I heard someone coming up from behind me, and I turned around to see Caleb walking through the house with Ryan and Tris, who had been locked in the dungeon for who knows how long. The sight was haunting; they were both filthy, way too skinny, and appeared abused—definitely not the vibrant individuals I once knew.
“Amberly,” Ryan said, his voice weak and raspy, a stark contrast to his once confident demeanor.
“Oh my goddess,” I gasped, shocked as they both walked outside, the weight of their suffering hanging heavily in the air. Their skin was an odd, pallid color, as if they hadn’t seen the sunlight for an eternity, and I couldn’t take my eyes off of them. It was as if I were entranced, unable to snap out of my shock until Jack took hold of my hand, grounding me in that moment.
When I w
