Elara's POVThe first thing I became aware of was the pain in my wrists. It was a dull, throbbing ache that seemed to grow stronger every time I tried to move my hands. My head felt heavy, and my mouth was dry. There was a strange taste lingering on my tongue, bitter and unpleasant, as though I had swallowed medicine.I kept my eyes closed. For a few seconds, I didn't understand what was happening. I could hear something in the distance_voices, low and muffled, moving closer. Then I remembered. The gala, the announcement...Adrian. The man who had grabbed me. The handkerchief pressed over my mouth.My heart immediately began to pound. I wanted to open my eyes, but instinct told me not to. I stayed completely still. A moment later, I heard footsteps approaching."Has she still not woken up?""Not yet." The second voice sounded irritated. "How long has it been?""Long enough."There was a pause. Then another voice spoke. "I don't like this."The footsteps became louder until I could tel
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