Della struggled to pry her eyelids open, her mind a swirl of confusion until memories rushed back, flooding her thoughts. Had it all been just a vivid dream? Had Alexander really come to her rescue? With a determined effort, she finally opened her eyes and took stock of her surroundings.
To her relief, she found herself free from the chains that had bound her to the bed, a promising sign. Drawing a deep breath, she caught a familiar scent in the air, faint voices echoing from the hallway beyond. Instinctively, she attempted to sit up, but her body felt heavy, like she was trying to pull herself out of quicksand.
