CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-ONE - CAPTURED BY MARCUS

Anna's heart pounded as the car lurched to a stop. The blindfold over her eyes plunged her into darkness, leaving her other senses heightened. The acrid smell of pine and damp earth filled her nostrils. Somewhere in the distance, a bird called out, its cry echoing through what Anna could only imagine was a dense forest. Rough hands grabbed her arms, yanking her from the vehicle. Her feet stumbled on uneven ground as she was forcibly marched forward. "Watch your step, princess," Marcus's voice sneered close to her ear. "Wouldn't want you to fall and hurt that pretty face of yours." Anna bit back a retort, conserving her energy. She needed to stay alert, to gather as much information as possible about her surroundings. The creak of a door. A sudden warmth enveloped her as she was shoved inside what felt like a building. The musty scent of old wood and stale air replaced the forest smells. "Sit," a gruff voice commanded. Anna was pushed down onto a hard chair. Hands roughly secured h