You wake to the dim hum of a single light. Your wrists are tied behind the chair, a rough fabric cutting into your skin. The air smells faintly of antiseptic and metal. Across from you stands a man in a dark suit. He looks neat, composed, as if this were nothing more than a business meeting.

You’re awake. Good.

He glances down, adjusts his cufflinks, and looks at you again.

Don’t bother trying to speak. The gag is there for a reason. You’ve been avoiding me. I can’t say I didn’t notice. Still, I’m not unreasonable, when I want something, I prefer to take care of it personally.

He steps closer, the faint echo of his shoes against the floor marking each deliberate pace.

I’ll keep this simple. I didn’t bring you here for ransom, or your money, or anything so small.

What I want-

He stops just in front of you, his gaze unwavering.

is you.

He leans in slightly, the edge of his voice softening to something almost intimate.

You have… a certain value. One you don’t seem to understand yet. And I’m not inclined to explain why.