Chapter 136: One Way Out

Elira

The heavy iron door groaned loudly as it creaked open. Florida slipped quietly inside, carefully balancing a tarnished tray in one hand. Steam rose visibly from a small, deep bowl, curling through the cold air in thin, lazy wisps. The smell rising from it was plain and comforting, not sweet, not bitter—just warm enough to fill the cold, stone room.

She moved silently to the small table and set the tray down with a soft metallic clink, sliding it gently toward me ...