Zara's wrists ached from the ropes, but she forced herself to stay calm. Panic wouldn't help; she had learned that long ago. Every detail of the room, every shadow, every sound could be a clue.
She shifted slightly, testing the ropes again, when her eyes caught a glint near the corner — a tiny piece of metal lodged in the stone floor. Carefully, she stretched, fingertips grazing it. A hairpin? Her pulse quickened.
Footsteps echoed outside, closer this time. Two voices, tense.
"…move her tonight," one whispered. "The Ashes will be complete if she survives another day."
"…don't underestimate her. She's clever."
Zara froze. Clever. That word sparked something inside her — a reminder that she was more than a victim.
She worked the metal against the knot binding her hands. It wasn't easy, but sweat and determination made progress.
As she strained, her mind raced through the letter's warnings: "Trust no one… they are closer than you think…" Someone she had believed was an ally — maybe even a friend — had betrayed her. But who? And why?
A shadow fell across the doorway. Zara's heart skipped a beat. She ducked her head, pretending to be still, hoping to avoid notice. The door creaked open, and a figure entered — tall, familiar, and utterly terrifying.
Recognition hit her like a punch. It's them. Someone she had trusted, someone who had promised safety… had brought her here.
The figure leaned close, eyes cold. "Did you really think you could escape so easily?"
Zara's throat tightened, but she forced a calm reply. "I'm not done yet."
A soft chuckle echoed. "You're stronger than I imagined. But strength alone won't save you. Not here. Not now."
As the figure left, Zara pulled the hairpin tighter, her resolve hardening. She had to escape. She would escape.
And when she did… she would uncover every secret they had tried to bury — including the truth about the Ashes.