CHAPTER TWO

Finally it was morning yet she didn't feel relief, light began to consume the darkness that first welcomed her. It felt like exposure because the light revealed too much,stripping away the false safety the darkness had provided.

Now she could clearly see what this place looked like.

Lina’s eyes adjusted slowly, taking in the thick iron bars around her, it was more like a cell. They were not ordinary—They were reinforced, heavy, built with intention. Escape was never part of the design.

A sense of dread settled in her stomach as understanding grew. This was not temporary. This was a place meant to hold people.

She pushed herself up slightly, her body protesting immediately. Her muscles felt stiff, her limbs heavy, as if the pain from the night before had embedded into her bones.

Then the bell rang.

The sound was sharp, sudden, and commanding. It cut through the space, echoing harshly, leaving no room for delay.

Voices followed, rough and impatient. Orders were being shouted.

Before she could gather herself, the cell door slammed open.

The noise made her flinch instinctively, her shoulders froze as fear surged through her again.

For the first time, she saw him clearly.

The man was heavily built, his body large and unbalanced. His face carried a permanent look of irritation, his eyes small and sharp. In his hand, he held a thick iron rod, gripping it like it belonged there.

“Bitch, get out. Are you going to keep staring at me?”

His voice was harsh, carrying the same tone from the night before.

Lina felt a brief flash of anger beneath her fear, but she swallowed it quickly. This was not the place for resistance.

She forced herself to stand. Her legs shook slightly, pain shooting upward, making her cringe before she could stop it.

She pressed her lips together and moved.

Outside the cell, reality hit her fully.

The place stretched wide, filled with rows of iron cages. Girls stood everywhere, some chained, some barely able to stand.

The sight made her heart hurt so much.

She was not alone.

But that did not bring comfort.

They were led forward, pushed toward an open space. Lina followed, her steps controlled, her gaze lowered but observant.

At the center sat a man dressed entirely in black.

His presence was different.

He was still, composed, almost too calm. His face was hidden behind a mask, but his eyes were visible. Dark. Focused. Calculating.

When he looked at the girls, it did not feel like looking. It felt like assessing.

When he spoke, his voice was calm, deep, and controlled. It did not need to be loud to carry authority.

“Everyone of you here was not kidnapped but paid for.”

His tone was steady, almost conversational, which made the words more unsettling.

“You all owe me. The only way to be free is to pay.”

A murmur spread. Lina felt her stomach tighten.

“If anyone here can pay ten million pounds, you are free.”

He paused briefly, letting the words settle.

“If not, you remain my property.”

The silence broke.

“Ten million?”

Voices trembled. Some girls cried. Others stood frozen.

Lina remained still, her thoughts sharp now.

No one here could afford that.

This was not an opportunity.

It was a trap.

Her gaze lifted briefly to the masked man. His eyes remained calm, almost indifferent, as if their reactions did not matter.

Everything here was controlled.

Nothing was accidental.

Which meant she was not here by chance.

Lina thought to herself, “that’s outrageous, they know they can’t get that money, they are doomed here”