Trunk release failure?

[WestCoastSVX]

All of a sudden my trunk will not open. I pull the release lever by the driver's seat and hear the usual click, but then go back to the trunk and it is not popped and will not lift - even as I pull up enough to get the car up off it's shocks an inch or two.

Is it possible something suddenly broke in there?

Unfortunately, I can't open the trunk with the key, as I've owned the car 10 years and never had more than the valet key! (yes, for 10 years meaning to get a dealer to see if they can order a key based on VIN or something)

Is this a common failure?

Is there a way to open the trunk from inside the trunk?

Or is my trunk permanently sealed forever?

Really bad timing on this as I'm in the middle of R&D for a new trunk strut solution.... having only one worn out strut installed currently shouldn't be causing this, should it?