CH:49 The Captive's Revelation

As Claire regained consciousness, she found herself in complete darkness, her senses temporarily disoriented. She blinked repeatedly, attempting to adjust her eyes to the lack of light. As her vision gradually adapted, she realized that she was restrained and confined within a cage, the cold metal biting into her wrists. A surge of fear and confusion coursed through her veins. Where was she? How did she end up here? Memories of the battle and Zane's betrayal flooded her mind, adding to her growing unease. She strained her ears, hoping to catch any sound that would give her a clue about her surroundings. Silence enveloped her, broken only by the faint echoes of her breath. The absence of any other noise unnerved her. She knew that being trapped in darkness could play tricks on one's mind, but her instincts told her that this was different. This was a place designed to isolate and torment her.

Gathering her strength and suppressing her rising panic, Claire focused her thoughts. She drew