Aidi stood at the edge of Lake Cinet, taking in the peaceful beauty of the shimmering waters. The sky above was painted in shades of orange and gold as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the scene. For a brief moment, she allowed herself to relax, closing her eyes as the cool breeze brushed against her face. She wished she could stay here forever, away from everything.

But peace had become a distant memory. With one last look at the lake, she turned and walked away, her steps heavy with the feeling that something bad was coming.

---

The room was dark, almost suffocating. The only light came from a floor lamp casting a weak glow over the empty space. Two chairs sat in the center—one occupied by Aidi, her wrists and ankles tightly bound to the wooden frame. Rocks were scattered around, their jagged edges catching the dim light. A small, barred window offered no escape, just a view of the bleak surroundings.

Aidi's breath was shallow, her mind racing with thoughts. Her throat tightened as she struggled to control the overwhelming emotions threatening to surface. She wasn't going to give Hetri the satisfaction of seeing her break.

Her captor. Her tormentor.

The sound of the door creaking open made her jump. Blinding light flooded the room, forcing her to squint. A tall, muscular figure stepped inside, his presence filling the space. Hetri's mocking smile was fixed on his face, but his cold eyes betrayed the malice within.

He strolled over to the empty chair across from her, sitting down casually as if he owned the room. "Well, well. We meet again, sweetheart," he said, leaning forward with a smirk. "I gotta admit, I'm impressed. You've got some guts, pulling that stunt. Who taught you those moves?"

Aidi didn't answer. She refused to give him the satisfaction. Hetri reached out and pinched her cheek, his grip tightening as she tried to shake him off.

"Still stubborn, huh?" he said, tilting her head up to meet his gaze. "I bet someone told you you'd make it out alive, didn't they? Whoever that person is, they must want you dead."

He chuckled darkly and released her. Rising to his feet, he started pacing the room, his hands behind his back. "I've been thinking about what to do with you. How to break you, make you... obedient. But you're tougher than most. You keep surprising me."

Aidi finally spoke, her voice rough but defiant. "Guard this place all you want. Watch me every second of every day. It won't stop me."

Hetri froze, then turned to face her. His expression was unreadable, but after a long pause, he laughed—a low, sinister sound. "You've got spirit, I'll give you that. But fire can always be snuffed out."

He leaned in close, his breath hot against her skin. "I made you strong, but I'll be the one to break you."

Aidi's jaw clenched. Her body ached, her arms and legs burned from the tight ropes, but she didn't back down. "I'm not like them," she said quietly. "I'm not like the people who bow to you."

Hetri's smile faltered. For a moment, his eyes flashed with something dangerous, something deeper than just anger.

"Watch your mouth," he growled.

Aidi didn't stop. "I'm not weak like your father. The man who couldn't even—"

Before she could finish, the slap came. It was fast and hard, knocking her head to the side. The sting of his hand lingered on her cheek as her vision blurred for a moment. When everything cleared, she saw Hetri's face twisted in rage. His chest heaved as he stood over her, clearly losing control.

"You don't know anything about that," he snapped.

Aidi chuckled, the sound hollow and cold. "Did I touch a nerve?"

Hetri took a step back, his fists clenching at his sides. "Enough. I'm done playing your little games." He grabbed the cloth gag hanging loosely around her neck and pulled it tight again, silencing her.

He turned toward the door and called to the guards. "Teach her a lesson. Don't go easy on her."

Before leaving, he shot her one last look, his eyes cold. "Enjoy your stay, sweetheart. You've earned it."

The door slammed shut, and Aidi was left alone in the darkness. Her heart pounded in her chest, but her spirit didn't waver.

This wasn't the end. Not yet.