The Silent Watcher.

Looking for scapegoats.

Numbness enveloped her, a familiar shield her mind erected to protect against the overwhelming reality.
In her customary corner, she sat amidst the flickering glow of the bonfire. The chaotic symphony of her captors' boisterous voices blended with the  rushed chatter of her fellow female companions was muffled almost like her ears were full of water.
Thoughts of water triggered memories of the rejuvenating visit to that surreal, fairytale-like spring. The sweat and dirt of days past seemed a distant memory, yet an unshakable feeling of dirtiness lingered within her. Gazing at her own hands, she attempted to control her trembling. She needed to keep it together. This wasn't the place to have a mental breakdown. 
In her arms, the lingering sensation of the iron grip from that repulsive encounter haunted her. The eyes, an unsettling memory etched into her very being. Soon, shadows danced, and voices taunted her once more, a relentless cycle. She understood it wasn't real, comprehended that her mind was slipping from reality due to the pain she endured. Yet, this knowledge offered little solace in the face of the terror. Dizziness enveloped her as she fought to rein in her racing heart and erratic breaths. Repeating within her mind, like a desperate mantra, was the reassurance that the voices were nothing but ghosts from her past.
Like the shattering of glass, the involuntary memory of him rushing to her rescue surged with brutal force. He had saved her; she held that knowledge within. Yet, paradoxically, he was also the one who had placed her in danger. Despite the conflicting emotions, the mere thought of him had the power to chase away her demons.

Glancing in the direction of the Aliens in desperate need of reassurance, the one she sought was conspicuously absent, leaving a profound sense of disappointment. The realization that startled her, however, was the irrational yearning to find him. He, who provided an elusive sanctuary, a haven of safety she desperately craved in that unsettling moment.

"Hope!" Ivanna's sweet voice calling her name brought her back from the depths of her panicked state. Oh that's right, she remembered, she was in the middle of an important conversation.

"Sorry, I got distracted. What's where you saying?"  Hope offered to the small group sitting in a semi circle next to her.

" I was asking how did you figured them out?" Alejandra rich accent answered suspilusy.

" Oh no, I didn't. It was just a guess." The small group of 5 women were looking at her like she held the answers to the meaning of life. " They really seemed upset when we got injuried, so I just thought It would be safer to not run away during the game."

Her theory proved effective for the others. Apparently, Ivanna and Parvati had shared their plans with Alejandra earlier today. Alejandra, in turn, shared it with Anttoniet and Elena, the latter hailing from Romania—a fact Hope had just discovered. Unfortunately, along with this news, Hope learned that Aoi, whom she had met earlier in the morning, did not survive, along with Aroha from New Zealand.

"The nothing you know is still better than the little we know Hope." Parvati offered in a attempt to lighten the mood. "We could have died today."

" I suppose we could've." Hope agreed in a subdued tone, contemplating that death might be a preferable alternative to what had almost befallen her.

" How is your leg?" Ivanna question moving the makeshift skirt out of the way to have a better look.
Examining the deep gash, she recollected the moment after the bath when he had pointed to her wound and knelt down to apply some kind of healing jelly. The substance had swiftly numbed the pain, offering almost immediate relief. "It doesn't hurt. "
It made sense that their medicine would be far more effective than any top-shelf option mankind had to offer. The wound was already in an advanced stage of healing.

" I still think it's kinda weird for you pull out this idea from your flat ass..." Alejandra voice was dripping with venom.

" I don't understand what are you implying." Hope put her stone facade up, raising a questioning brow. 'Oooh so she is the mean girl huh?' Her excited inner demon wouldn't miss it.

" Aye, I am just curious on what made you think those ugly motherfuckers would give a single shit about us." The Spanish brunette opened her arms, making an exaggerated gesture as she pointed to the remaining humans. " I Don't know if you noticed but they robbed us from our homes and are Using us for some sick fun time! " The woman raised her voice." And you want me to trust my life to them?"

"I believe your assumption is misguided Alejandra" Hope fixated her violet eyes on the green pair Alejandra possessed."I don't want you  to do shit for me. Honestly I couldn't care less about what happens to you. I gave a simple suggestion based on my observations. What you do or don't is a YOU problem."

Alejandra was fuming, her face red in anger and disbelief. " I could destroy you! Do you know who I am?"

Hope scoffed at that."Please, no one that has to use this phrase is worth being taken seriously."
With that, Alejandra shot up, a coiled spring ready to pounce. Unbeknownst to the arguing duo, a heavy silence settled over the onlookers, their eyes locked on the escalating confrontation. Anttoniet and Elena moved with urgency, desperately trying to restrain the red-faced Spanish woman, their efforts mirroring the rising tension. Ivanna and Parvati strategically placed themselves as a barrier in front of the still-sitting Hope, their expressions betraying a sense of apprehension as the atmosphere crackled with unresolved turmoil.

"Cut it off Alejandra!" Parvati accent was accentuated by her nervousness. " We are all in the same team here."

Alejandra was on the verge of shouting something when they were all abruptly interrupted by a deafening roar. Turning to the side, Hope's heart quickened its pace in her chest. He had returned. And boy, he was seething with anger.In three strong strides, he made his way to the now frightened females. Upon reaching the group, he put on a display, sweeping Hope into his arms and turning away, leaving everyone with a perplexed expression. With a few more purposeful steps, he placed the blushing woman next to his impressive skull display.

She risked a glance around and was mortified to notice that all eyes were fixed on them. 'He can't do that.... Can he?' Regardless the answer to that question she was under the severe impression that he didn't care.

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