I ran.
Instinct took over the moment they moved toward me.
My body reacted before my mind could catch up.
I turned and ran as fast as I could, my heart pounding wildly in my chest.
The ground felt uneven beneath my feet, but I didn’t stop.
I couldn’t.
Footsteps chased after me.
Heavy.
Fast.
Getting closer.
“Stop running!” one of them shouted.
I ignored it.
Fear pushed me forward, adrenaline fueling every step.
My lungs burned, my legs ached, but I kept going.
I had to.
For the baby.
A hand nearly grabbed me from behind.
I swerved sharply, barely escaping.
My breath hitched as panic surged again.
This wasn’t random.
This was planned.
I could feel it.
They weren’t just trying to scare me.
They wanted something more.
Something dangerous.
I turned another corner, hoping to find someone—anyone—but the area was deserted.
Empty.
Like I had been led here.
Trapped.
My chest tightened.
This was bad.
Very bad.
My pace slowed slightly as my strength began to fade.
I couldn’t keep this up much longer.
And they knew it.
Their footsteps slowed too.
Confident.
Patient.
Like they were enjoying this.
Hunting me.
And for the first time…
I realized something terrifying.
I might not make it out of this.