Chapter 51

　　Alexei 　　I woke up to a terrible smell, a mix of rat waste and urine. The air was wet, and every drop of water made a faint, echoing sound. It wasn't very bright inside, and slowly, I realized that I was stuck in a dungeon. Confusion filled my thoughts as I tried to understand how I had ended up here. 　　Recollection started to come back, like a distant memory emerging from the shadows. I had told Serena that I would investigate the place where she was supposed to meet Tori. In reality, I had a deeper reason - to make sure Tori was safe during the secret meeting. I had sneaked into the packhouse and quietly climbed the balcony to reach Tori's room. But, as I saw her, someone I didn't know hit me on the head, and I passed out. 　　Thoughts of Tori swirled in my mind as I moved on the cold dungeon floor. Suddenly, I heard footsteps approaching, and there she was, Tori herself. 　　Tori opened the heavy cell door, her eyes glistening with profound relief at my safety. The dim light from the