[ Han Inaya POV ]
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"Ugh...!"
I gasped for air as I emerged on the surface of the water, breathing heavily.
I pushed my wet hair out of my face and looked around, trying to make sense of my surroundings.
It wasn't the bridge, and it wasn't the same river.
I was in a completely different place.
Panic rose in my chest as I swam to the edge of the lake and climbed out, shivering.
I looked around, and a sinking feeling settled in my stomach-I was alone.
No one was there.
"What's happening?"
I whispered to myself, my voice shaky as I scanned my surroundings.
Then it hit me: "Where is Yoongi?"
He had been with me; he had fallen into the river with me.
Where was he?
"Yoongi?! Yoongi?!"
I shouted, my voice echoing across the lake.
I turned in every direction, looking for any sign of him.
Fear gripped me as I realized he wasn't anywhere in sight.
I looked at the water, terrified, my mind spiraling with dark thoughts.
"No, nothing happened to him... I will find him!"
I told myself, determination pushing me forward.
Without a second thought, I jumped back into the lake, diving deep, searching desperately for any sign of Yoongi.
I surfaced to gasp for air, looking around, and then went back under, again and again.
I refused to give up. Each second that passed without finding him only made my heart feel heavier, more frantic.
I searched the entire river, but there was nothing-no sign of him.
Exhausted, I dragged myself back onto the shore, collapsing to my knees, my body soaked, my breaths coming in ragged gasps.
Tears spilled down my cheeks, and I could no longer hold back my sobs.
"Yoongi, where are you?! Yoongi, please come back!"
I cried, my voice cracking as I looked desperately at the water.
My chest felt tight, my heart heavy with fear and despair.
"I'm searching for you, Yoongi!"
My voice echoed into the darkness, the only sound in this strange, silent place.
It was unfamiliar, eerily quiet, and dark, as if I had stepped into another world entirely.
"YOONGI!!"
I screamed, my voice raw, hoping against hope that he could hear me, that he would answer back.
"Yoongi, come back to me..."
I sobbed, my body trembling, the cold night air biting into my skin.
"Don't leave me like this... I can't handle it, I need you, Yoongi..."
I felt my strength drain away, and I fell to the ground, my wet hair clinging to my face, tears mixing with the water dripping from my clothes.
My heart ached with a pain I couldn't describe, an emptiness I couldn't bear.
"Yoongi, you said you'd always be with me..."
I whispered, my voice breaking.
"Where are you? Please, come back."
I leaned my back against a tree trunk, curling into myself, hugging my knees as I sobbed.
I felt so small, so scared. I wished for my parents to be there, to take me away from this nightmare.
I wished for Yoongi to hold me, to tell me I was safe. But there was no one-no Yoongi, no parents, no one at all.
"Eomma... Appa... please, take me away. I'm scared..."
I whispered, crying harder. My body trembled with fear, and I felt the familiar weight of my worst fear settling over me.
I had autophobia-the fear of being alone.
And now, here I was, completely alone, in a place I didn't recognize, with no one to help me.
"Please, Yoongi... please come back,"
I cried, my voice barely whispering now.
"I can't handle this... I need you..."
Tears streamed down my face, my body trembling uncontrollably as I hugged myself tighter, trying to find comfort where there was none.
As I sobbed, my back leaning against the tree trunk, I suddenly heard a strange noise-something like huffing.
My heart skipped a beat, and I slowly looked up, tears staining my cheeks, my eyes glistening in the dim light.
My eyes widened in terror.
Right in front of me was a wolf, growling, its sharp teeth bared, its eyes fixed on me.
Fear gripped me, making my entire body shiver. I tried to stand up, using the tree trunk for support, my legs trembling.
Before I could think, two or three more wolves leaped out from the shadows, joining the first.
The one in the middle was clearly the leader-he was bigger, more muscular, his coat a striking blend of black and grey.
His eyes were an icy blue, different from the others, and they glowed in the darkness, giving him an even more intimidating presence.
