(Emma's POV)
I woke up to a world of pain. My back felt like it was on fire, every nerve ending screaming in agony. I tried to move, but found myself tied down to a cold, hard surface.
Where was I? The last thing I remembered was being dragged into a car by Victoria's henchmen. Now, I was in some dingy room that reeked of antiseptic and mold.
My heart raced as I realized this must be one of those illegal clinics hidden in the seedier parts of the city. I'd heard whispers about places like this, where desperate people came for procedures they couldn't get - or afford - in real hospitals.
Panic clawed at my throat as I struggled against my restraints. "Help!" I tried to scream, but my voice came out muffled. Something was stuffed in my mouth, choking back my cries.
A shadow fell across
