Chapter 1: Abrupt Awakening
Dylan's POV
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Dylan jolted awake, his eyelids heavy and crusted shut.
He struggled to open his eyes but found only darkness. As his consciousness returned in waves, he realized he was restrained. His hands were raised above his head, bound by cold chains that bit into his skin. But what concerned him most was the absence of solid ground beneath his feet.
He tried to move, but every attempt sent a burning pain ripping through his battered body. Every nerve screamed with electric agony, sharpening his senses and pushing away the fog of unconsciousness.
When he tried to speak, only ragged, guttural sounds escaped his throat. A searing pain prevented him from forming any words. His throat felt crushed — as if it had taken a series of brutal blows.
Panic clawed its way into his chest, tightening his lungs and knotting his stomach. One question pierced through his fractured thoughts, darkening the fragile balance of his mind.
"How could I be so stupid to get caught?" he thought, as his eyes slowly adjusted to the oppressive darkness around him.
Bit by bit, he made out the rough contours of a cavern. Humidity ruled the air, and the rhythmic drip of water hitting stone echoed in the stifling silence: plink... plonk... His breath quickened as he tried to turn his head. A sharp, searing pain twisted his neck, but he pushed through it.
And that's when he saw them.
He wasn't alone.