Chapter 15

• Aria sat on the edge of the bed, the rough rope binding her legs a constant reminder of her captivity. The room was dimly lit, shadows flickering against the walls as the sun began to set outside. She could hear the faint sounds of the world continuing beyond her prison—a car passing by, the distant laughter of children playing. It felt surreal to be so close yet so far from freedom.
• As she gazed around the room, her mind raced with thoughts of escape. The handcuffs around her wrists dug into her skin, the bruises a painful testament to her situation. But it was the brief kindness Zander had shown her earlier—bringing her food and water—that lingered in her mind, a confusing mix of gratitude and frustration. Why did he care at all?
• Determined to find a way out, she scanned the room for anything that might help her. The window was slightly ajar, its frame dusty and old, but it offered a glimmer of hope. If she could just get close enough, maybe she could squeeze through. But first, she needed to distract Zander.