Chapter 778: Kidnappers (1)
"Sir, we’ve already got teams combing the docks and have issued orders to stop all vehicles and individuals attempting to leave. But... I don’t get it. The ransom has been paid. Why haven’t they given us a location or even arranged for the princess’ release? If it weren’t for the small clue she left behind, we’d still be in the dark. Everything feels off."
"They never planned to let her go, I suspect. At this point, it’s less about their motives and more about tracking down the people behind this. Focus on finding Dora. Every second counts—we’re closing in on ten hours since she was kidnapped. Time is slipping away."
***
Dora shook her head, struggling to stay awake. The hours had dragged on mercilessly. At first, the adrenaline had kept her sharp, her senses hyper-aware of every creak, every shifting shadow in the dimly lit room. But now, her strength was waning, and her body felt like it no longer belonged to her. The evening had already come and gone and now, the only light left was the moonlight filtering through the tiny window. She blinked, trying to concentrate but even that movement was getting heavier and heavier.
Her wrists had been tied too tightly for too long, and she had stopped feeling her hands hours ago. Every small movement made her wince, her muscles protesting after being left in the same position.
Her legs were numb too, tingling with pins and needles, but even the discomfort felt distant, almost irrelevant as her mind drifted in and out of focus. Fatigue was settling in, her thoughts getting foggier by the minute. It was getting harder to stay alert, to resist the heaviness pulling her under.
But she knew she had to. Because if she fainted, then there would really be no hope for her. The kidnappers had probably disappeared by now, if they’d received the money. She knew they were probably not watching her any longer. Maybe she really would need to go and hurl herself at the window. At least that pain might keep her awake or attract attention.
She tried to gulp but her throat was already too dry to be able to do anything else. Even as her eyelids felt too heavy and breathing got too difficult, she vowed to herself," She was not going to let this person go easily. They would pay for it."
Dora’s breath hitched as she shifted her weight, attempting once again to adjust her position, but it only sent another wave of pain shooting through her body. She swallowed a whimper, biting down hard on her lip until she tasted blood. She couldn’t afford to give in—not to the exhaustion, not to the pain. She needed to stay strong, stay awake. Stay alive.
Just as she thought of the words, a thought entered her tired mind... The door...