Just A Pawn

JUST AS VINCE opened his eyes slowly, they were no longer in the car.

The room they were in was dark, cold, and silent, except for the faint sound of breathing nearby.

He blinked, trying to adjust his vision, and realized he was tied to a chair.

His eyes widened in panic. He quickly looked to his right and saw Vera slumped over, still unconscious.

"Vera," Vince whispered urgently, struggling against the ropes that bound his hands. "Vera, wake up!"

Vera stirred slightly, groaning as she slowly opened her eyes.

“Vince... where are we?” she asked, her voice trembling as she looked around the dark room. The fear in her eyes was evident, and it made Vince’s heart ache.

"I don’t know, but it’s fine, okay? You’re here with me," Vince said, trying to sound confident despite the knot of fear in his own stomach. "Just stay calm. I’ll figure something out."

“I’m scared,” Vera admitted, her voice shaking as she realized they were both tied up.

Vince forced a reassuring smile.

"I know, but w