Chapter 113: Freedom

The fluorescent lights hummed overhead, their cold glow casting sharp shadows across the sterile white walls of the lab. Alessia stood in a corner, her arms wrapped tightly around herself, as if to shield against the suffocating atmosphere. She was lost in thought, her mind spinning, trying to grasp the situation she found herself in. Francesco's presence loomed like a storm cloud, heavy and oppressive.

"Look at you, Alessia," Francesco said, his voice smooth and taunting. He stepped closer, a predator relishing its prey. "You've been so eager to fight back, yet here you are, barely putting up a defense. Have you given up?"