Dane's POV –
My body aches from head to toe, but at least I can move now. After forcing down some food and a few sips of water, I manage to sit up against the cold wall. My hands are free, but it doesn't matter — there's nowhere to run. The room is sealed, not a single window, only that heavy metal door that traps the silence with me.
The memories start to blur in my mind — Daniel's warm arms around my waist, his voice whispering against my neck, Dream's tiny pout and soft giggles. That warmth feels so far away now… like it belonged to someone else.
Then — click, click, click.
The sound of heels slices through the quiet. My chest tightens.
The door opens. Two men step in first, followed by her.
Serena Hale.
Her smile is sharp enough to cut glass as she glides toward me, perfectly composed — like she isn't the reason I'm bleeding and half-alive on this cold floor.
"How are you, Dane?" she asks sweetly.
I lift my head slowly, my throat dry, my voice barely a whisper.
