Chapter 29: Captured

A hushed silence filled the chamber of the abandoned castle, broken only by the stealthy footsteps of the hooded man. Shadows danced on the cold, stone walls, stretching and contorting as if they too were afraid of what was about to unfold. The atmosphere hung heavy with anticipation, knowing that this was the hour when Asher would usually be chained to the wall, ready to endure another day of torment.

But as the hooded man pushed open the door, his heart sank as he surveyed the empty room. Confusion swirled within him, tendrils of disbelief clawing at his mind. The chains that were meant to restrain Asher swung aimlessly, taunting him with their emptiness. Anger crept into the hooded man's eyes, a fierce fire that consumed reason and fueled his obsession.

"This cannot be," he spat, his voice a venomous whisper that lingered in the stale air. His trembling hands fumbled through the pockets of his cloak, searching for answers that seemed to elude him. How had Asher escaped? Was this so