Chapter 210

Scarlett stirred awake five hours later in a nearby VIP hospital ward. As her consciousness slowly returned, she found herself caught in a tormenting nightmare. Her limbs were paralyzed, and someone was approaching her slowly, menacingly, with a stun gun in hand. They tased her over and over, their expression twisted with madness. "How dare you run? You'll pay for that! You'll pay!" they shrieked. "Does it hurt? You like that? Want me to turn up the voltage? Make it even better?" they laughed. Electricity crackled through her body, tearing a scream from her throat as pain ripped through her. Then suddenly, she felt herself fall into a warm embrace. A familiar scent, clean and comforting, wrapped around her like a lifeline. It was enough to pull her from the nightmare, dragging her back to the safety of reality. By her ear, a familiar low voice spoke, steady and reassuring. "Don't be afraid. I'm here." It continued softly, "I'll protect you. No one will ever hurt you again. Don