AUTHOR’S POV

The room was dim, tucked away from the world, lit only by a single lamp in the corners. The door creaked open, and a woman was pushed inside. Her hands were tied, her dress dusty, her body worn from being dragged around all day. She took a deep breath and lifted her head.

“I have been waiting for you all day,” the man said, his voice calm but firm as he rose from his seat.

She let out a tired sigh and rolled her shoulders, trying to ease the ache in her bones. “You have ...