Eternal Goodbye.

part 31: divine.

The forest felt like a living entity, branches clawing at Divine as she ran, the shadows twisting and curling around her like a predator closing in. Panic surged through her veins as the guttural laughter of the two men echoed behind her, a sinister reminder of their relentless pursuit. Each step felt heavier than the last, fatigue pulling at her limbs, but she couldn't afford to slow down. She had to keep moving, had to keep her friends safe.

"Divine, hurry!" Rhea's voice sliced through the darkness, laced with fear and urgency.

But it was getting harder to breathe, harder to push forward. The weight of dread settled heavily in Divine's chest. She could feel the distance between her and her friends growing, their frantic shouts fading into the cacophony of the night. Suddenly, the underbrush gave way beneath her foot, and she stumbled, falling to the ground with a harsh thud.

"Divine!" Gustav's voice broke through her haze as she struggled to regain her footing.

She pushed herself up, only to hear the terrifying sound of footsteps crashing through the underbrush behind her. The two men were gaining on them, their twisted faces illuminated by the pale moonlight, eyes glinting with malice as they lunged forward.

"Run!" Divine shouted, her heart racing as she felt the panic creeping closer. She could see Rhea and Gustav frantically trying to reach her, but the distance was closing too quickly.

"Divine, get up! We can't leave you!" Rhea screamed, her voice trembling.

"No! You have to go! You can't let them catch you!" Divine yelled back, desperation clawing at her throat. "Just run! Don't look back! Leave me, Seem for Help Save your Self!"

"No!" Rhea cried, her voice breaking with fear.

But it was too late. As Divine turned to flee, she felt a hand grip her shoulder, yanking her backward. The air escaped her lungs as she was pulled off her feet, and her body collided with the cold earth. She turned to see the two men looming over her, their faces grotesque in the moonlight, twisted smiles revealing sharp, jagged teeth.

"Divine!" Rhea shouted, lunging toward her, but Divine shook her head fiercely.

"Go!" Divine cried, tears spilling down her cheeks. "You have to get out of here! Don't let them take you too!"

"Divine, no!" Gustav shouted, panic filling his voice. He and Rhea were desperately trying to reach her, but the men were too quick, their laughter echoing around them as they tightened their grip on her.

"Run!" Divine screamed again, her heart breaking at the thought of leaving her friends behind. "Please! Just go!"

As they pulled her away, Rhea and Gustav's faces twisted in anguish. Divine's heart shattered at the sight of their helplessness. She felt a surge of guilt flood her veins, but she knew they couldn't save her.

"Promise me you'll find a way out!" Divine yelled, her voice cracking with emotion. "Promise me you'll survive!"

"Divine, please!" Rhea cried, tears streaming down her face.

But the men were dragging her away now, their grip unyielding as they laughed cruelly. Divine's heart raced with fear, but she fought against the darkness creeping in, unwilling to let it consume her.

"Run! Don't look back!" Divine screamed one last time, her voice echoing in the night. Rhea and Gustav hesitated for a heartbeat, torn between loyalty and survival, but the moment stretched painfully until they finally turned and fled into the trees, leaving Divine behind.

As they disappeared into the darkness, Divine felt a profound emptiness settle over her. She was alone now, trapped in the clutches of despair, the laughter of the men ringing in her ears like a death knell.

"Now, now, little girl," one of the men sneered, dragging her further into the shadows. "You're going to have so much fun with us."

Divine struggled against their grip, panic threatening to overwhelm her. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest, but deep down, a part of her had already resigned to the fate that awaited her. She had fought to keep her friends safe, but now all she could do was endure the nightmare that lay ahead.

"Let me go!" she cried, but her pleas fell on deaf ears. The men only laughed, their twisted faces creeping closer, and Divine's world began to fade into darkness.