The salty tang of the sea filled Max's nostrils as he struggled against the ropes binding his wrists. He and Elena lay side by side on the damp wooden floor of an abandoned warehouse at the edge of the docks. The dim light filtering through the boarded-up windows cast long shadows across the room, adding to the sense of foreboding that hung in the air.
Max grunted, testing the strength of his restraints. They held fast, biting into his skin with each futile struggle. Beside him, Elena lay motionless, her eyes closed as she focused on her breathing.
"We need to get out of here," Max muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.
Elena opened her eyes, her gaze meeting his. "I know. But we have to bide our time. Wait for the right moment."
