Elana’s POV
I had stopped trying to keep track of time.
Hours had blurred into days until they all felt the same. The only things that reminded me I was still alive were the relentless ache in my body and the burning pain around my wrists and ankles. Every time I had tried to free myself, the ropes had bitten deeper into my skin until they had rubbed it raw. At some point, I had looked down and realized they were stained with blood.
After that, I stopped fighting.
Not because I wanted to.
Because I couldn't anymore.
My muscles were too weak.
My body was too exhausted.
The gag wrapped tightly around my mouth made every breath feel heavy, and my throat was so dry it hurt just to swallow.
I stared at the rust-covered ceiling, wondering if Lucas had paid them.
Wondering if he was sti
