CHAPTER FOURTY FIVE

Claude's heart raced as she stared at the scarred man who walked into her cell. She had been held captive for what felt like an eternity, and she didn't know what to expect from the man who now stood before her. His rough face and intimidating scar down to his left eye made her shudder.

He didn't waste any time before he spoke. "I've been waiting for you," he said, his voice low and threatening. Claude's eyes widened in confusion and fear.

"What do you want from me?" she asked, her voice trembling.

The man smirked, a cruel glint in his eye. "You're important to me," he said, and Claude couldn't help but feel a cold wave of dread wash over her. "Too bad I'll have to kill you to get what I want."

Claude's mind raced as the man left the room, locking the door behind him. She felt hopeless, trapped, and alone. But then, she heard a sound coming from outside. It sounded like someone was trying to break in.

As she listened more closely, she realized the sound was coming from a hidden compa