The factory was dead. Rust gnawed at the walls, and broken windows let in slivers of light that barely touched the dusty floor. Old machines lay scattered, twisted and silent, like they had been abandoned decades ago. The air smelled of metal and rot, and shadows clung to the corners. The place was empty—but it didn’t feel empty.
A sharp click of high heels echoed across the concrete.
"Wakey wakey, Princess," a voice said, mocking and cold.
Lilian’s eyes opened slowly.
"Ugh… where am I?" she murmured. She tried moving her hands—and then her feet—only to feel the unyielding pull of rope. She was tied to a bed. The coarse rope bit into her wrists, restricting every movement. She flexed her fingers, testing the bounds, but the restraints held firm. Pride flared, keeping panic at bay.
"Wh
