I applied pressure, twisting the bodkin to the left.

My hand was cramping.

The steel rod dug into my palm, but I kept pushing.

I felt a slight give.

I gave it a hard, quick twist.

*Click.*

The left cuff popped open, hanging loose from my wrist.

I let out a shaky breath, my forehead leaning against the cold iron pipe.

I quickly unlocked the right cuff, letting the heavy metal bracelets fall away.

I rubbed my wrists, feeling the deep, red welts the steel had left behind.

I stood up, my knees shaking slightly from sitting in the cold for so long.

I needed to find an exit.

I walked quietly across the damp concrete, keeping to the shadows.

The warehouse was filled with rows of old wooden crates, rusted shipping containers, and discarded machinery.

To my left, a row of massive industrial boilers stood against the brick wall.

They were ancient, commercial-grade steam units, the kind used for processing imported textiles or curing sailcloth.

I walked over to them, my boots making no sound on the wet floor.