章 19: Chapter 19: The Floating Trap

I regained consciousness to the dull sound of waves. The rocking made me realize I was on a boat. My body felt heavy, my head throbbed, and my wrists ached from being tied up for too long. My eyes fluttered, trying to adjust to the darkness of the cramped cabin where I had been locked up.

The door suddenly opened, and a young woman entered, carrying a bag. She was frail, probably in her twenties, and carefully avoided meeting my gaze. Her black hair was tied in a braid, and her hands trembled slightly as she took clothes out of the bag.

"You need to get ready," she said in a low, almost whispered voice. She spoke hesitant English with a pronounced accent, which made me understand that she was not Italian.

"Who are you?" I asked softly, trying to catch her eye.

She didn't answer immediately, continuing to pull out a tight black dress, high heels, and a makeup kit.

"Please, tell me who you are," I insisted.