Elina’s Perspective

The first thing that hit me was the smell—mold, sweat, and the metallic tang of blood. Then came the pain, like a train running over my body. Every shallow breath made my ribs protest. I tried to move, but rough ropes cut deep into my wrists and ankles, and the chair beneath me groaned under the strain.

"Finally awake, little witch?"

A bucket of ice-cold water splashed over me. I gasped, opening my eyes in the biting cold, only to find ...