Attack on the Don

(NIKOLAI)

A noise roused me. But there was no one in the dungeon. Now I was sure I was hearing things.

My brain tried to focus, but it was like slogging through quicksand. I was numb and weak, and every second I was conscious felt like an hour.

There. I heard it again. It was the door.

Christ! No, no, no.

I shivered, the dread filling my veins like ice water. I tried to remember what little words of prayer I could still recall. Please, help me.

There were more of them this time. I counted at least eight men coming down the stairs. They were moving slower than usual. But why hurry, I supposed? I wasn't going anywhere.

I heard whispers but couldn't make them out. That was odd. Usually Sergio was shouting at me, taunting me the second he entered the dungeon.