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As soon as Damien reached the outskirts of the dungeon, he slowed down, his heightened senses on full alert. The thick, musty air hung around the dungeon, and the scent of damp stone and decay made his nostrils flare. He crouched low, careful not to disturb the silence, as his keen nose worked through the myriad of scents lingering in the air.

Then, faint but unmistakable—Kayla. His daughter’s scent. The sweet, familiar fragrance pierced through the overwhelming smells of the dungeon, bringing a flood of emotions crashing through him. Relief, sorrow, anger—it all swirled inside him like a storm. But one emotion stood out above all others: love. She was still alive, and that was enough to rekindle the fire in his heart. He would get her back.

He tried to mindlink her, willing his thoughts to reach out. Kayla… Kayla, it’s me. I’m here. Can you hear me? His heart pounded in his chest as he waited for a response, any sign that she could sense him. But there was nothing, just silence. The