CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY – LOCKED IN THE DUNGEONS

Joan's blood ran cold. She struggled against her captors, but it was useless. As they dragged her away, she heard Scipione call out, "And find out who helped her. I want them dealt with." The 'special room' turned out to be a small, windowless cell in the deepest part of the mansion's basement. The men threw Joan inside, the heavy door slamming shut with a finality that made her heart sink. For what felt like hours, Joan paced the tiny space, her mind racing. How had it all gone so wrong? She had been so close to freedom, only to end up in a situation worse than before. As the initial shock wore off, Joan forced herself to take stock of her surroundings. The room was bare except for a thin mattress on the floor and a bucket in the corner. A single bare bulb cast a harsh light over everything. Joan sank onto the mattress, burying her face in her hands. For the first time since this whole ordeal began, she allowed herself to break down, sobs wracking her body. But as the tears subsi