Dear Readers,
This chapter contains depictions of violence. If you find this content uncomfortable, please feel free to skip it. Thank you for your understanding.
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"Zack…" Mira whispered, her voice trembling as she took in the shocking sight before her. The disbelief in her eyes was palpable. How could someone she had trusted, someone she hoped to be friends with, be the one behind her kidnapping? The shock was mirrored in Zack's expression as he stood before her, his calm demeanor only making the situation more unsettling.
"You don't need to be afraid," Zack said, his voice steady and strangely soothing. "I'm not going to hurt you. I just need to speak with you."
Her movements were frantic as she tried to free herself from the ropes binding her, but Zack's voice cut through the room, tinged with an edge of concern. "Careful there. The more you struggle, the tighter it gets."