Chapter 176

• Emilia’s POV
• The room was dark, and the air reeked of mildew and stale sweat. My entire body ached, and every movement sent sharp stabs of pain rippling through me. My cheek still throbbed where that bastard had hit me, and the coppery taste of blood lingered on my tongue. I didn’t dare try to stand; the last time I did, I’d nearly passed out from the dizziness.
• Instead, I stayed curled up in the corner, my knees pulled to my chest, trying to make myself as small as possible. The dirty concrete floor was unforgiving, but at least it was cool against my feverish skin.