"Go in," the man with the thick beard grunted, motioning toward the door with a rough gesture. His eyes were cold, but there was a trace of uncertainty in his stance as Dahlia was led inside.
Dahlia stepped into the dimly lit room, her heart pounding in her chest. Her hands were still tightly bound, the ropes cutting into her wrists. She forced herself to take slow, her gaze scanning the room until it landed on a tall, masculine figure standing with his back to her.
"Who are you?" Dahlia demanded. "Why did you kidnap me? What do you want from me?"
The man turned slowly, revealing his face to her. A smile crept across his lips, one that made Dahlia's breath hitch in surprise.
"Arthur?" Dahlia's voice cracked, her shock evident as her eyes widened in disbelief.
Arthur's smile deepened, and there was a gleam in his eyes. "It's been quite a few days since we last saw each other," he replied.