My eyes hung heavy, the weight of exhaustion threatening to close them; yet, as the sound of a hulking body alerted me,the attachment to the darkness had been discarded. The figure was masked-head to toe- with broad shoulders and a stocky build, I assumed my confiner was male.

Panic had struck-but- the wave of intelligence I was blessed with, in circumstances of danger, came crashing at full force. If this man attempted to kill me, for reasons I was unclear of- I prayed my skill would save me.

Confidence was to be a key part of the plan I had conducted-any signs of fear, or worry would simply add to the vulnerability I harnessed, and my aim was to implement guilt. Not to strengthen his motive.

I had already analysed the room, for anything I could use as a makeshift weapon. Yet, providing me with several obstacles, was the fact my hands were tied, alongside my ability to move being restricted.

‘Are you going to kill me?’ I questioned, the silence beforehand, uncomfortably sinister. Stiffly, he turned to face me. I glanced a look at the knife that he fiddled with, the metal dazzled, despite the lack of light-only emphasising the knife’s presence. The question remained unanswered, so I continued.

‘Well? Are you? Or are you going to carry on playing with that like a child?’I held my breath as a swift movement resulted in a cold sensation against my throat. The blade, partially, only seconds away from drawing blood.However,the knot my hands remained tied in, was clumsily made. My fingers, easily accessing the rope, fought against the confinement. With each second, I felt the pain grow stronger, as a drop of blood fell atop my lap, alongside this though, the rope was beginning to loosen.

‘I’m waiting.’ I managed to whisper.

‘You best shut up before I cut your throat child’ he snarled, despite being hidden, I could feel the warmth of his breath against my cheek. Repulsed, I arched my head, able to note the rope, fallen on the floor. Acting as a distraction to the slight noise, I stifled a cough, angling my head to face closer toward where his hand rested.

‘Try a double knot next time’ I smirked, as I bit down against his skin, causing him to fall back in shock. His demeanour diminished as he stumbled against the floor. In a matter of seconds I had secured the candlestick from the fireplace, the object I had considered previously. I just hoped it would be enough.