Chapter 80

Caroline pov

A substance had been applied to my lips, rendering me unable to utter a word, while my legs were bound with a rope that pressed painfully into my skin. I found myself alone in a dark room, unable to endure the agony of electric shocks, my hair resembling a wild, unkempt mass.

I fought against my bindings, but they only pressed harder against my flesh. The oppressive darkness enveloped me, turning each breath into a laborious task.

Suddenly, I heard footsteps approaching from outside the room. The door creaked open, allowing a narrow beam of light to pierce the gloom.

A shadowy figure stood over me, its features hidden in the darkness.

"Welcome, Caroline," a deep, gravelly voice intoned. "You are quite the valuable asset."

I attempted to respond, but my lips were sealed with duct tape. A wave of panic washed over me as I struggled to catch my breath.

The figure extended a hand, tearing the tape from my mouth.

"Water," I rasped, my voice barely rising above a whispe