The Writing Retreat

Alex awakens in her bedroom, fully clothed and with no memory of how she got there. She remembers having sex with Lamia but does not know if this was real or merely a drug-induced dream. After visiting the kitchen, she decides not to mention this to anyone.

There was a snowstorm overnight. Taylor mentions that phone service is out. Wren announces that Poppy is missing. Alex takes everyone to the basement, telling them that this is where she last saw Poppy. The door leading out to the woods is open, and there are footprints leading away in the snow.

The women believe that Poppy sleepwalked out into the snow. They can only hope that she found her way back somehow, or out to another safe place. Her prospects, however, are grim, given that there are no other properties within 20 miles of Blackbriar. Keira accuses Roza of orchestrating the tragedy.

In their fear and disbelief, everyone turns to Alex, who was the last one to see Poppy. Suspicions run high. Wren and Keira search through Poppy’s things, hoping to find a contact number for family or friends.