Elisa woke with a jolt, chest heaving, the acrid taste of smoke still sharp in her mouth. She blinked, confused, as the oppressive darkness of her cell returned to focus. It had been a nightmare—a fire, thick smoke, screaming—but it was only a dream. Relief should have washed over her, but instead, her heart hammered against her ribcage. Every memory of the fire and chaos in her father’s estate resurfaced, igniting that familiar pit of terror in her chest.She tried to calm herself, taking shallow breaths, but before she could regain even a semblance of composure, the door to her cell slammed open. Two guards barged in, rough hands gripping her arms, yanking her upright before she could even utter a question.“Where… where are you taking me?” she asked, her voice hoarse, barely above a whisper.“Quiet,” one of the guards barked, a hand pressing against her back to shove her forward. “Do as you’re told and don't ask questions.”Elisa swallowed, her throat tight, and didn’t speak again.
Last Updated : 2025-12-11 Read more