Chapter Sixteen—Kahlan’s POV—Awake

I woke up drowning in darkness.

A thick fog clouded my mind, my limbs heavy and numb as I struggled to piece together where I was. My breath felt ragged, my body cold against the rough surface beneath me.

Panic crept up my throat before I even fully regained consciousness.

Something was wrong.

The air was damp, carrying the faint scent of rotting wood and mildew. The floor beneath me was hard, uneven, and cold, like concrete. My fingers twitched, but I couldn't move them freely.

Ropes.

My arms were tied behind my back.

That realization sent a violent jolt through my system. I tried to move my legs, but they were bound at the ankles. A sharp tug at my face confirmed the worst—my mouth was covered too.

I was trapped.

A sharp whimper left my throat as fear took hold. I forced my eyes open, blinking against the dim light that barely illuminated the space.

It wasn't a cell, but it felt like one.

The walls were rough concrete, darkened by age and dampness. A single flickering bulb hung from the ceiling, casting eerie, shifting shadows across the narrow space. The only window was barred, small and high, letting in just enough light to remind me that the world outside still existed.

But no one was coming for me.

A metal door sat at the far end of the room, slightly rusted at the hinges. The only way out.

I swallowed back the rising panic and forced my breathing to steady. Think, Kahlan. Think.

How did I get here?

The last thing I remembered…

I had gone to Aldrich's hotel room. I was going to warn him. I had heard voices, footsteps behind me—

Then hands. Rough hands. A cloth over my mouth.

And then—nothing.

A muffled sob escaped me. Who took me? Where was I?

I twisted against my restraints, ignoring the burning pain in my wrists, struggling harder. The ropes dug into my skin, but I didn't care.

I had to get out.

I had to—

The door creaked.

I froze.

Footsteps. Slow. Calculated.

And then—a shadow stepped inside.

A man.

But his face was hidden in the dim light, obscured by the angle of the bulb behind him. He was tall, broad-shouldered, his presence imposing.

I whimpered, pressing myself back against the wall.

"You're awake," he said, his voice smooth and laced with amusement. "That took longer than expected."

I tried to respond, but the gag in my mouth muffled my words.

He took a slow step closer.

"Don't bother struggling," he said. "You were out for quite some time. You're weak. And there's nowhere to run."

I didn't stop. I refused to just sit here and accept this.

His head tilted slightly, as if he were enjoying my attempt at resistance.

"You don't need to be afraid," he continued. "I have no intention of hurting you—unless you make things difficult."

I flinched at the unspoken threat.

Then, he sighed.

"This could be simple, Miss Walsh," he said. "You do something for me, and this ends without trouble."

I narrowed my eyes at him.

"Aldrich Maximus," he continued, voice darkening slightly. "He is standing in the way of something much bigger than you realize."

I stilled.

Aldrich.

This was about him.

He leaned forward, lowering his voice. "You're going to make sure his deal with Redmont collapses."

I shook my head sharply.

The man clicked his tongue. "I thought you might be difficult."

His fingers reached for the gag, and before I could brace myself, he ripped it away.

I gasped, air rushing into my lungs, the taste of cloth still lingering on my tongue.

"What the hell do you want from me?" I croaked, my voice hoarse.

He ignored my question. "Convince Aldrich to back out of the deal. Make sure it doesn't happen."

I let out a short, bitter laugh. "Do I look like someone he listens to?"

"You were close enough to warn him about the drink at the party," the man said. "You had his attention, even if only for a moment. That means you can get it again."

I clenched my fists. "And why would I help you?"

"Because," he said simply, "if you don't, you'll never leave this room."

A shiver crawled down my spine.

I swallowed, forcing my voice to stay steady. "If I agree to help, you'll let me go?"

A pause. Then—a slow smirk.

"You're a terrible liar," he said, amused. "You'll promise anything to get free, won't you?"

"Can you blame me?" I shot back. "I've been kidnapped. Tied up. Threatened. What exactly do you expect from me?"

He chuckled, stepping back. "I expect you to be smarter."

I tensed as he reached into his pocket.

Then—something cold touched my cheek.

I froze.

A knife.

Pressed lightly against my skin.

"Tell me again," he murmured, "why I should trust you?"

I swallowed hard, my pulse pounding.

"You can't," I admitted. "Just like I can't trust you."

He considered my words for a moment before pulling the knife away.

Then—he turned and walked toward the door.

"I'll give you time to think about it," he said casually. "Not too much, though. I don't like waiting."

With that, he stepped out.

The door slammed shut.

And the sound of a lock clicking into place sent a wave of panic through me.

I had to get out.

I wasted no time.

The moment his footsteps faded, I twisted my wrists, biting down a cry of pain as the ropes cut into my skin.

I could feel the knots loosening—just a little.

I yanked harder.

The rope burned against my flesh, but I ignored it.

Finally—one wrist slipped free.

I didn't stop. I untied my ankles, stumbling forward as blood rushed back into my limbs.

My hands were shaking. My whole body was weak. But I had to move.

I reached the door, pressing my ear against it. Silence.

I took a deep breath.

One. Two.

I twisted the handle—

Unlocked.

My stomach twisted. Why was it unlocked?

I pushed the door open cautiously, stepping into a dimly lit hallway.

It was long, narrow, with old wooden floors that creaked under my weight.

I took a step. Then another.

A door stood at the far end—an exit.

I bolted.

I sprinted down the hall, my heart hammering. I reached for the handle—

A hand grabbed me.

A sharp yank sent me crashing to the floor.

I gasped, struggling as the man's grip tightened around my arm.

"You really thought it would be that easy?" he mused, amused.

I kicked, clawed, but he was too strong.

"Let me go!" I screamed.

He didn't.

Instead, he slammed me back against the wall, pinning me with terrifying ease.

"You're out of options, Miss Walsh," he said. "Now, you'll do what I say."