Chapter Text
Light filtered in through the pinholes in the sack, yellow dots burning though the tan fabric. She fruitlessly tried to twist her hands and feet, the ropes cutting into her wrists, the muslin of her dress saving her ankles from the same fate.
Every sound set her on edge. There was a clanging somewhere in the distance, likely a large bell, and the busy voices of people, too far away to make out timbres or words. She’d scream out, but a rag had been stuffed into her mouth.
Was this how it ended? She thought she had been careful—using a well-paid stable of hired hacks, enlisting the help of Madame Delacroix, dressing in disguise. Obviously, it hadn’t been enough. Someone found her. It didn’t matter how hard she kicked and flailed against her kidnapper, they had been victorious; all it took was oil of sweet vitriol and a cloth to make her pliant and easily handled. Though she at least had the satisfaction of connecting her elbow to some sensitive spot and eliciting an angry growl. Serves them right.
She pondered the wisdom of trying to grope the floor she was sitting on to find a weapon when she heard the unmistakable sound of an opening door.