My gaze darted around, hoping to find a way out, but all I could see was darkness and the thick forest surrounding me-trees and plants in every direction.
It was a forest-a dark, dense forest. And I was completely alone.
Panic surged through me, and my breath came in short gasps.
The wolves were closing in, their eyes glinting with a dangerous hunger. My mind was racing, but I had no idea what to do.
Run? There was nowhere to go. Fight? Against wolves? My chances were slim.
I pressed my back harder against the tree, trying to make myself as small as possible, as if that would make me invisible.
The leader took a step forward, a low growl rumbling from his throat, and I felt my knees weaken.
This can't be happening.
"Please..." I whispered, though I knew no one could hear me. Not my parents. Not Yoongi. No one.
My heart pounded, and tears welled up in my eyes again.
I needed to survive. I needed to find Yoongi. I couldn't give up-not now, not like this.
The wolves growled louder, and I could feel their hot breath, seeing the glint of their sharp fangs as they got closer.
My body tensed, and I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to summon any courage I had left.
Just then, a rustling sound came from behind me, and the wolves suddenly paused, their ears perked up, their eyes shifting towards the noise.
My breath hitched as I turned my head, hoping-praying-that it was help.
But all I saw was more darkness, the forest silent and still once again.
"I have to save myself. I have to do something-anything. I won't be their dinner tonight!"
Taking advantage of the moment when the wolves were distracted, I immediately turned and ran, weaving through the woods as quickly as my legs could carry me.
Their growls followed me, growing louder, closer. I knew they were faster than I could ever be. They were quick, agile, and relentless.
I pushed myself, sprinting as fast as possible, but the uneven ground made it difficult. Suddenly, I lost my footing, slipping on a patch of loose soil.
I tumbled down, rolling uncontrollably down the hillside. My body crashed against rocks and branches until I came to a painful stop, slamming my back against a tree.
I screamed in pain, my eyes watering as I tried to catch my breath.
My body ached all over-my jeans were torn at the side, my shirt and jacket covered in dirt, my hair a tangled mess, and my arms bruised. Slowly, I opened my eyes, expecting to see the wolves right behind me. But there was nothing.
No growling, no movement.
"They're gone..."
I whispered, sighing in relief.
"I... I'm safe."
For a moment, I allowed myself to relax, my head leaning back against the tree, my eyes closing.
My body throbbed, but I was just glad the chase seemed to be over.
But my relief didn't last long.
I heard it-a rustling sound, low and deliberate, coming from behind the thick bushes.
My heart sank as I caught sight of those same blue eyes glowing in the darkness-the eyes of the wolf leader.
"Why on earth did I say I was safe?"
I muttered to myself.
It always seemed like the moment I spoke those words, fate decided to prove me wrong.
The wolf emerged from the bushes, his gaze locked on me like a predator about to strike.
He was close, too close, and I had nowhere to run.
Panic surged through me. My heart pounded, and I knew this was it. I was gone.
The wolf's eyes were filled with fury, and he stepped closer, his body tense, ready to pounce.
"Please... someone help me,"
I whispered, my voice trembling.
The wolf lunged at me, and I screamed as he knocked me to the ground, his heavy weight pinning me down.
His sharp claws dug into my arms, pain shooting through me as I struggled to get free.
Tears streamed down my face, and I cried out, desperate for any way to escape.
Just as he opened his jaws, ready to bite, my hand closed around a jagged stone on the ground.
Without thinking, I swung it, hitting the wolf on the side of his head.
He yelped in pain, pulling back, his eyes narrowing as he glared at me with a fury that made my blood run cold.
He was even angrier now, and I knew he wouldn't stop until he tore me apart.
I had to move-I had to fight, or I wouldn't make it out of this alive.
I saw the injury on the side of the wolf's face, but it barely seemed to bother him. It was as if the pain meant nothing to him.
"What kind of monster is this?"
I thought, hoping that hitting him would have at least slowed him down. But it seemed like it had only made him angrier.
He growled, his eyes burning with fury as he came closer.
