Chapter 1: Chapter 1
The bass thumping in her chest, Ria stepped out of the club, feeling a rush of cool air against her damp skin, lifting goosebumps on her forearms. Strands of dark hair had escaped her messy bun and now clung to the sheen of sweat on her upper lip. God, it felt good; this surge of energy, the liberating abandon, letting loose for just one night.
She swayed, her legs wobbling, drunk on freedom and stolen kisses, but the chill from the breeze made her shiver, dampness clinging to her thighs. The neon glow of the city lights illuminated the sidewalk like a runway, guiding Ria towards home.
Suddenly, a pair of headlights blinded her, and she stumbled back but not before feeling a strong grip encircle her arm.
"Need help?" a deep voice queried.
A shadow fell over Ria, and she squinted, attempting to discern the voice’s owner. However, it seemed that an evening shrouded in darkness had taken a sinister turn.
"No, I'm fine, thank you," she murmured, trying to shake off the hand gripping her arm. The lingering touch on her skin was unexpected, leaving Ria concerned, a sinking feeling brewing in the pit of her stomach. No longer did her legs feel like jelly from hours of dancing; instead, they trembled with unease.
The hand still held firm, and she yanked harder, hoping to break free.
"Fuck off!" Ria spat, whirling around to face the source of her discomfort. The words rang out through the empty night air, sharp and biting. Two men stood there, smirks plastered on their faces, drunk on their own power.
"Now, now, no need for that kind of language," one taunted, taking a step closer.
His breath reeked of alcohol, and Ria recoiled, swallowing the bile that rose to her throat.
"Let go of me!" Ria demanded, struggling against the vise-like grip around her wrist. However, instead of releasing her, the man's friend stepped forward, his lips curling into a sinister grin.
The hairs on the back of Ria's neck stood on end, and she knew. She couldn't stay here and face whatever it was these two monsters had in store for her. Her instincts screamed at her to run, to escape.