The Red Lotus Lounge (4)

As Erik and the others sat in tense silence, they watched as the hostages slowly began to stir.

Their bodies shifted, and their eyes started fluttering open, taking in their surroundings with confusion and fear etched on their faces.

Some groaned and tried to sit up, while others remained still, taking stock of the situation.

As the hostages slowly regained consciousness, they were disoriented and confused. They looked around, trying to get their bearings, and then at each other as if unsure what the situation was.

However, something was clear to everyone: they had been attacked, and now, waking up in that unfamiliar place, it was clear they had been kidnapped.

The first hostage to fully wake up was an older woman with white hair. She blinked a few times and looked around, her eyes wide with apprehension.