The first sensation Alice felt upon waking was the biting chill that penetrated her skin and settled deep in her bones. The distant echoes of dripping water and the occasional rustle of unseen creatures scurrying away created an eerie soundscape, hinting at the dungeon's desolation.
Ignoring the dimness of her cell, Alice hugged herself, trying to gather whatever warmth she could muster. The faint light filtering through the small, barred window in her door revealed the coarse texture of the stone walls, their uneven surfaces etched with the passage of time. The air was thick with the weight of confinement, and from a distance, she could hear footsteps, perhaps belonging to her unseen captors, echoing through the cold corridors.
There was a palpable tension as the presence approached with deliberate slowness. Alice's senses heightened with each footstep, her body tensing as she wondered if this person was making their way to her cell. Her heart quickened, the sound growing louder until it stopped just outside her door. A faint click was heard as the lock turned, the door giving way to the harsh persuasion of a key.
Alice's breath caught in her throat as the door creaked open, revealing a shadowy figure silhouetted against the dim light of the corridor. The figure stepped inside, the cold air swirling around them, and Alice's fear mingled with a flicker of hope. She steeled herself, preparing for whatever was to come, her mind racing with possibilities.
The door, once a formidable barrier, swung open silently to reveal a hooded figure. Heavy footsteps and the clanking noises of bulky armor had led Alice to assume it was just a guard. But instead, there was someone else beside him.
Unlike the small, obese man standing by the entrance, her visitor was draped in a cloak of absolute darkness, towering a head higher than the door. Not a sliver of his skin was visible, his face hidden behind a mask that betrayed no emotion. He entered the room with a grace that contrasted sharply with his imposing appearance, his every step cautious and silent. His entire attire, from the gloves adorning his hands to his sleek long boots, was enveloped in the same dark hue, moving noiselessly across the floor.
"Alice Ingraham?" the man called out, his voice smooth and commanding.
Alice was startled at the sound of her name, her heart pounding. She hadn't expected anyone to know her identity, especially after what felt like an eternity in confinement.
"Are you Alice Ingraham?" he repeated, his tone unwavering.
"Yes," Alice squeaked out, her voice hoarse from the lack of water and the cold that gripped her.
The man's masked face remained impassive as he took a step closer, the guard remaining by the door, watching silently. Alice felt a mix of fear and curiosity, wondering who this mysterious figure was and why he had come for her. The weight of the moment hung heavily in the air, as if the room itself held its breath, waiting for what would come next.
"Get up and follow me."
Alice tried to stand but her knees gave way due her sudden movements. The hooded man held out his hand, and although she hesitated to accept, Alice took his hand for support. The hooded man pulled her up and made his way to the guard to pay him off. Judging from the hefty pouch that he handed over; the hooded man was substantially wealthy.
"Thank you, sir." The guard snickered, greedily looking at the amount of gold coins that was in his hand.
Alice eagerly scrambled out of her prison cell, the first time she had been allowed outside, and quickly followed after the hooded man. The cold, damp stone walls, covered in moss and dirt, stretched through the long, dark corridors where other prisoners were housed. She had heard moans and screams from other prison cells when she was held in captivity and had often wondered how many people were being held here.
The only light in the dungeon came from the weak torches flickering in the sconces on the uneven walls. It wasn't enough to see the prisoners' faces, but Alice could feel them staring at her as she walked past them. Alice tried to avoid their gazes and quickly followed the hooded man up the narrow, winding staircase, as the metaphorical climb to freedom felt stronger with each passing moment. At the top, the hooded man pushed open the heavy door and they stepped out into the unfiltered sunlight.
The sudden brightness was disorienting for Alice, who had been shrouded in darkness for so long. As her momentary blindness receded, she became aware of the sounds of nature: the rustling of leaves and the humming of birds, a stark contrast to the haunting noises of her captivity.
Though she felt a semblance of freedom, the hooded man standing before her was a looming reality she couldn't ignore. A carriage awaited them, and as the man opened the door, he gestured for Alice to step inside. She hesitated, unsure if this carriage would lead her to safety or greater danger. But she knew she had no choice—she was still a prisoner, just in a different cage.
With a deep breath, Alice climbed into the carriage, her heart pounding with uncertainty. The hooded man followed, closing the door behind him. The carriage jolted forward, and as it began its journey, Alice cast one last glance at the dungeon, now a distant memory but still a shadow on her heart.
The carriage swayed roughly as it traversed on the uneven road. Sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm and dappled glow. Alice had remained quiet just like the hooded man as they nestled in the plush seats providing semblance of comfort against the subtle jostling. She didn't know what overcame her but Alice had a gut feeling that this man meant no harm to her despite his intimating appearance.
"Can I know where are we going?"
"I'm bringing you to the one that commissioned me to find you."
"Is it my family?"
"No. My client is said to be a relative of yours."
"Then, what about my family? Do you know where they are? The last I heard of them was about the fire which took place in my village."
"Do you know how the fire started?"
"No. I was captured while on my way back."
"From what I gathered, the fire started at your house and three bodies were found.
"Three bodies?! Are, are they dead?!"
The hooded man remained quiet, his silence was his answer to Alice.
"No wonder no one came to find me." Alice looked down, trying to hide herself within her long, disheveled hair. "So, I'm the only one alive and here I thought that my family abandoned me since no one came to find me."
Deep down in her heart, Alice couldn't bring herself to admit that her loving family was truly gone. Though they had been separated for some time, she clung to the hope that they were somewhere out there, searching for her. It never occurred to her that the last time she saw them would be the night she ran away.
If only she had known about the impending misfortune, maybe she could have done something to save them. But now, here she was in this rattling carriage, the noise masking her trembling body as she struggled to hold back her tears. In the silence that settled between the jolts and bumps, Alice willed herself to be strong, fighting to keep the sadness at bay.