Chapter Eight

Relief washed over Suzy as Doris finished tending to her wounds. The cool water and ointment had soothed the burning pain on her back, and the simple act of kindness had warmed a place deep inside her.

With a satisfied sigh, Doris set the empty food tray aside. "There," she said, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "That should hold you for a while."

Suzy nodded gratefully. The bread and cheese had filled the empty void in her stomach, and the water had quenched her thirst. It was a small comfort, but it was a comfort nonetheless.

As Doris began to gather the empty plates and bowls, a question furrowed her brow. "Milady," she said hesitantly, "there was a word you used earlier… claustrophobia. What does that mean?"

Suzy blinked, surprised that Doris remembered that detail from their earlier confrontation with Helene. "Claustrophobia," she explained, her voice slightly hoarse, "is a fear of enclosed spaces. Like this room, for example. Being locked in here, with no way out… it triggers a panic attack in me. I feel like I can't breathe, like the walls are closing in on me."

Doris's eyes widened in understanding. "So, that's why you were so… panicked earlier," she murmured, a flicker of sympathy softening her gaze. "I thought… well, I thought you were just upset about being locked in here."

Suzy nodded, a wave of relief washing over her. At least Doris understood now.

Doris's face softened with sympathy. "Poor Milady," she murmured. "No wonder you were so panicked."

"How long do you think we have before the guards wake up?" Suzy asked, her voice laced with anxiety.

Doris glanced at the small window high up on the wall. A sliver of moonlight peeked through, casting an eerie glow on the dusty room.

"It's getting late," she said thoughtfully. "They didn't drank quite a bit, so they should be out for at least a few more minutes."

"I should probably get going," Doris said finally, her voice barely a whisper. She rose to her feet, gathering the bowl and empty plates.

Suzy understood. Doris was risking her own well-being to help her. "I know," she said gently. "Go. Get back to your room before they see you."

Doris hesitated, her gaze lingering on Suzy with a mixture of concern and affection. "Are you sure you'll be alright here?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Suzy forced a smile, trying to project a sense of confidence she didn't entirely feel. "I'll be fine," she lied. "Just get out of here, Doris. Please."

Doris reassured her, her voice firm despite the tremor running through her. "This has happened before. When Lady Cassandra… well, when you were younger, you stood up to Countess Helene once. They locked you in here for a day, but they let you out in the morning."

Suzy felt a flicker of hope. So, there was a precedent? Maybe they wouldn't keep her locked up for long.

"A day?" she repeated, her voice barely a whisper. "A whole day alone in this darkness?"

Doris offered a sad smile. "I know it's not ideal, Milady. But trust me, it's better than getting caught. I'll come back as soon as I can, and hopefully, by then, you'll be free."

Doris squeezed her hand gently. "You take care, Milady," she whispered. "And remember, you're not alone. I'm here for you." With that, she rose to her feet and, with a final lingering glance, slipped out of the storeroom, closing the heavy door behind her.

Suzy was plunged back into darkness. The silence, once broken only by their voices, was deafening.

Taking a deep breath, Suzy closed her eyes and focused on her breathing. She pictured herself back in her own world, surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds. It was a futile exercise, she knew, but it brought a small measure of comfort.

The hours dragged by, each tick of the unseen clock an excruciating reminder of her confinement. But Suzy refused to let the darkness and silence consume her.

Finally, just as exhaustion began to claim her, a sliver of light pierced through the crack beneath the door. Dawn was breaking. With renewed energy, Suzy scrambled to her feet, her heart pounding with anticipation.

"Alright, that's enough lounging about in there. Time to get up." a voice, gruff but not unkind, broke through the silence.

It was one of the guards, the younger one with a mop of unruly brown hair. Suzy recognized him from earlier, the one who hadn't seemed quite as enthusiastic about locking her away.

The door creaked open, revealing the other guard, a burly man with a thick beard, standing behind him. Suzy flinched instinctively, the memory of the whip still fresh in her mind.

"Easy there, milady," the younger guard said soothingly, noticing her reaction. "We're not here to hurt you. Just following orders."

Suzy hesitated for a moment, then slowly started walking. Her legs wobbled precariously, and she would have fallen if the younger guard hadn't reached out to steady her.

"Careful now," he murmured, his voice laced with concern. "You look like you could use a good rest."

Suzy nodded, speechless. The ordeal of the previous night had drained her both physically and mentally. She felt like a fragile doll, battered and bruised.

The guards led her out of the storeroom and back towards the main part of the Manor. The long walk seemed to take an eternity, each step a struggle against her weakened body.

As they rounded a corner, Suzy caught a glimpse of a familiar figure waiting by a doorway. It was Doris, her face etched with worry and relief in equal measure.

"Milady!" Doris cried, rushing towards her. "You're alright!"

Suzy managed a weak smile. "I'm… I'm okay, Doris," she rasped, her voice hoarse from disuse.

The guards stopped, their faces stoic. "We'll leave you to it," the younger guard said curtly. "But remember, milady," he added, his voice softening slightly, "don't make any more trouble."

With that, the guards turned and walked away, leaving Suzy alone with Doris.

Doris immediately wrapped her arms around Suzy in a tight embrace. Suzy clung to her, the warmth of her body a welcome comfort.

"Oh, Milady," Doris whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I was so worried about you. I barely slept a wink all night."

Suzy leaned into the embrace, Doris held her close, stroking her hair in a soothing rhythm.

Doris led her back to her room. The familiar surroundings, though still a far cry from her own world, offered a small measure of comfort.

"Let me help you get settled," Doris said gently.

Suzy nodded, too exhausted to argue. Doris helped her undress, wincing at the sight of the welts on her back. Without a word, she fetched a warm washcloth and a basin of water.

"This might sting a little," Doris warned, her voice soft.

Suzy gritted her teeth as Doris cleaned the wounds with a gentle touch. The pain was a dull ache compared to last night.

Once she was clean, Doris helped her into a simple nightgown. The soft fabric felt like a caress against her raw skin.

"There," Doris said finally, tucking the covers around her. "Now get some rest. You'll feel much after you wake up."

Suzy nodded, a wave of exhaustion washing over her. She closed her eyes, the rhythmic sound of Doris's footsteps fading in the distance.