Arianna's POV
My wrists burned where the rope bit into my skin. Every movement sent a sharp reminder through my nerves that I was trapped—tied to a wooden chair under a single hanging bulb that flickered like it might give up at any moment.
My head throbbed. My lip was swollen. My entire body ached in places I didn’t even know how to name anymore. But the worst pain wasn’t physical.
It was the waiting. The wondering. The not knowing what he planned to do next.
“Camille.” I called out, to be certain she was still with me.
“I am still here.” She chuckled lightly.
Almost immediately, the metal door scraped open and I flinched violently.
I heard the sound of slow, unhurried, confident boots stepping in.
He is back? Did he meet up with Killian?”
He closed the door behind him, the soun
