Naya's POV
Steps shuffled slowly toward my hiding spot, flashes of light overhead as voices echoed through the ruins.
"She couldn't have gone far in the dark," a gruff voice declared, followed by an order to keep moving forward.
In the darkness, I held my breath, fearing a single exhale might give away my location.
Seconds ticked by. Each time a flashlight passed near me, my heart skipped a beat, terrified they'd find me. What would follow if they did was unthinkable.
Whoever these men were, they didn't have my best interests at heart. Whatever they wanted, I didn't intend to find out.
"Let's just go. She's not worth our time," the same voice concluded. Relief washed over me, though I dared not exhale yet.
Finally, their footsteps faded, the lights retreating with them. I quietly released the breath I'd been holding—my greatest mistake.
"There you are."
I yelped as a flashlight blinded me. Laughter echoed as more flashlights turned on, illuminating me.
My lips quivered as I tried to back away, but I was surrounded. Flashes of light blinded me as I spun around, panic rising with their cackles.
"Please, let me go, or I'll call the cops!" I pleaded, attempting a feeble threat.
They burst into laughter as though I'd said the most ridiculous thing imaginable.
"Little girl, have you been living under a rock? Can't you see the world around you has changed?" one sneered.
I sensed things were different—perhaps caused by the earthquake—but what else had happened?
"The cops wouldn't do anything for you, love. You want to know why?" The man in front of me stepped closer, his face briefly lit.
"Because they don't care," he whispered before laughing maniacally, his crazed eyes roaming my body.
Suddenly, I felt self-conscious of my torn clothes, revealing far more than I was comfortable with.
"It's been so long since we've seen a girl all alone," another voice slithered beside me. "Especially one without a gun. Get her, and let's go," he ordered, and that was my cue to act.
Two of them lunged at me, but I twisted away, pleading for them to leave me alone. I ran again, but it didn't last long.
A hand caught my arm, yanking me harshly. My head collided with his chest as I struggled, clawing at him desperately to break free.
"Let me go, please!" I begged, scratching at him until he grunted in anger and wrapped a hand around my neck.
Hot, angry breath fanned my face. "Behave, and maybe you won't get hurt," he growled.
His words blurred as a ringing filled my ears, blood pulsing in my veins. My breathing quickened, tears streaming down my face. All I wanted was to be left alone.
Why couldn't they leave me alone? What had happened to the world I'd woken up in?
A strange feeling began to rise within me, growing stronger and stronger. The ringing in my ears intensified as his hand slid up my thigh.
I couldn't take it anymore. That overwhelming sensation consumed me, and everything seemed to explode.
I fell to the ground, disoriented. When I glanced up, my breath caught in horror.
Blood trickled from the corners of his mouth, a rod protruding from his chest.
He hung against the wall, inches above the ground.
His body trembled subtly, eyes wide with disbelief and fear before rolling back into his head. His head lolled to the side—he was gone.
"You… killed him…" one of the others stammered, unable to comprehend what had just happened. Neither could I.
"What did I do?" I whispered, dread filling my heart as I stared at my trembling hands.
There was no time to think. The remaining men recovered, their rage palpable.
"You freak! What have you done?" one spat, stepping forward.
Fear overtook me again. I scrambled to my feet, running as they chased after me, their shouts filled with fury.
As I fled, my foot caught on a protruding pipe. I fell face-first, hands tearing against a wire and drawing blood.
Loud noises echoed behind me, followed by the blinding headlights of a truck. I shielded my face with my arms, despair washing over me.
I was surrounded. There was no escape now, nothing left but to pray for deliverance.