Elena’s consciousness returned in fragments, like pieces of a broken mirror slowly reassembling. First came the throbbing pain at the base of her skull, then the metallic dryness in her mouth, and finally the heavy fog that clouded her thoughts.
She tried to lift her hand to rub her temples, but soft yet unyielding leather restraints held her wrists firmly to the arms of a large, surprisingly comfortable chair. Her ankles were secured the same way.
Panic surged through her veins, burning away the last remnants of the sedative.
Her eyes snapped open.
The room was elegant and oppressive at the same time. Dark wood panels lined the walls, giving it an old world library feel. A massive crystal chandelier hung from the high ceiling, casting warm golden light over antique furniture, Persian
