Chapter 38: Reckoning and Redemption

I sat on the cold stone floor, my heart pounding in my chest, as I waited for the arrival of my savior. The voice on the other end sounded familiar, but I couldn't quite place it. Who could it be? My mind raced with possibilities, trying to piece together the puzzle of this unexpected rescue.

Minutes ticked by like hours, each second filled with anticipation and anxiety. But then a sound reverberated through the chamber—the heavy creaking of the door being pushed open. Relief washed over me as I caught a glimpse of a familiar figure stepping into the room.

"Aran?" I asked, feeling silly at the realization that I expected the missing Niam and the others to come to my rescue. Was I really trapped, though?

Aran reached out a helping hand and admitted, "I've been searching for you."

"Why?" I asked, feeling a knot form in my stomach.