Chapter 32 – Captive

Chapter 32 – Captive
Sarah lost all sense of time.

There were no windows in the room, only walls made of rotting wood and metal sheets. The only light came from a bare bulb dangling above her head, buzzing faintly, flickering every now and then like it was considering going out completely.

Her wrists ached where the ropes cut into her skin. She had tried pulling against them until the fibers burned and her arms went numb, but whoever tied her knew what they were doing. The chair creaked every time she moved, a reminder that even if she somehow got free, the sound alone would betray her.

Her throat was raw from crying. She did not even realize she had been making sounds until her voice gave out, collapsing into silence. Now, when she tried to speak, only hoarse whispers came.

Fear was a constant it was thick in the air, in her chest, clinging to her like a second skin.

But beneath it, another feeling lived. Anger.

Whoever had done this thought she would break. Thought she would sit here like a helpless victim. But Sarah had survived worse than fear. She had survived loss... heartbreak, and betrayal. This was not going to be the end of her story.

The door scraped open.

Sarah’s head snapped up. Her heart launched into her throat, but she forced herself to stay still, her eyes narrowing as footsteps entered the room.

The man stepped into the light. She saw the black boots first. He carried himself with casual arrogance.

He crouched in front of her, his face half-hidden in shadow.

“You are quiet now,” he said smoothly. His voice sent a shiver up her spine. “Finally given up?”

Sarah forced her jaw tight. She would not give him the satisfaction of an answer.

He smiled faintly, as if amused by her silence. “You are stronger than I thought. Most people beg by now. Plead, cry, make promises they can not keep. You?” He leaned closer, his breath brushing her cheek. “You just stare.”

Her stomach turned, but she kept her face hard.

He chuckled softly. “Well she is coming. Just wanted to let you know.”

Sarah’s body stiffened. Emily.

The man’s grin widened when he saw her reaction. “Ah, so I found your weakness.” He tapped her cheek twice with his gloved hand, mockingly gentle. “Do not worry she will be here soon. She is coming alone too.”

Terror surged inside Sarah, sharper than anything she had felt for herself. She could endure pain. She could endure fear. But the thought of Emily walking into this nightmare...

“Leave her out of this,” Sarah rasped, her voice breaking.

The man tilted his head, feigning curiosity. “Oh, she means that much to you? Interesting.”

Sarah’s heart pounded so hard it hurt. She wished she could take the words back, but they were already out there, hanging between them.

He stood abruptly, his boots echoing against the floor as he moved toward the door. Before leaving, he turned back, his voice low, deadly calm.

“She will walk in... The door will close.... And then… we will see just how far you two are willing to go for each other.”

The door slammed shut, and the lock clicked.

Sarah sagged against the ropes, her chest heaving. Panic clawed at her throat, but she forced herself to take deep, deliberate breaths. In.... Out.... In..... Out.... She could not fall apart. Not right now she had to think of how she can get out of this place.

Emily was coming. That meant there was still hope.

Still… her mind raced with what that man meant.

The ropes dug into her skin again as she tried to twist her wrists free. They did not budge. Her arms throbbed, but she pushed harder, ignoring the sting. She thought of Emily... of her stubbornness... her courage... her relentless determination when she wanted something.

Sarah had to match that. She had to fight.

Time passed slowly, marked only by the buzzing light and the pounding of her heart. She tried to imagine Emily outside, moving closer with every minute. The image gave her strength and dread in equal measure.

The lock clicked again.

The door creaked open.

The man had returned.

Sarah’s chest seized with fear, but she forced her face into stone. He dragged a chair across the floor and set it down directly in front of her, sitting with deliberate calm. He rested his elbows on his knees, leaning forward until their faces were inches apart.

“Do you know what I want to ask her?” he whispered.

Sarah’s pulse hammered. “Asked who?” she said, feigning ignorance.

“Emily,” he purred. “I want to give her a choice. One life for another. Hers… or yours.”

Her breath hitched.

His smile widened. “The question is… who do you think she will choose?”

Sarah’s stomach dropped. Her mind screamed with denial, but fear dug its claws deep. Emily would never sacrifice her. Emily was brave, selfless...

But this man was clever and manipulating. He was going to force Emily into an impossible corner.

“No,” Sarah whispered fiercely, shaking her head. “You would not break her. You won’t make her choose.”

The man leaned back, laughing softly. “Oh, you will see. She is already here.”

Sarah froze.

Her pulse erupted into a frantic rhythm, louder than the buzzing bulb, louder than her own thoughts. Emily. She was here.

The man stood, moving towards the door. “Time to begin the game.”

The lock clicked behind him, leaving Sarah shaking, breathless, her whole body straining against the ropes.

Emily was inside.

And the trap was closing.​