**Chapter 254: Bound and Helpless**

I slowly opened my eyes, groggily taking in my surroundings. I was in a dimly lit room, the air thick with the smell of smoke and ash. My head throbbed with a dull ache, making it hard to focus. As I tried to sit up, I realized that my hands and legs were bound by thick ropes, leaving me helpless and immobile. Just as I was starting to panic, I heard a voice behind me. "Look who's up," Dabi said, his tone dripping with amusement. I turned my head to see him standing in the shadows, a smirk spreading across his face. I tried to struggle against the ropes, but they only seemed to tighten. I was completely at his mercy. Dabi took a step closer, his eyes glinting with malevolence. "I see you're feeling better," he said, his voice low and menacing. "I'm glad to see you're not going to make this too easy for me." I glared at him, trying to convey my hatred and defiance. Dabi just chuckled, the sound sending a shiver down my spine. "Oh, I think you're going to make this very interesting," he said, taking another step closer. As he moved into the light, I saw that he was holding a small, intricately carved box in his hand. "You know, Vesper, I've been wanting to try out some new techniques on you," he said, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "And I think you're just the person to test them on." I felt a surge of fear as I realized what he was planning. I had to think fast, come up with a way to escape or distract him. But for now, I was at his mercy, bound and helpless. Dabi opened the box, revealing a complex device inside. "This is one of my favorites," he said, his voice dripping with enthusiasm. "It's going to make our little game so much more...enjoyable." I knew I had to act fast, but my mind was a blank. I was trapped, and Dabi was in control. The thought sent a wave of despair washing over me, but I refused to give up. I would find a way to escape, no matter what it took.