I looked around for something-anything-I could use to defend myself, but all I saw were small pebbles, nothing big enough to make a difference.
There were no branches or sticks to use as a weapon.
My heart raced, and I felt like I was out of options. Suddenly, an idea hit me.
The wolf lunged at me again, but before he could reach me, I scooped up a handful of sand and threw it straight into his eyes.
He howled, shaking his head and jumping around, trying to clear his vision.
Without waiting to see if it worked, I turned and ran as fast as I could. I didn't dare look back, my only focus on finding somewhere safe.
As I ran, I spotted a cave up ahead. Without hesitation, I ducked inside, hiding in the shadows.
The sun was slowly beginning to rise, the first dim light of dawn spreading across the sky.
It must have been around 5:30 in the morning. My body was exhausted, aching from the chase and the fall.
I pressed myself against the cold stone wall of the cave, trying to catch my breath, my ears straining for any sound of the wolf.
"Please, let this be enough," I whispered to myself, hoping that I'd managed to lose him, at least for now.
It was still early, the dim light barely breaking the darkness of the sky. I thanked God internally for giving me a moment to rest.
My entire body ached with pain-my back throbbed from hitting the tree, my legs felt like they would give out at any moment, and my arms still bore the sting of the wolf's claws.
I closed my eyes, trying to relax and gather my strength.
But just as I was about to let myself drift, I heard it-a distant sound, soft but unmistakable.
The rhythmic clopping of hooves echoed through the quiet of the morning.
My eyes snapped open, my heart pounding again. It was the sound of a horse approaching.
I pushed myself up carefully, straining to listen. The footsteps grew louder, getting closer to where I was hiding. Panic washed over me again.
Who could it be? Was it friend or foe? For a moment, I considered running again, but my body was too weak. I didn't have the strength to keep going.
Instead, I stayed hidden in the shadows, peeking cautiously from the cave entrance, my eyes darting through the dim light, trying to catch a glimpse of whoever-or whatever-was approaching.
I saw a man approaching horseback, dressed in something that looked like it belonged to a different era-a traditional warrior's attire, made of leather and cloth, with metal embellishments. He looked like he had stepped straight out of a history book.
The way he carried himself, with authority and poise, hinted at something more than just an actor or a performer.
He dismounted the horse gracefully, his boots hitting the ground with a soft thud. He stood firmly for a moment, looking around, then started moving towards the side of the cave.
I watched him cautiously, still hidden in the shadows, trying to make sense of the scene before me. His strange attire, his stoic expression-it all seemed surreal.
Why on earth was he dressed like that? And riding a horse at this time? Was he from some kind of drama set? Or maybe he was an actor who got lost after a show? I tried to convince myself of these possibilities, but something about him felt different.
His broad frame was covered in a dark, intricately designed garment, and the muscles beneath the fabric were evident with every movement he made. He looked strong-intimidating, even.
My instincts told me to stay quiet and observe, to not draw any attention to myself until I knew if he was a threat or not.
The man's eyes scanned the surroundings as if searching for something-or someone.
My heart thudded in my chest, and I sank further back into the cave, hoping he wouldn't find me.
Who was this man? And what could he possibly want in the middle of a forest like this?
The moment I stepped on the dried wood, it cracked loudly enough to echo through the cave, drawing the man's attention.
His head turned sharply in my direction, and I muttered under my breath,
"Why on earth does he have such sharp hearing?"
I cursed myself for my mistake, feeling the panic rising.
In an instant, his hand reached for his side, and he unsheathed a sword-a real, sharp sword, not some prop from a drama set.
My eyes widened, and I quickly pressed myself further into the shadows, my heart pounding so hard I thought it might give me away.
I heard his footsteps, light but deliberate, as they drew closer. Each step he took felt like a countdown, bringing him nearer to my hiding spot.
The soft clinking of his armor was drowned out by the sound of my own heartbeat in my ears.
The dim cave began to brighten, the first rays of sunlight creeping in, illuminating the space bit by bit.
