Perhaps Nicoles composure was contagious. One of them, with a round face, whispered timidly, Can we really get out?
Nicole nodded firmly. As long as you dont give up. Fight until the very end.
Just then, the driver approached. Nicole quickly shook her head at the girls, signaling them to remain silent to avoid being overheard.
The driver entered the car, silent, and began to drive. It was clear he was accustomed to this.
As the car wound through the mountainous terrain, Nicole watched the passing scenery intently. The drivers steady driving lulled her into drowsiness, and soon, the two girls beside her had fallen asleep.
But Nicole clenched her fists and gritted her teeth, forcing herself to stay alert. Every second was crucial, and she was determined to capitalize on any opportunity.
Regrettably, she noticed that the car had been modified. Door locks were installed on the outside to thwart any escape attempts from within.
Abandoning the idea of fleeing through the doors, Nicole continued to watch the trees and birds flit by the window.
After about an hour and a half, the car halted at a secluded courtyard at the mountains base, cleverly concealed.
The driver honked three times, and someone on the inside opened the gate.
The journey continued along a hidden mountain road, revealing that the courtyard was merely a facade, camouflaged by trees.
Twenty minutes later, they arrived at a cluster of wooden buildings, both large and small.
The driver honked twice, summoning two armed men who began directing the girls to disembark. Their accents were unfamiliar, not from Ambrosia.
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Nicole stepped out compliantly, but the girl behind her hesitated and received a harsh slap from the groups leader. The slap was forceful.
Blood trickled from the girls mouth.
While Nicole didnt understand the mans muttered words, his tone was unmistakably scolding. The
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.
frightened girl quickly scrambled out of the car.
Nicole and the others were led to a tent.
The flap opened, and they were ushered inside, where Nicole saw about a dozen other young girls. Like her, they appeared to be treated as mere commodities.
Nicole found a corner to sit down, and the two younger girls joined her.
Once the tent door shut, darkness enveloped them. The air inside the tent was stifling, hot and humid with a pungent mix of odors, including the unmistakable smell of blood. It was evident that this space had seen much suffering. There were bloodstains and signs of others having dealt with their physical needs here.
Outside, guards kept watch, compelling Nicole to keep her voice down.
Relying on her memory in the darkness, she noticed a girl nearby, around twenty years old. Quietly, she asked, How long have you been here?
The girl, visibly startled, hesitated. Previous punishments for speaking had been severe, and the fear of being overheard was palpable.
Furthermore, the guards were not from Ambrosia. They showed no understanding or mercy, regardless of the girls pleas or tears, responding only with brutality. Thus, after such harsh lessons, the girl was too frightened to speak.