Chapter 17

• As the first rays of sunlight crept through the dusty window, Aria slowly opened her eyes, blinking against the brightness. The warmth of the morning should have felt comforting, but instead, a cold wave of panic washed over her as she realized her predicament. She was once again handcuffed, her wrists bound above her head to the bedpost. The rough metal bit into her skin, a painful reminder of her captivity.
• “What the hell?!” she gasped, her heart racing. Memories of the previous night flooded back—Zander had freed her legs and hands, showing her a flicker of kindness that had ignited hope within her. But now, she felt betrayed, the reality of her situation crashing down like a heavy weight.
• Just then, the door creaked open, and Daniel stepped in, a smug grin plastered across his face. He carried a food tray, the clinking of dishes and the aroma of breakfast filling the small room. Aria's anger flared as she glared at him, her voice sharp and demanding. “Why am I tied up again? Zander freed me last night! How dare you do this?”