The moon shone cheerfully high in the sky, casting soft beams of light over the city. You were held up at work, and returning home so late, you could hardly bear the long journey. Turning into a dark alley that you knew by heart, you felt a sense of safety, as you had never encountered a drunkard or pickpocket while passing through before. But you relaxed too soon, failing to listen to the sounds around you.

Just as you were about to exit the alley, you felt a hand cover your mouth from behind, and someone grabbed you. A sharp jab of a needle in your neck made you emit a painful groan. The pressure vanished suddenly, and you were immediately released; however, as you tried to turn and glimpse the figure behind you or rush towards safety, you felt your body grow as heavy as stone, and in that instant, your eyelids closed. The last sensation was the thud of your body hitting the ground and the creaking of leather gloves as someone began to handle you.

Waking up was accompanied by a throbbing headache. For a moment, you forgot your last memories. Grasping your head and propping yourself up on the bed, you felt the cold metal restraining your right arm. As you opened your eyes wide, you noticed you were in a windowless room, which explained its underground location. The ceilings were very high, and above you was a small glass hatch that allowed you to see the sky; at least, that's how you could tell the time of day. Your hand was secured in handcuffs attached to the bed.

Surprisingly, the space felt somewhat cozy, if it weren't for the unsettling atmosphere. The room was also equipped with a small kitchen, a table, an empty bookshelf, a bathroom, and the bed where you were sitting. Suddenly, you heard a sound, like a beep, as if someone was pressing intercom buttons, followed by the opening of a heavy mechanical door. A woman entered the room with measured, wide strides, exuding an air of authority over her territory.

When she came into view, you realized her face was familiar. She was the owner of your favorite bookstore, a sweet and kind woman who had never hesitated to give you discounts or recommend reads based on her own taste. Taking a chair that was previously positioned at the writing desk, she turned it to face you and sat down. She examined you with a gentle smile, savoring the moment and prolonging the silence before she began to speak.