Alex awoke to a world of darkness. His head throbbed with pain, and his limbs felt heavy as if weighed down by chains. Panic surged through him as he realized he was tied up in a dark room, with no clue as to where he was or how he got there.

Straining his ears, Alex listened intently to the faint sounds around him – the distant hum of machinery, the echo of footsteps, the muffled voices of strangers. Hours stretched into eternity as Alex struggled against his bonds, his mind racing with fear and uncertainty. 

Heart pounding, Alex held his breath as the door creaked open, flooding the room with dim light. Figures loomed in the doorway, their faces obscured by shadows. The air hung heavy with the scent of dampness and mustiness, hinting at the room's neglected state.