CHAPTER FOUR

It was a calm and quiet afternoon. Lina’s door banged open again.

“What do they want this time?” she murmured under her breath.

“Stand up,” the guard said.

His voice was firm, but not harsh this time.

Lina stood slowly, her body already tense with expectation. She had learned enough to recognize patterns. Something was about to happen.

He led her out, but instead of taking her to the usual area, he brought her to a different section of the camp.

The room she entered surprised her.

It was not a cell.

It looked more like a small hostel. There were only three rooms, clean compared to where she had been kept. The air felt lighter, less suffocating.

“Go in. Prepare,” the guard said.

Lina hesitated for a brief moment before stepping inside.

She already understood.

She was being prepared to be sold.

The room was simple but organized. A bed stood neatly at one side. A chair and table were placed near it. On the table was a small plate with freshly made cake and a glass of milk.

A lamp stood beside it, casting a soft light across the room.

Her eyes moved to the cupboard.

Inside was a fresh dress.

She stood still for a moment, taking it all in.

This was not kindness— This was a presentation.

She moved slowly.

She had her bath, the water washing away the dirt and sweat that had clung to her for days. She washed her hair carefully, her fingers moving through it as if trying to hold onto something familiar.

When she finished, she wore the dress. It fits well. Too well.

She ate quietly, though her appetite was weak. Each bite felt forced, but she knew she needed strength.

Then she sat.

And waited.

Her thoughts began to race.

She did not know who these people were. She did not know where they were taking her or what they intended to do with her.

The uncertainty made her heart beat.

A quiet sob escaped her before she could stop it. She quickly covered her mouth, her shoulders shaking slightly as she fought to regain control.

She did not want this life.

She missed her old life.

Normalcy. Safety. Trust she once had.

Her breathing became uneven as she forced herself to calm down.

Slowly, exhaustion crept in. Her eyes grew heavy, her body weakening from everything she had endured.

Just as she began to drift, a knock came.

She straightened immediately, wiping her face quickly.

The guard opened the door.

“Come. Don't waste anymore time. Your new owner would be waiting.”

Her heart dropped.

She stood and followed.

Outside, she saw the car.

It was a black Range Rover Sentinel, heavily reinforced, with fully tinted windows that revealed nothing from the inside. The body was sleek but powerful, built for both luxury and protection.

As she approached, the door opened from inside.

A man sat there, calm and composed.

“Hop in,” he said quietly.

His voice was smooth, controlled, almost reassuring in a way that felt unnatural.

Lina stepped in.

Inside were three men.

The driver was focused, his hands steady on the wheel. He was tall, broad-shouldered, with a scar running slightly along his jaw. He did not speak or turn to look at her.

The man beside him adjusted his wristwatch repeatedly, a small habit that suggested impatience. His eyes moved often, scanning everything.

The one beside Lina sat relaxed, his posture easy, but his presence firm. He spoke less, but when he did, his tone carried quiet authority.

They were all well-built. Calm. Controlled.

Too calm.

The journey started slowly.

The road was smooth at first, stretching ahead with little interruption. The car moved steadily, the engine low and controlled.

Occasionally, the men spoke in short sentences. Nothing too revealing. Just enough to show familiarity.

As they moved further, the road changed. It became rougher, narrower, surrounded by thick trees.

The driver increased speed.

Lina felt it immediately.

Her body stiffened slightly, her hands pressing gently against the seat as the motion became more intense.

The men remained calm.

This was normal to them.

But not to her.

The speed increased again.

The car moved faster now, the turns sharper, the path more dangerous. It now felt like a race.

Lina was uncomfortable, she could feel her heart coming out of her chest— Then it happened.

A truck appeared suddenly from the opposite direction, drifting g slightly out of control.

The driver reacted quickly, turning the wheel sharply.

But it was too late.

The collision was violent.

The impact crushed the front of the car, metal folding inward with a loud, tearing sound. The force threw Lina forward, her body slamming hard against the seat.

The car spun out of control, skidding off the road before flipping.

Once.

Twice.

Thrice.

The world blurred violently. Voices raised high.

Glass shattered. Metal twisted.

Then everything stopped.

Silence.

Heavy.

Still.

Lina’s chest rose sharply as she struggled to breathe. Pain spread through her body, but she was alive.

The men were not moving.

Blood. Stillness. No sound.

The only thing that came to Lina’s mind was to run! 

But where?