When the door is shut, their space is enveloped in darkness. Ashley's mind replayed memories of the times the Countess had tortured her before locking her in the dark cellar. She began to panic and felt breathless. She experienced light-headedness, lost her equilibrium, and was ready to collapse when someone caught her. All of a sudden, a lamp started to emit light. Although tears in her eyes formed as she still struggled with her breathing, she could gradually see her surroundings and the person assisting her.
"Try to breathe slowly." As he demonstrated to her how to breathe, he added, "Breathe in through your nose and breathe out through your mouth slowly and quietly." Ashley followed his advice and began to relax.
She said, "I'm sorry," under her breath.
"Can you stand?" The man asked her after glancing at her, and she nodded as a reply.
