บท 201: HARSH REALITY

Louisa struggled to sleep all night, her mind racing in search of a way to escape. However, the man had been right. The tight security made it impossible to slip away unnoticed.

When morning came, an overwhelming sense of doom clung to her like a shroud. She sat cross-legged on the crumpled sheets spread over the crate-clustered floor for what felt like an eternity. The lack of a proper bed in this room was absurd for a lodging in an inn.

As she watched the sun rays slant through the window, she found herself sinking deeper into despair and determination.

Suddenly the door flew open.

"You're up! Great!" Louisa looked up to see the woman from last night. Her already low mood soured.

"I was hoping for at least a grateful smile from you. Is it too much to ask?" the woman said, noticing Louisa's frown.

With effort, due to her exhaustion, Louisa stood up, towering over the woman.