Chapter 17: Out

I hugged my knees, trying to find some warmth in this cold, desolate place. The chill seeped into my bones, and I could feel my energy draining away. I couldn't afford to let myself get sick; I had to stay strong. My lips were dry and stinging, and my throat begged for water. It had been almost four days since my last meal, and I was shivering uncontrollably, barely able to move.

Since the day I confronted Nicholas, no one had visited me. I had no sense of time except for the faint ray of sunlight that occasionally found its way into this dungeon. The absence of light made me guess that it was already night. Darkness had become my only companion for the past three days.

Despite my weakness from hunger, I didn't scream for help. This was nothing compared to what I had endured before. I closed my eyes and held onto my knees tightly, seeking some comfort in the darkness.

A few minutes later, as I was about to drift off to sleep, I heard a woman's voice, unfamiliar to me. I hadn't heard