(NIKOLAI)
A noise roused me. But there was no one in the dungeon. Now I was sure I was hearing things.
My brain tried to focus, but it was like slogging through quicksand. I was numb and weak, and every second I was conscious felt like an hour.
There. I heard it again. It was the door.
Christ! No, no, no.
I shivered, the dread filling my veins like ice water. I tried to remember what little words of prayer I could still recall. Please, help me.
There were more of them this time. I counted at least eight men coming down the stairs. They were moving slower than usual. But why hurry, I supposed? I wasn't going anywhere.
I heard whispers but couldn't make them out. That was odd. Usually Sergio was shouting at me, taunting me the second he entered the dungeon.
They came closer, but I didn't bother looking. I didn't need to see the smug satisfaction when he saw me, naked and crumpled, on the dungeon floor. I prayed he killed me quickly, but I knew he wouldn't.
Please.
