CHAPTER12: ONE NIGHT, TWO INCIDENTS (1)
Six years later...
In the city of Oldenburg.
At the market square, close to the riverbank, a vast crowd of people had gathered, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. Children played around, their giggles filling the air as they chased each other within the throngs of people. The constant hum of people's chatter intermingled with the pleasant sound of flowing waters, forming a unique cadence that enveloped the crowd.
People craned their necks, vying for a better view of the mesmerizingly murky waters of the river as it flowed by. Colorful stalls and food vendors weaved around the edges of the gathering, tempting passersby with the enticing aroma of freshly cooked meats and freshly baked bread.
Groups of people joined in a chorus of singing and dancing, their merriment reaching the celebratory high temperature as the sun began to set. Everywhere was alive with color, different hues competing for attention, creating a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of vibrant colors.
As the crowds started thinning, the sounds of revelry continued, echoing through the night, drawing people back into the merriment. The allure, the charm, and the passion of the occasion could not be doused even in the wee hours of the night - it was a moment of being at peace with themselves and the world.
Yet unbeknownst to the joyful crowds, in the wee hours of the night, a heinous crime was quietly taking place.
Twenty meters away, within the confines of a desolate alley, a young woman found herself encircled by five menacing men. Their faces bore an unsettling expression, a mixture of lust, malice, and cruelty. The shadows clung to the walls, and the air thickened with tension.
The woman's heart raced as she weighed her options—fight or flee? The alleyway seemed to close in, its walls pressing against her like a vise. In that moment, she clung to her inner strength, ready to defy the darkness that threatened to consume her.
"What do you want from me?" She asked as she stared at the height of the intruders.
The five men crowded the woman, each displaying a distinct physical appearance that suffocated her mind.
The first man was tall and imposing, with broad shoulders and a muscular build. He had short-cropped black hair and piercing blue eyes that never left the woman's gaze. He wore a dark suit with an unbuttoned shirt that exposed a hint of his chest, revealing his confidence and dominance.
The second man was lean, with chiseled features and a sharp jawline. He had piercing green eyes that seemed to change colors depending on the light. His hair was slicked back, and he wore an expensive suit that hinted at his wealth and powerful connections. His body language conveyed an air of entitlement, challenging the woman to resist his charm.
The third man was shorter than the others, with a rugged, muscular build that suggested he was a man of action. His square jaw, piercing brown eyes, and slightly crooked nose gave him an air of danger. He wore a leather jacket over a white t-shirt and ripped jeans, looking ready for a street brawl. He exuded a carelessness that suggested he didn't care what others thought.
The fourth man was older, with a salt-and-pepper beard that he kept well-trimmed. He had a slight paunch and a friendly smile, with warm brown eyes that crinkled at the corners when he spoke. His hair was greying, but he looked unmistakably handsome in his tailored suit. His body language suggested that he didn't take himself too seriously, but his intelligence and authority were evident.
The fifth man was the youngest, with a boyish charm and an infectious smile. He had curly brown hair that fell into his eyes, which he kept pushing back with his hand. He wore a denim jacket over a white t-shirt and rugged boots, looking carefree and laid-back. His body language betrayed a hint of nervousness as if he wasn't used to being among such powerful company.
"Aren't you the first daughter of Mr. Rowand, the blacksmith?" The second man inquired, his voice a little rough as he inched closer to the woman.
The woman sensed danger and stepped back. "What if I am, so what? Does that give you the right to corner me like this? I only came out for a little fun and this... Goodness!!" She stopped mid-sentence as the man moved closer, invading her personal space.
"Is this how foreigners always behave?" The woman's voice dripped with scorn as she glared at the men. She refused to be intimidated by their crude behavior.
The darkness prevented her from seeing his face, but she could feel his hot breath on her neck. She swallowed hard, trying to remain calm, and spoke. "Look, I don't want any trouble. Let's forget about this, and I'll be on my way." Her voice was steady, but her heart was racing with fear. The woman felt a flutter in her chest as she looked at the attractive men, but she knew better than to let her guard down. She may be quick to feel affection, but she wasn't naive when it came to their intentions towards her.
The man sneered and grabbed her by the arm, pulling her closer. "I don't think so, my little blacksmith's daughter. You're coming with us, and you better not make a fuss. We have some unfinished business to take care of." His voice was menacing, and his grip was tight.
The woman's eyes widened with terror, and she tried to pull away, but his grip was too strong. When she fought back, her perfectly tied ginger hair became undone, and the long waves fanned out around her. The warm hue of her hair seemed to brighten the dark alley, and the woman appeared angrier than ever.
"You've got an eye for a good catch there, Authur," The third of the men chimed in, his voice filled with admiration for the youngest's keen eyes. The youngest, Arthur, was also captivated by the woman's beauty and charm. He had been about to mind his own business, taking a break from the noisy merriment and take a cigarette, when he noticed the sophisticated woman in the alley. He considered offering her company, but his older brothers had beaten him to it, and instead, they had begun to harass her.