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Fear shot through her like an electric current as her heart raced within her chest. The invasive need to scream erupted within her, yet she stifled it, aware that her effort was futile, attentive to the fact that being vulnerable would be a liability. Hope was the last sane thread she clung to. And now she was even losing that.

The frantic pacing that had been going on for several moments suddenly came to an abrupt halt. Nothing could be heard, not even a single word uttered. The next thing that happened was the door abated again and someone entered. The room was still dark with optimal illumination coming from a tiny prison cell window which was situated very high up. Loretta strained her eyes in an attempt to recognize the person, to no avail.

"Still clinging on, I see," a voice said. This time she was able to connect the voice to the person. It belongs to Lucas, who is one of De Silva's inner circle members.

Loretta's body went tense at the sound of his voice. Tasha had some strang