The Lure: II

The next time Isla woke up, it was early morning. Light filtered through the curtains, casting long, dancing shadows on the bedroom walls.

Isla stirred, her body aching with a familiar weariness.

As consciousness returned, she became aware of hushed voices coming from the kitchen. Theo and Professor Trebla were there, their low murmurings a stark contrast to the quietness of the bedroom.

The wound on her neck throbbed with a dull ache, a constant, unwelcome reminder of the nightmare she was trapped in.

But the physical pain was nothing compared to the emotional turmoil that churned within her.

The realisation of Theo's deception, the carefully constructed lies, and the stolen fragments of her memory were wounds far deeper and more painful.

She needed to get out, even if just for a little while.

Slipping out of bed quietly, she headed to the bathroom. She took a simple shower, letting the warm water wash away some of her anxiety.