CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN

ZOEY

Three days. Three agonizing days in this dimly lit room that seemed to close in on me with every passing moment. Fear crept into the edges of my mind.

For the first two days, Mikhail, the man claiming to be my grandfather, reveled in tormenting me. He circled like a predator, taunting and sneering. If these damn restraints weren't holding me back, I would have gladly kicked him where it hurt the most.

In the midst of my fear, one thing dominated my thoughts—I missed Alexei. I longed for Alexei, missed him in a way I couldn't quite put into words. I longed to see him, to apologize for the pain Mikhail had inflicted upon him. It wasn't fair that he had to bear the brunt of this madness.

I wanted to tell Alexei that I was sorry, that Mikhail's actions weren't a reflection of who I am. I wanted to apologize for the turmoil my presence had brought into his life. Mikhail's twisted games had scarred him, and it tore at my soul.

I wanted to say sorry for any part of Mikhail's actions tha