CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

ANYA

It was midnight, and once again, my Aunt had locked me up in the basement. The darkness engulfed me, suffocating and terrifying.

In the pitch-blackness, I fought to steady my ragged breaths. I closed my eyes, trying to calm the storm of fear within me. Inhale, exhale, I repeated silently, seeking solace in the rhythm of my own breath.

Tears streamed down my cheeks, evidence of the overwhelming terror that consumed me. The darkness played tricks on my mind, whispering haunting thoughts and conjuring phantoms in the depths of my imagination.

"I am sorry. Please, let me out," I whispered, my words a plea to the uncaring void that surrounded me. Desperation laced my voice, hoping that somehow my plea would be heard.

Curled up in a corner, I trembled uncontrollably, my entire body quivering with fear. Despite the chill of winter, sweat trickled down my forehead, a testament to the sheer ter