Half Blood

27. Dense Forest- II

"Look who we found."

I heard a voice. making my breath caught in my throat.

I couldn't stop myself from peeking. I saw Aarav standing there in front of a masked man.

I shut my eyes tightly so that when I open them, all of this will vanish like a dream.

And when I opened my eyes again. Nothing changed.

In a blink of an eye, more men covered Aarav, and we stand no chance against them. Because they are many and armed.

I kept my eyes on Aarav, and when his eyes met mine, he discreetly shook his head, asking me not to come out.

But the fear from his eyes is not hidden from me. He is equally terrified.

Each second feels like hours, fear crawling deep in my bones.

The urge to get up from this hiding spot and stand beside Aarav is getting strong. I don't want to leave him alone.

But there is also terror of making the wrong move.

My line of thoughts comes to an end hearing the chilling voice of the same man who spoke earlier.

"Where is the girl?"

Is he asking for me?

"I don't know..." Before Aarav could complete, he struck the butt of his rifle across Aarav's face.

A gasp left my mouth, but I covered my mouth with my sweaty palms, placing one on another.

My head again peeks from the bushes. And saw Aarav on his knees.

Blood was dripping from his head, and his cheek was swollen from the hit.

I can feel sweat dripping from on my neck.

"I will give you one more chance. Where is your sister? Spit it out."

Aarav kept looking at him but didn't utter a word.

The roads are closed. I don't know how much more time it will take for help to come.

Aarav looked around, maybe searching for a way to escape. But there is none.

They have encircled Aarav. And even if I try to run, I cannot without getting unnoticed.

An idea struck in my head.

He wants me. So if I run, they will come after me, and that way maybe I can save Aarav.

I slowly rise from my place, not making any sounds. When I was ready to run and at a bit of a distance from them.

I deliberately made them notice my presence, and it worked.

"She is running." I sprint in the opposite direction. But a gunshot echoed. And I knocked down to the ground.