It wouldn't be long before the light would reach my hiding spot, exposing me. I clenched my jaw, trying to control my shaky breaths.
I had to think, and fast.
Who was this man, and why was he here? More importantly, what would he do if he found me? The sword he carried looked anything but ceremonial-it was made for battle.
There was something about him, an aura of authority and danger, that sent a shiver down my spine.
The man's eyes, focused and sharp, scanned the cave, and he seemed to move with the confidence of someone who was used to getting what he wanted.
I needed to act before he found me, or I could end up in more trouble than I could handle.
I tried to hide myself deeper into the shadows, peeking just enough to see if the man was still coming toward me.
Of course, he was! Oh my gosh, what do I do now? Panic surged through me as my heart raced, my legs shaking uncontrollably.
I cursed myself for getting into this situation, and I cursed that wolf for chasing me here in the first place.
The footsteps grew louder, closer, each one making my anxiety spike.
I pressed my back harder against the cave wall, hoping it would somehow make me invisible.
But then, it happened.
I yelped in pain as my back slammed firmly against the cold, jagged rock. The force wasn't my doing.
He had caught me. My mind spun in disbelief-he had pinned me to the wall! And why so roughly?
The sudden exposure to the bright morning light made everything worse. The dimness of the cave vanished, replaced by the golden rays of the rising sun.
We could finally see each other's faces clearly, and I silently thanked the mud covering my skin, obscuring my features from him.
His face was just inches from mine, close enough that I could feel his breath. The intensity in his eyes was unnerving, like he was searching for something.
His grip on me was firm, and I could feel the strength in his body radiating through the closeness.
The sunlight hit his face, revealing his sharp features-definitely not a circus performer or an actor.
There was something ancient about him, something powerful, and I was trapped.
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What are you doing here?!"
he demanded, his eyes boring into mine, the cold firmness of his voice sending a shiver down my spine.
His grip on me tightened slightly, and for a moment, I felt completely frozen under his gaze.
The intensity of his stare was suffocating, as if he could see straight through me, peeling back every layer I tried to hide.
I swallowed hard, my throat dry, my mind scrambling for something-anything-to say that would make sense. But all I could focus on was the sharp, unwavering authority in his voice, like he was a lion who just wanted to prey.
I didn't say anything-I couldn't. My throat felt tight, and fear was coursing through my body. His grip on me tightened, his eyes cold and unrelenting.
"Who are you?!" he asked again, this time pressing me harder against the wall. I yelped in pain, trying to push him away, but he didn't budge. It was like trying to push a solid rock.
"What kind of beast is this man?" I thought, cursing him silently. Why was he reacting like this? All I did was hide in a cave! And those clothes-he looked like someone out of a historical drama! My mind was spinning with confusion, but I had no time to dwell on it as he suddenly grabbed both my wrists and pinned them above my head with one hand. With his other hand, he pulled out a knife and pressed it against my neck.
My eyes widened in shock as I felt the cold steel bite into my skin. My body trembled, fear consuming me.
"What kind of madman is this?" I thought, my heart pounding so loudly I was sure he could hear it. If he could read my thoughts, I'd be dead for sure.
"Don't waste my time, you strange creature!" he growled, his voice dripping with anger. He pressed the knife harder against my neck, making a small cut. I groaned in pain, the sharp sting of the blade making my eyes water.
"Strange creature?! Did he just call me that?!" My mind flashed with a mixture of anger and helplessness, but I couldn't let it show.
Suddenly, an idea came to me. It was risky-dangerous even-but it was the only way out. If I didn't act now, I knew he might actually kill me.
My mind raced. Should I act on this plan? My chances were slim, but I had no choice. Either I try to escape, or I'll be at the mercy of this knife-wielding lunatic.
I finally made up my mind to go through with my craziest plan, even though I knew it was reckless.
But what other choice did I have? I took a deep breath, mustering up my courage, and bit down hard on his arm, which was right by my face.
For a moment, everything went silent.
I glanced up, expecting him to yelp or flinch, but... nothing.
