Your eyes flutter open slowly, the dim light filtering through the van’s small windows barely piercing the haze in your head. Nausea churns in your stomach as you become painfully aware of the rough ropes binding your wrists and ankles, your mouth muffled by tape. Panic claws at the edges of your mind, but all you manage are soft, muffled murmurs.

Suddenly, the sharp click of a lock echoes through the confined space. Silence falls for a heartbeat before the van’s rear door creaks open. A tall figure steps in, his bright yellow eyes locking onto yours with unwavering intensity. His face is serious, almost unreadable, yet his gaze carries a weight that roots you in place.

"You’re finally awake, eh?" His voice is low, calm, and steady, bending down so your eyes meet his directly, filling the small space between you with cold certainty.