She fervently clawed at the ground, her fingernails splintering and bloodied, presenting a pitiable spectacle. Her raspy voice pleaded for assistance, "Help... Rescue me... Save me.."

But the onlookers remained indifferent, their demeanor as cold as stone, as if merely observing a theatrical performance, devoid of any inclination to intervene.

Aurora endured for so long due to the entrenched nature of these reprehensible customs in the collective consciousness. The downtrodden invariably remained so, never daring to defy the aristocracy, not even daring to raise their voices.

These uninformed individuals simply adhered to the roles assigned to them over centuries, nothing more.

However, Casey's desperate struggle still managed to carve a profound imprint on their hearts. She refused to succumb, steadfast in her refusal to yield, every strand of hair, every inch of her skin echoing defiance.

Indeed, the very notion of "resistance" was deemed blasphemous, a forbidden concept that dared not be entertained by the humble populace of Aurora.

For generations, the downtrodden had diligently instilled in their children the notion that resistance was a forbidden concept, one not to be uttered, let alone pursued in action. The consequences of defiance were nothing short of total obliteration!

Yet, observing Casey, they couldn't help but perceive her as truly fearless. Deep within, seeds of forbidden contemplation sprouted.

Could the foreign systems possibly offer a superior alternative to their cherished Aurora?

Casey's steadfast refusal to yield depleted Davey's patience entirely.

After firmly placing her in the rear seat, he administered a sedative.

Eventually, Casey regained her composure, ceasing her struggle altogether. After several futile attempts to maintain her defiant gaze, her eyes gradually closed, and she succumbed to a deep sleep.

When Casey regained consciousness, she found herself bound to a chair.

Struggling to open her eyes, Casey found herself immersed in an infinite darkness, the type that obscures even the sight of her own hand before her face.

This situation plunged Casey back into the year of her parents' car incident. During that period of profound grief, she experienced stress-induced blindness, and the ensuing darkness became an unforgettable nightmare in her life!

“Ah!" After a few moments of silence, she screamed in terror, her voice sounding as though it had been scorched by flames. Her throat, harsh and raw, throbbed with pain from her cries.

Back in the restaurant, it appeared Casey had screamed until her throat was hoarse. Her throat felt shredded, every sound and breath causing excruciating pain.

Yet, consumed by fear, she resisted, unwilling to revisit the time of her temporary blindness, refusing to plunge back into the depths of that nightmare.

Then, a muted thud reverberated through the room.

Casey, accompanied by the chair, toppled to the floor.