Chapter 17. A nightmare

Ava felt the dry branches crunching under her feet as she tried to get as far away from the man as possible. Her mother had warned her many times not to trust people from outside, but she had immersed herself in her work as a tour guide in the town. However, there was something about him that had captivated her. Perhaps it was the way he treated her during that month, enchanting her with his stories during their hikes, the gentle brush of his fingers when he helped her set up her camping tent, or his dazzling smile. He was simply the first man who had caught her attention and made her daydream.

But that night, everything changed. They had organized a hike before leaving town, and Alice's group had joined them. When she least expected it, he led her down a path they shouldn't have taken. He covered her mouth, pinning her against the thick trunk of a tree.

Her eyes widened with surprise and confusion. "What was he doing?" She stared intently at his pale face and imposing figure, keepin