74.

Lily's POV

I had no idea how long I was in that warehouse after Ricardo left. All I knew was that I wouldn't last any longer.

Dizziness clouded my senses in that wretched warehouse. Exhaustion clung to my bones, even worse than the dark and stifling feeling that pressed against my face. I couldn't remember the last time I had water; my throat constricted and parched.

"Please, I need water," I croaked, my voice barely audible in the oppressive silence. The ropes bit into my hands, leaving angry marks as a painful reminder of my captivity. Panic set in as I struggled against the restraints.

What would they do to me? Had they left me here to rot and die in silence?

The air was thick with the stench of despair, and I felt a wave of nausea wash over me. My surroundings offered nothing but pitch blackness; the windows were shut tight, depriving me of any sense of day or night. The uncertainty was maddening.

"Is anyone there? Please, let me go," I pleaded, desperation lacing every word that