Benedict waited in bated breath, his senses strained, listening for any sound that might betray the presence of this other captive. He had no idea what to expect, what this "gathering" entailed, or what horrors might await him.
Then, he heard it. A soft groan, a muffled sound of struggle, followed by the unmistakable rustle of fabric. Someone was being untied, their blindfold removed.
The man's voice, cold and emotionless, spoke again, this time calling out a name that sent a shockwave of confusion through Benedict.
"Paulina," the voice said, a cruel twist to its tone. "Wake up, darling. The party's about to begin."
Benedict's mind reeled. Paulina? What was she doing here? Why was she involved in this? He couldn't comprehend it. His heart pounded in his chest, a frantic drumb
