Aylas Stories

TIES THAT BIND Prologue Ayla's heels scrape against concrete as she runs, desperation etched on her face. Footsteps echo behind her, closing in. Her breath hitches, heart racing. "You won't go anywhere. You are mine, and mine alone." The voice is low, menacing, and sends shivers down her spine. Ayla's eyes widen, and she dares a glance back. Liam's eyes burn with intensity, his face twisted in a snarl. Suddenly, she's back in her mother's kitchen, the warmth of Harare sunshine streaming in... "Mama, ndinoda kuenda(I want to go)," Ayla says, her voice steady. Her mother's hands freeze, dough-covered, eyes pleading. "Ayla, why my daughter? Stay safe for me." The memory shatters. Ayla stumbles, caught off guard. Strong arms grab her, pulling her into shadows. "Fight, Ayla! Lwaaanaa!" her mother's voice echoes, distant. His voice growls in her ear, "You'll never leave me." The warehouse door slams open. Chaos erupts. Ayla's scream gets lost in the night. CUT TO BLACK.