Elaine POV
Hours passed, and the oppressive silence in the cave weighed heavier with each passing minute. The initial shock of our abduction had worn off, replaced by a gnawing fear that gnawed at the edges of our resolve.
The hope of being rescued faded, leaving behind a cold, creeping despair.
We had no sense of time—only the faint whispers of the other girls who had woken earlier and estimated that it had been hours since we were taken.
It felt like an eternity.
A few torches dimly lit the cave, their flames flickering weakly against the damp walls. Their shadows only added to the unease that hung over us like a shroud.
I could see the fear etched on the faces of the other girls, their eyes wide and glistening with unshed tears.
Some had huddled together, seeking comfort in
