Rain poured heavily outside. Thunder occasionally tore through the sky, but the sounds of nature couldn't pierce the thick walls of the old villa.
The tall windows in the living room reflected the dim glow of the fireplace—the only source of light that night. The lamps had been deliberately turned off two hours earlier. Silence reigned. Only the occasional crackle of burning wood broke the stillness.
The air in the room felt stifling.
Four figures sat slumped in wooden chairs, their bodies bound, mouths gagged with cloth.
From time to time, a small whimper escaped—muffled, choked. Someone was crying silently. One of them trembled. Another tried to stay awake, but their body was exhausted, swaying.
Then—splash.
The sound of cold water being poured. Followed by a sharp slap.
Smack.
A body jolted. Their breath hitched. But no other sound followed.
Silence returned.
Outside, the rain hadn't stopped.
And the night... was far from over.