Chapter 404

As her vision blurred even more, a stubborn sense of defiance flared up in Claire's chest. She clenched her jaw, silently fighting back against him, even if she knew it wouldn't actually help. Just when she thought she was done for, the grip on her neck suddenly loosened. Her body flung to the side like it had been shot out of a slingshot and slammed hard onto the ground. She barely registered the pain from her head hitting the floor before instinct kicked in—she gasped for air, lungs burning. Still tied to a chair, her body had twisted during the fall. Her left arm was trapped underneath her, sending sharp pain shooting up as it got crushed, dragging her back to a clearer state of mind. It was pitch black around her. One hand pressed against the floor and brushed against some kind of thick, sticky liquid. A metal-like smell—sweet and sharp—lingered in the air. A chill shot up her spine, making the pain momentarily meaningless. Her brain snapped awake with a jolt. Even the irregular dr