Chapter 26

A tiny splash of footsteps in the water alerted my ears, heightened my senses, and confirmed someone's presence. I tried to be still, engaging more attention closely to what that sound was and where it came from, whilst proving myself, maybe just insects or some wild animals sneaking by the water. Aside from the echo of water dripping, I can hear the crackling sound of the campfire and the burning torch nearby, and ocean waves like a loop in my ears.

I carefully pulled my blindfold; my reflex is cooperating better this time. Less pain, but my back still ached and absorbed the trauma every time the hit landed on my back. I nearly fainted while enduring those pains. This moment it was less sore, taking advantage of and maintaining not causing a shackling sound of my heavy chains around my neck, including my hands.