The Price of Dignity

The vibrant neon lights of the bustling night market blurred into streaks of color as Dante dragged Clara through the dense crowd. The thick scent of grilled meat, sizzling spices, and spun sugar hung heavy in the warm evening air, clashing with the erratic pounding of Clara's heart. Dante's grip on her wrist felt like cold iron. He yanked her to an abrupt halt behind a sleek, black car parked at