Chapter 12: In danger

Erica thoughtlessly ran into the forest in hopes of a successful escape. The forest path was difficult to navigate but provided ample hiding places. That was Erica's thinking when she made the decision. However, Erica forgot that she was alone, while the men were in a group of five. Not to mention, Erica didn't know that those guys seemed quite familiar with the forest, so their movement was much easier and less challenging than Erica's.

The outcome was inevitable when Erica got lost and wandered aimlessly in the forest. And finally, the group successfully apprehended Erica with ease as soon as she realized she had become lost.

"Little girl, where are you going? You made us run all over the place looking for you. What are you going to do now? The consequences you have to bear are our punishment." One of the five men said it with a grin. Erica raised her head and found herself facing bad men. One of them reached out and touched her. Erica trembled and instinctively stepped back.

"Come here, my dear!" A mocking voice came from another man. The group of men had decided to punish Erica with the most terrible thing she could ever imagine. And if that really happened, it would be a great psychological shock for Erica later.

"You bastards! Don't touch me!" Erica shouted as her body trembled. She was really panicked. Why was it like this? Oh, Mother, Erica had tried, but the outcome was still unchanged. What could she do?

Erica began to feel fearful as the eyes scanned her body from top to bottom with a lustful gaze. The hunger in those eyes was palpable. Erica instinctively screamed for help, but there was no one around to hear her cries for help. This place was too desolate compared to the city. These criminals choose their operating locations wisely. Suddenly, one of them grabbed Erica's arm. In reflex, Erica used all her strength to bite the man's hand, causing him to release her in pain.

"Thwack!" The man growled in anger, glaring at her with piercing eyes before striking her with a powerful blow that sent Erica tumbling to the ground. She managed to brace herself with her arms as she hit the hard surface, but that didn't lessen the shock one bit. Her vision blurred, and she could hear them laughing and approaching her once more, her heart pounding in her chest. That slap was like a stimulant to revive her spirit. Erica knew she had to escape from them and get as far away as possible. She crawled away and quickly stood up before they could reach her, then ran as fast as she could in the opposite direction.

She pushed herself to the limit to escape the danger that was pursuing her.

…

Relentlessly, they pursued Erica, staying right on her heels. But Erica couldn't give up, as if when a person falls into despair, they transform into someone stronger and more resilient than their inherent limits. Erica was now pushing herself to the absolute limit, fully aware that if she stopped, she would die. If those despicable men managed to capture her, her fate would be even more horrifying. It would bring not only physical torment but also a profound assault on her soul. A girl like her naturally understood the devastating consequences of sexual abuse. Even though Erica's real life seemed to exist in a void, she didn't want it to be destroyed and vanish forever.

Erica glanced back and realized she had distanced herself somewhat from the four thugs, but she hadn't completely escaped them.

"Please!" She mumbled, hoping someone would show up or that the terrain around her would provide a favorable opportunity to get rid of them. Unfortunately, none of her wishes came true. She appeared to be exhausted, her physical weakness preventing her from maintaining the distance advantage she had initially gained over her pursuers.

Damn, there are two turns ahead; which one should she choose? Erica has to choose the right turn; she has to make a quick decision because time is running out. However, in the current state of affairs, she can't muster her thoughts to make a conscious choice. She must rely on luck, even though she doesn't know what awaits her on the chosen path. Erica, close your eyes and turn to the right; hopefully, it's the right choice.

Erica's heart skipped a beat as she made a sharp turn to the right, only to realize that it was a dead end. She had chosen the wrong direction.

Erica stopped, and unfortunately, before her eyes was a large lake, or rather, a reservoir for industrial wastewater. She quickly scanned the surroundings for an alternative escape route, but soon realized that all hope was lost. Erica turned her head to look behind her, and she saw them closing in rapidly. Panting, she watched as their footsteps approached her.

"You can't run away. Follow us obediently." One of the men taunted, followed by their laughter that sent shivers down Erica's spine. Realizing that Erica was trapped in a dead end, they drew closer slowly, their breaths becoming audible gasps. With an arrogant smile, an aura of aggression emanated from them. Erica stumbled backward until she reached a point where one more step would make her fall. She covered her face and took a deep breath, praying for someone to come and save her. However, when she opened her eyes, nothing had changed.

Erica glanced behind her, then turned to face them. Fear invaded as thoughts about life and everything she had experienced flooded her mind. Is it natural for someone to be on the verge of departing this world?

As she reflected on her life, she faced constant struggles, felt misunderstood by others, and experienced disappointments that dashed her hopes. She believed she deserved a better life, one that was not as pitiful as the one she was currently living.

Tears cascaded down like rain as she dwelled on those thoughts. Lost in a sea of unhappy memories, Erica failed to notice a man approaching, gripping her arm. In a state of panic, she fought back, wrestling with the man, and then whatever transpired took place. Erica felt her entire body being lifted into the air. It was a gentle sensation. Images of the past appeared before her eyes. Erica believed she was nearing death, a smile forming on her lips as she surrendered to the darkness.

"Damn, she fell."

The man who pushed Erica screamed when he saw her fall.

"Let's get out of here quickly."

One of them gestured to the group, and they hurriedly left. Had to disappear early in case of any potential trouble if someone happened to spot them. This location is close to the city.

Just like that, they disappeared into the night as if nothing had happened.