ECLIPSED

CHAPTER 6

Lea had spent what felt like an eternity in her cell, her thoughts racing. The air was thick and damp, and she had lost all sense of time. Her wrists were finally free from the bindings, but the heavy door stood solid, a formidable barrier between her and freedom.

"What now?" she whispered to herself, frustration bubbling within her as she pushed against the door, only to have it resist her efforts. The guard stationed outside seemed indifferent, engrossed in his own world.

Lea sank down in the corner of the cell, tears pooling in her eyes. She thought of her life back in New York-her friends, her mischievous cat, Carrots, and especially her father, who must be worried sick. "I hope he's okay," she murmured, feeling a pang of guilt for worrying him.

The quiet sobs turned into full-fledged cries as the weight of her situation pressed down on her. The guard remained silent, and a part of her was grateful for that; she didn't want to give him the satisfaction of seeing her breakdown.

After what felt like hours, the guard finally approached, banging on the bars with impatience. He tossed something into her cell, and it landed with a soft thud. Lea looked up, startled. "What was that?"

"Bread," he said gruffly, returning to his post.

Lea picked up the item cautiously. It resembled bread in shape, but the texture felt odd, almost ethereal. She inspected it closely, noticing strange, glowing lines that spiraled across its surface, pulsing softly as if alive.

With no other option and the gnawing hunger in her stomach, she took a bite. The flavor burst in her mouth, unlike anything she had ever tasted-sweet, almost floral, with a richness that made her crave more. Despite her hesitation, she knew she needed the energy for whatever lay ahead.

The guard looked at her, his expression unreadable, as if he knew she had no idea what she had just consumed. But the glow of the bread and the taste ignited a flicker of hope in her. Perhaps this could be her ticket to escape.

"Okay, Lea, think. You've got to get out of here," she whispered, determination rising within her. She began to plot her next move, her mind racing with possibilities. She couldn't stay in this cell forever.

With newfound resolve, she pushed herself up from the ground, feeling a surge of strength from the mysterious food.