Is it about power?

Kira focused on figuring out how the ropes had been tied, trying her best to do it as quietly so as not to attract the attention of James and Sue. It was difficult, as the ropes were tightly bound around her. She cursed under her breath as she shot a quick glance toward the two of them, still bickering at each other.

When she was certain that their attention was not on her, Kira slowly dragged the chair behind her, wincing in pain as she struggle to loosen the ropes around her legs and hands. She knew time was of the essence, she needed to escape before they noticed what she was doing.

Kira worked diligently to untie her hands and once they were free, she set to work on the ones binding her legs. After a few tense moments, she was able to untie the knots and freed herself.

Glancing around the unfamiliar room, Kira's eyes settle on the only exit that could potentially save her life. Heavy curtains obscured her view of the outside, making it difficult for her to determine her exact location within Rivea.

Knowing she has to act quickly, Kira didn't leave the only weapon she had at hand, the chair. Instead, she grabbed it, using it as a makeshift weapon in case Sue and James blocked her way out. With a feel breath, Kira stepped towards the curtains ready to make her escape.

As Kira lifted the curtains to escape, she felt a hand grab onto her wrist, pulling her back. Reacting instinctively, she swung her hand and struck the person with the chair. The sound of a scream followed as Kira quickly opened the window.

She looked down at the tall building and her heart pounded in her chest. Suddenly, James fall behind, holding his head as blood trickled down into his eyes. Sue pushed him behind and charged toward Kira, who now had her legs hanging outside the window.

She taunted Kira with a smug expression. "Did you really think, you can escape from here Ms. Simpson?" Kira knew there was no going back, and she can't give up without a fight. She looked at Sue with the eye determination etched on her face, and with a smile she let herself fall rather than be used by them.

Sue reached out and grabbed Kira by the hair, her own hands shaking with nervousness. She had heard rumors about Kira's courage and resourcefulness, but she had never witnessed it firsthand. She knew if she lost Kira, she would lose the freedom she has been fighting for a long time.

Struggling to maintain her grip Sue pulled Kira back into the room, calling James for help. She knew that they needed to strain Kira before she could attempt another escape. As James stumbled to stand, holding a handkerchief to his bleeding forehead, the two worked together to subdue Kira, their determination to keep her captive only increasing.

Kira cried silently her head hurt after Sue had grabbed her hair. She would have to massage her head or dip in cold water if not her hand being tied.

As Sue pulled James to leave, the man glared at her fiercely, his eyes throwing daggers her way.

In a barely audible voice, she whispered, "It hurts so much."

The room's curtains were drawn shut, casting the space into darkness. She feared darkness, Anna used to lock them in a dark room for days. Now, as Kira remember she couldn't help but closed her eyes and let more tears fall down her cheeks.

Sometimes our deepest desire to wish for an end to our suffering may never come to fruition.

Kira cried until she eventually fell asleep, but the sound of the door opening jolted her awake. She blink her eyes several times to see the people of were entering the room but all was in vain. She couldn't even distinguish if it was day or night anymore, as everything felt the same to her.

As soon as the door closed Kira heard a masculine voice ask. "Is she the one?"

James replied, "Yes," as he lit up the room with a dim light that only illuminated half of it. Kira squinted, trying to catch a glimpse of the other two people who had come with James and Sue.

But she couldn't comprehend what was going on, and one of the men suddenly lunged at her ripping and tearing her dress. He shouted, "I'll kill her!" before he was forcefully pulled away.

"Let me go!" he exclaimed, "I want to witness how that man reacts when someone he loved so dearly is gone."

"Get a grip on yourself," the man holding him, cautioned the angry man, his voice calm and unmistakable. He then positioned himself in front and directed a contemptuous look at the restrained and tranquil girl seated on a chair, "Did he really believes we would let this go?" he asked, not addressing anyone in particular, but Kira understood that the question was aimed at her.

"You really believe abducting me will solve whatever problem you think I'm part of?" Kira challenged her captors with a playful grin, refusing to be intimidated by the situation. Even though she had no prior acquaintances with this individual, she was not going to surrender easily. "In fact, the King, who doesn't care about me, is nowhere to be found," she concluded, smiling wryly.

"Your petty scheme won't succeed with us," the man declared, his face looming closer to Kira's. His chiseled features were unmistakable-she recognized him as one of the wealthy merchants who had visited the castle that evening.

Kira remembered the man had stared at her in the garden, even flashing a friendly smile. But now, as he sneered at her, she couldn't help but wonder if Drey's warning had been accurate-were these individuals collaborating with Anna.

" We won't stop until we got what we want," the man reminded Kira. "The two brothers are searching for you after all, even if he's not present." He started to walk away, but Kira's question halted him in his tracks.

"Is it about power?"