CHAPTER SEVEN – A DEAL WITH A MONSTER

The world spun into a disorienting mess as Scarlett was roughly shoved into the back of a car. Her arms were yanked behind her and bound with a tight rope that bit into her wrists. A thick cloth, rough against her skin, covered her mouth, muffling her screams into muffled whimpers. Panic clawed at her throat, her body trembling uncontrollably. The car lurched forward, the engine a low growl in the enclosed space. Every bump in the road sent a jolt through her already strained body. How long had she been passed out? Where were they taking her? The questions echoed in her mind, unanswered and terrifying. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the car screeched to a halt. The engine died, leaving an eerie silence in its wake. A heavy car door slammed shut, followed by the sound of footsteps approaching. Rough hands grabbed her from behind and yanked her out of the car. She stumbled, her knees buckling beneath her. Her feet connected with a cold, damp surface, the unmistakable