Chapter 30

• The sensation of cold water splashing on my face jolted me awake, my eyes blinking open slowly, adjusting to the harsh reality that unfolded before me. The sight that greeted me was heart-wrenching—little Emily, lying on the ground, her small frame struggling against some unseen force. Panic surged within me as I attempted to free myself, only to realize my hands were bound, and my mouth tightly gagged.
• The room seemed to close in around us, the air heavy with tension and the aftermath of the unknown ordeal. My eyes pleaded with the surroundings to make sense of the nightmare we found ourselves in. A voice pierced through the ominous silence, asserting that Emily was merely sleeping. Hope flickered, but the unsettling realization that something sinister loomed persisted.
• As I strained against the restraints, my gaze shifted upward, revealing Alex's presence. A mixture of shock and confusion swept over me, my eyes widening as he methodically removed the wax from my mouth. The room's dim light reflected the turmoil in his eyes, a conflict between anger and a trace of lingering affection.