— Oh god, this is so boring.

An impatient huff escapes Ashley as she paces a small circle, her boots leaving scuff marks in the worn stone floors. The torches illuminating the room cast an eerie glow on the crumbling walls and vaulted ceiling, creating shifting shadows that only serve to increase her claustrophobia.

— Don't they even know who I am in this backwater village? I'm the president's daughter for crying out loud, I demand a better kidnapping experience. Like, at least some sort of background ambience music or something.

A noise from outside the room makes Ashley freeze. Her heart pounds in her throat as she listens, straining to identify the source of the disturbance. Heavy footfalls and unintelligible whispers drift through the thick, splintered door. She can hear muffled voices discussing something, perhaps even arguing.

With dread, Ashley shuffles her way closer to the wall and slides down into a seated position, pressing her back against the cold stone. She tries desperately to quell the panic rising within her, but the thought of what might await her beyond that door fills her with fear.

The conversation outside continues, growing louder and more animated. Ashley can now make out snippets of the whispered words.

— El ritual comienza de inmediato.

The footsteps draw closer, sending a chill down Ashley's spine. She hugs her knees tighter to her chest, her trembling hands clenching in vain attempts to break the ropes binding her wrists.

Ashley's eyes dart around the room, scanning for any potential means of escape. The only possible exit seems to be a small, barred window near the ceiling - too high up for her to reach without help.

Her mind races as she considers her options.

— Maybe if I could find something sturdy enough... Like that loose brick over there?

She inches closer and begins carefully prying it from its spot in the wall with trembling fingers.

— Or maybe this rope they used on me could be useful—if only I wasn't tied so tightly behind my back! Ughhhh, why are kidnappers never good at multitasking?