Chapter 95 ~ Feel my pain!

Nikolai’s head throbbed as he slowly regained consciousness. The dull ache intensified with each heartbeat, and he groaned, attempting to move but finding himself restrained.

As his vision cleared, he realized he was tied to a chair in a dimly lit warehouse. The air was thick with the smell of dust and oil, and a single, flickering overhead light cast long shadows on the concrete floor.

Panic surged through him as he remembered the last thing he heard—Joane’s scream. He struggled against his bindings, feeling the rough ropes cutting into his wrists. Every fiber of his being ached to find her, to ensure she was safe.

A soft whimper caught his attention, and his eyes darted around the room. He saw her in the corner, barely illuminated by the weak light.

Joane was lying on the cold floor, her hands and feet bound, her face pale and streaked with tears. Anger and fear surged through him, giving him a boost of energy to fight against his restraints.

“Joane!” he called out, his voice hoars