41

N n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n The door slammed shut with a deafening thud, the brass lock mechanism clicking firmly into place, sealing me inside and locking Jennie out. I was plunged into an abyss of absolute darkness, the oppressive blackness suffocating me.

Panic seized me, and I tumbled to the floor, my flailing limbs grasping at the empty air. Terror gripped my heart, squeezing it until I could barely breathe. The only sound that pierced the overwhelming silence was the faint echo of Jennie's panicked cries.

"My lady, answer me! Are you okay?" Jennie's voice was laced with fear, her desperate pleas ringing out through the impenetrable gloom.

I opened my eyes, but it made no difference – the darkness was so complete that I could not discern even the slightest hint of light or shape. I was trapped in a void, surrounded by an all-consuming blackness that threatened to swallow me whole.