Oscar's eyes scanned the cramped, dingy room. Flickering fluorescent lights overhead cast eerie shadows on peeling walls.
He sat on a worn couch, clutching the remote control, his gaze fixed on the outdated TV.
Breaking News banners appeared on the screen: "Monroe Empire Chairperson Kidnappe "Storage Room Ablaze"
Panic-stricken news anchors spoke in hushed tones, "We've just received the word...," one began, her words faltering. "Lyra Monroe, the first female Chairperson of Monroe's empire... trapped on an inferno....chances of survival are slim to none."
Oscar's thumb hovered over the volume button, then pressed mute. The TV fell silent, but the words continued to scroll: "No remains recovered"
Oscar's eyes shifted to the bed, where Lyra lay motionless.
A middle-aged woman, her fa
