Captured & Tortured

Riana knelt at the edge of the pool and scooped up the cool liquid. She felt it fill her parched mouth and throat, and she drank deeply, feeling her energy and strength begin to return.

“Thank you, gods,' she whispered, grateful for the oasis in the desert.

“I will never take a drop of water for granted again.”

Riana stayed by the pool, drinking and resting, until she felt strong enough to stand. She stood up slowly, her legs still unsteady, and took one last look at the pool.

“Thank you,” she said, her voice quiet but sincere. Then she turned and began her journey back home.

Riana had been walking for days, her feet were sore and her throat was parched. She had been traveling across the desert, hoping to find her way to the castle of Harvard.

“I’m coming, Alpha. I’m coming for you,” she told herself, smiling.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, she could see it in the distance. A beautiful, majestic structure, gleaming in the harsh desert sun. She felt a wave of relief wash