The hospital's private wing had the scent of old money, polished floors, and quiet money-filtered air. Unlike the general wards, it was quiet. No hurrying. No monitors that beep. Simply be silent. Managed.Diana was standing outside Room 9A's door, adjusting her blouse. High-profile patients never had names on their rooms, and her grandfather's name wasn't on the door. She inhaled deeply. "Come in." the voice in her head said. The oxygen line was softly clipped to his nose, unaging him. She pushed the door open. He sat up straight in bed wearing a navy robe. On his lap, a newspaper lay untouched and folded neatly. Like monarchs holding swords, his hands were resting on either side. He gave her a look without grinning. "You were expected earlier." "There was traffic," she stated, putting her handbag aside. “And security.” "Traffic is not an excuse," he stated. And, security is not necessary. You need to exercise discretion.” Diana didn't say anything. She cautiously crossed he

The screen came back on. *Alexander*. Diana pushed the side button to turn it off after calmly watching it buzz on her vanity. The call was cut off. Then came a message. She refrained from opening it. Tonight, she had more essential things to do. She turned to look at the green silk garment spread out on her bed. Yes, it's simple, yet timeless. Simple lines, exposed shoulders, and a tasteful slit that was just the right height. No glitz. No phony drama. Just assurance. The door creaked a bit when she opened the clothing bag. When she called, "Maidana?" The maid took a quick look. "Yes, miss?" "Can you assist with the rear clasp?" The woman intervened swiftly, fiddling with the gold necklace Diana had worn with the gown. "Miss, you look incredible," she replied quietly. "However, do you really want to go tonight?" "I'd rather not," Diana muttered. "I must." There were footsteps. Her mum, who was inspecting her from head to toe. "You're dressed." Her dad came after her. "Dian

The news was out, you could see the news. A breaking ticker at the bottom of the morning show screen, flashing headlines, and online rumors: "Heiress Sarah Moon Missing During Private Gala." Diana felt a knot build in her chest as she gazed blankly at the television. She was unsure of the cause of her guilt. She hadn't been involved in it. Nothing, right? The piercing buzz of the intercom echoed through the home before she could descend into the spiral. Until the maid entered, she chose to ignore it. “It's Mr. Alexander, Miss. He claims that it is urgent.” He did, of course. Slowly, while still tying her robe, she headed downstairs. He had already entered and was pacing the foyer. As soon as he spotted her, he remarked,"You have some nerve." Diana's eyebrow went up. "Pardon me?" “Sarah is missing. Lost. Disappeared. And the last person to speak with her before she vanished was you!”She was shocked and questioned, "Do you think I kidnapped her?" He yelled, "I don't know,

Sarah's body tensed as the door creaked open, harsh light slicing through the darkness like a blade. Two masked men stepped inside, dragging someone between them, someone groaning, struggling. They dropped her on the ground with both legs and hands tied firmly with a strong rope and left without a word. The door slammed shut. Sarah blinked at the figure on the floor. Tangled hair. Dirt-streaked face. Time in this place bled into itself.She couldn't help but wonder who the stranger was she wanted to inquire about who she was but she just didn't know what to say Coughing, she attempted to raise herself onto her elbows. Her lip cracked, and one eye was already swollen. "You," Sarah said, using a pointed word. Weakly, Diana looked up. It's good to see you as well. "Why are you in this place and such a bad condition?" Sarah gave a whizz. "What did you do?" Diana cleared her throat once more. "I tried to help in looking for you." Sarah's chains rattled as she stood. "You think I'l

Click. The floor moved, then disappeared. As she and Diana fell into the darkness, Sarah's breath seized in her throat. There's no time to yell. Weightlessness, frigid air, and then pain. Her body struck a hard object. Before everything froze, she rolled once. Stone. Her back hurt. She had a throbbing wrist. Her lungs were clogged with dust. She pushed herself up on shaking arms and coughed violently. "Diana?" No answer. Her heart ceased beating. From a few feet away, she heard a groan. "I am here," Diana croaked. "Ouch. My arm.”Sarah squinted in the darkness and crawled toward her. There was a slight, strange glimmer in the walls, so it wasn't completely dark. Not exactly light. The stone was more like pulsating. Inhaling. When she got to Diana, she examined her arm. "Avoid moving it. It undoubtedly hurts. Not twisted, but…” Diana muttered, "Just take me to my feet." Sarah did what she was told. Both of them looked around their new jail after they were upright. It was not