He didn't make a single sound. No reaction at all.
"What the heck?"
I thought, bewildered.
"Is he made of rock or something?!"
It was almost laughable-he was the strange creature here, not me! His expression was a mix of annoyance and confusion, as if wondering what I was trying to accomplish with that bite.
Great, I had just embarrassed myself. But I wasn't about to give up.
Plan A failed, so it was time for Plan B!
This time, I bit down harder, much harder than before.
My teeth sank deeper into his skin, and I could taste the sharp tang of blood as it oozed from the wound. Finally, he winced-just a little, but it was enough.
His grip loosened as he was momentarily distracted by the pain.
That was all I needed.
Without hesitation, I went straight for Plan B-my only real chance to escape. With all the strength I could gather, I kicked him in his private parts.
He let out a groan of pain, his body doubling over as he stumbled back, clutching himself.
It worked! Even the strongest man had that one weakness, and I had hit it perfectly.
He fell to the ground, gasping for breath, his hands still gripping his injured area.
For a split second, I stood there, wide-eyed, feeling a weird mix of triumph and guilt.
"Sorry,"
I muttered under my breath, though he probably didn't hear it.
Without wasting another second, I bolted. My heart was pounding in my chest, adrenaline coursing through my veins.
I could hear him cursing behind me, his voice echoing in the cave.
"Bloody witch!" he shouted.
What?! Did he just call me a witch? How dare he! If anything, he was the one acting like some kind of medieval warrior with that ridiculous sword! I clenched my teeth, briefly regretting that I didn't kick him harder.
But there was no time to dwell on it. I kept running, pushing myself as fast as my legs would allow.
I glanced back once, catching a glimpse of him trying to stand up, using the rock wall for support.
Even in pain, he was still determined.
"Dammit, he really is something else,"
I muttered, picking up my pace again.
I didn't stop, didn't look back anymore.
The only thing on my mind was getting as far away from him as possible, away from that cave and whatever strange situation I had found myself in.
I bolted out of the cave, not daring to look back, my heart racing faster than my legs.
I didn't want to see his face again, not after what had just happened.
My body screamed with exhaustion, but I forced myself to keep running.
I had to get out of this forest, away from the madness.
As I ran, I spotted a thin trail of smoke rising into the sky-someone must be nearby! Hope surged through me as I hurried in the direction of the smoke, desperately hoping for a place to rest and, more importantly, hide.
When I reached the edge of the forest, my eyes widened in disbelief.
There was a village in front of me, but not just any village-this place looked ancient, like something straight out of a history book.
The houses were made of wood and clay, and people were dressed in old-fashioned clothes.
"What the hell? Where am I?"
I muttered under my breath.
But there was no time to dwell on that question. I needed to find a safe place, fast.
I cautiously entered the village, trying to avoid the stares of a few villagers who were passing by.
My attention shifted when I spotted soldiers-soldiers who were wearing uniforms similar to the guy I had encountered in the cave.
They didn't look as intimidating, but I wasn't about to take any chances.
My instincts screamed at me to hide, but why was I even hiding? I hadn't done anything wrong! Well, except for kicking that soldier where it hurts... but he deserved it! I gritted my teeth, cursing him silently, but my thoughts were cut off when I saw the same soldiers walking in my direction.
Panic surged through me.
I frantically looked around for somewhere-anywhere-to hide.
That's when I noticed a small house nearby.
Without thinking twice, I dashed towards it and slipped inside, slamming the wooden door shut behind me.
My hands trembled as I fumbled with the lock, securing it as best as I could before backing away with a sigh of relief.
"Finally," I breathed out. "I'm safe now... everything's fine."
But the moment those words left my mouth, I felt a firm grip on my shoulder.
My heart skipped a beat, and dread washed over me.
"Dammit,"
I cursed under my breath.
Why did I have to say I was safe? Things always went wrong when I said that!
Slowly, I turned around, my eyes wide with fear, bracing myself for whatever-or whoever-was behind me.
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