How many days has it been? Rachel didn’t know. The clock in the room had never moved, or maybe there was no clock at all. She could only guess the time by the small light in the corner of the room, which sometimes dimmed and sometimes grew brighter. There was no sunlight, no sound except for the occasional heavy footsteps from outside.

At first, Rachel had tried to fight back. Every morning—or whatever time it was—she would shout, trying to call out to anyone who might hear her. “Victor! You cowards! Open this door!” Her voice was loud, echoing, but there was never any answer. Only silence that pierced her...