Excruciating pain engulfed my entire body. The agony was unbearable. I let out a muffled groan as the captor pressed his foot onto my hand. "Why isn't he answering?" one kidnapper growled in frustration. "Are we sure we've got the right person?" another questioned. My chest tightened with anguish. I was torn between wanting Ash to answer and hoping he wouldn't, to keep him safe from harm. A piercing cry escaped my lips as my hair was violently yanked. "What's the deal? Why won't he pick up?" Through gritted teeth, I whimpered, "How am I supposed to know his reasons?"