The Escape
390 Words
Chapter Six
Anika's feet pounded against the dry earth as she ran, her heart racing with every step. She could hear the distant barking of dogs and the shouts of her father's men, sent to fetch her back. But she didn't look back, didn't dare to. She kept her eyes fixed on the horizon, her spirit fueled by the promise of freedom.
Her friends, Nneoma and Chinyere, waited for her at the edge of the forest, their faces set with determination. Together, they vanished into the shadows, leaving behind the only life Anika had ever known.
As they journeyed deeper into the forest, the trees grew taller and the path grew narrower. Anika stumbled, her foot catching on a hidden root. Nneoma caught her arm, steadying her. "We're almost there," she whispered. "The river is just ahead."
Anika nodded, her throat tight with emotion. They had planned to follow the river to the city, where they could lose themselves in the crowds and start anew. But as they reached the riverbank, Anika hesitated. The water stretched out before them, a shimmering expanse of uncertainty.
Chapter Seven: The River's Edge
Anika gazed out at the river, its surface glinting like a thousand tiny mirrors. She felt a shiver run down her spine as she contemplated the unknown dangers that lay ahead. But Nneoma's encouraging smile and Chinyere's resolute nod bolstered her courage.
With a deep breath, Anika stepped forward, the water swirling around her ankles. The current tugged at her legs, but she pressed on, her friends by her side. They waded deeper, the river rising to their knees, then their waists.
As they reached the middle of the river, Anika felt a sense of liberation wash over her. She was leaving behind the suffocating traditions of her village, the arranged marriage, and the expectations that had threatened to consume her.
But as they neared the opposite bank, Anika's heart skipped a beat. A figure stood watching them, shrouded in shadows. She felt a jolt of fear, her mind racing with worst-case scenarios.
Nneoma and Chinyere flanked her, their eyes fixed on the stranger. "Who are you?" Nneoma called out, her voice steady.
The figure stepped forward, revealing a young woman with piercing green eyes and a mischievous grin. "My name is Akua," she said. "And I'm here to help you
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