Chapter 104

Maya’s POV

“Where are we?” I croaked, voice quivering, as Richard’s personal guard steered me down a narrow, dimly lit staircase. A second guard trailed behind, the cold barrel of his pistol pressed firmly into my back. Though unshackled and blindfold-free, I dared not move a muscle.

Above us, the attic loomed with forgotten crates and broken furniture, moonlight slicing through a single grimy window. Every groan of the old floorboards echoed like a gunshot. My heart pounded in my ears, fear clawing up my throat. It felt like I was back on that plane, desperately seeking escape—only this time, I was utterly helpless.

“Don’t worry, darling,” Richard’s deep voice rumbled ahead, threaded with ominous amusement. “You’re in a very familiar place. You’ll see soon enough.”

When the car finally stopped, we reached a concea