I woke slowly. My eyes fluttered open, and everything felt heavy. My arms and legs felt like they were filled with lead. I tried to move, but even the smallest motion made my body ache. My clothes were wet with mud, and scratches on my arms stung sharply, reminding me of the forest.
I tried to breathe. My chest felt tight, and my heart pounded painfully. Lena… my friend… my only friend? She gave me to him. She had betrayed me. The thought made tears fill my eyes, blurring the room around me.
I swallowed hard and tried to steady my shaking hands. Panic was rising like fire in my chest. I was alone. Completely alone. My throat tightened, and I could barely whisper, “Lena… why?”
But there was no answer. Only silence.
---
The door opened slowly, and a shadow moved across the floor. My sto
