juniper didn't move. She let her breath hitch ever so slightly, just enough for him to think she was stirring, then went slack again.
