Ally's POV

　　The damp stone walls of the dungeon press cold and merciless against my skin, a stark reminder of Nathan's twisted affection. My wrists ache from the unforgiving grip of the shackles, each labored breath a struggle against the heavy air laden with despair. I can taste the metallic tang of fear in my mouth.

　　"Stay with me," I whisper to myself, a feeble attempt to anchor my fading consciousness. The power that surged within me once before, elusive and ...