I climbed out of the car, my feet heavy as I followed Faruk toward the entrance. The large wooden doors swung open as we approached.
As soon as I stepped inside the packhouse, the chill in the air reminded me that I was no longer on the warm island. Autumn was fast approaching here, and the biting cold hit me like a physical force. The warmth of the sun-kissed beaches felt like a distant memory, and the weight of being back in this place—the place where I had been kept like a prisoner—settled heavily on my shoulders.
Matilda and Amy were waiting for me at the entrance, their faces lighting up as they saw me. I hadn’t expected such a warm reception, and a part of me didn’t know how to react.
“Sasha, welcome back,” Matilda said, stepping forward to embrace me. There was a warmth in her t
