76.

The moon hung high in the night sky, casting a silvery glow through Taliya’s bedroom window. The soft sound of crickets chirping filled the air, creating a soothing backdrop to the quiet solitude of the small room. Taliya lay nestled in her blanket, her chest rising and falling gently as she drifted deeper into sleep, unaware of the dangers lurking just beyond her dreams.

Suddenly, the quiet was pierced by a faint creak. The door to her room swung open, and a shadowy figure slipped inside, their movements swift and silent. The intruder paused for a moment, scanning the dimly lit room before making their way toward Taliya’s bed.

In her dream, Taliya felt an odd shift in the air, a disturbance that tugged her back to consciousness. As her eyelids fluttered open, confusion clouded her mind. She blinked rapidly, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep, only to find a figure looming over her, dark and imposing.

Her heart raced, instinctively sending her into a state of panic. “Who—who are you?” she managed to whisper, her voice barely above a breath.

Before she could process what was happening, the figure lunged forward, grasping her arms with a vice-like grip. Taliya’s heart thundered in her chest as she felt herself being dragged from the warmth of her bed. She tried to scream, her voice catching in her throat, but the intruder clamped a hand over her mouth, silencing her cries.

“Stay quiet,” he hissed, his voice low and menacing. The warmth of his breath against her cheek sent chills down her spine.

Taliya squirmed in his grip, her heart racing as fear coursed through her veins. She tried to twist away, to break free from his hold, but his grip was unyielding. Panic surged within her, and she fought against the darkness that threatened to engulf her.

“Let me go!” she mumbled against his hand, her voice muffled but filled with desperation.

The man didn’t respond. Instead, he tightened his hold, dragging her further away from the safety of her room. Taliya’s mind raced, trying to formulate a plan. She couldn’t allow herself to be taken. Not like this.

She kicked her legs, her foot connecting with his shin in a burst of defiance. The man stumbled slightly, his grip loosening just enough for Taliya to gasp for air.

“Stop fighting!” he growled, his frustration evident. Taliya seized the moment, twisting her body and aiming to strike him again, this time aiming for his face.

But he recovered quickly, reasserting his hold on her as he pulled her toward the window. The cold night air rushed in, and Taliya caught a glimpse of the street below. Panic surged anew; she couldn’t let him take her out into the open.

Desperation clawed at her throat, and she summoned every ounce of strength she had left. “Help! Somebody help me!” she cried, her voice breaking as she fought against him.

But the man only pressed his hand harder against her mouth, dragging her toward the open window. “Shut up!” he spat, his eyes narrowing in anger. “You’re going to regret this.”

With a swift motion, he threw her over his shoulder, and Taliya's heart dropped as she felt herself being hoisted off the ground. She struggled, her fists pounding against his back, but her efforts only seemed to anger him further.

“Stop it!” he barked, and Taliya felt the heat of his body, the smell of sweat and something metallic filling her senses. She couldn’t let fear paralyze her. She had to escape.

As they neared the window, Taliya spotted a glimmer of hope—a nearby lamp on her nightstand. With a surge of adrenaline, she reached out, grabbing the lamp and swinging it toward him with all her might. The base collided with his side, and he let out a grunt of surprise, staggering back slightly.

Taliya seized the opportunity, her heart racing as she leaped toward the door. But before she could reach it, the man regained his balance and lunged for her once more. This time, he was prepared, and he caught her wrist, yanking her back toward him.

“Enough of this!” he shouted, his voice laced with fury.

Taliya fought against his grip, the panic threatening to consume her as she desperately sought a way out. The adrenaline coursing through her veins heightened her senses, and for a brief moment, she caught a glimpse of his face—a mask of rage, shadows obscuring his features. But she couldn’t see clearly enough to identify him, and that terrified her even more.

The world around her blurred as she struggled, the sound of her own heartbeat drowning out everything else. Just as she thought she might break free, he pulled her back to him, wrapping his arm around her waist and pinning her against him.

“Stop! I just want to talk!” he snapped, his breath hot against her ear. But the sincerity in his words was lost in the chaos of the moment.

Taliya’s pulse raced, her mind racing for a plan. She wouldn’t let fear dictate her actions. Summoning all her strength, she swung her elbow back, aiming for his stomach. She felt contact, and he released her for a split second, enough for her to turn and shove him away.

“Get away from me!” she screamed, her voice echoing through the room.

But the moment of triumph was short-lived as he lunged for her once again. This time, he was faster, and he grasped her arm, pulling her back toward him with a fierce growl. Taliya’s heart sank as she realized the struggle was far from over.

In that moment of chaos, Taliya's eyes darted around the room, searching for anything she could use as a weapon. The lamp was still within reach, and with a surge of determination, she grasped it once more, raising it high above her head.

With a fierce cry, she brought the lamp down again, this time aiming for his head. The metal base collided with his skull, and he staggered back, his grip faltering. Taliya seized the chance, bolting toward the door.

As she burst through the doorway, the adrenaline pushed her forward, and she raced down the hall, her heart pounding in her chest. She could hear him cursing behind her, the sound urging her to run faster. She had to reach safety.

But as she sprinted down the dimly lit corridor, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed behind her. Taliya's breath came in quick gasps, panic rising as she realized he was gaining on her.

“Get back here!” he shouted, his voice filled with rage.

Taliya's mind raced as she glanced back, catching a glimpse of his dark figure barreling toward her. She pushed herself to run faster, the fear propelling her forward. She had to find a way out.

Determination surged through her as she neared the staircase. If she could just reach the front door, she could escape into the night. But just as she rounded the corner, a surge of adrenaline hit her—she could do this.

In that moment, Taliya vowed she wouldn’t be a victim. She wouldn’t let fear dictate her life any longer.