77.

The moon hung high in the night sky, casting an eerie glow over the quiet street as Taliya burst out of her front door. Her heart raced, pumping adrenaline through her veins as she sprinted into the darkness. The cool night air hit her like a slap, sharpening her senses. She had to reach Murad; he would know what to do. But as she ran, fear twisted in her stomach—Murad wasn’t home. He had left just before the chaos began, his absence a cold reminder of her vulnerability.

Panic surged within her, and she pressed on, her footsteps echoing in the stillness. Taliya could hear the heavy footfalls of her pursuer gaining ground behind her, his breath ragged with anger and determination. She didn’t dare look back, knowing that every second counted. The streetlights flickered above, casting distorted shadows that seemed to dance and taunt her as she raced away from the house.

“Help! Somebody help me!” she screamed, her voice breaking as she turned the corner onto a narrow alley. But the only response was the echo of her own cries, swallowed by the night. She darted through the alley, her heart pounding against her ribs like a caged bird.

Taliya knew she had to think clearly; running blindly would only get her caught. She glanced around, searching for a place to hide, a way to throw off her pursuer. The alley was lined with tall dumpsters and darkened doorways, but they provided no solace. She had to keep moving, had to find a way to escape.

With every step, she could feel the kidnapper closing in, a dark presence behind her, relentless and furious. The cold grip of fear settled in her stomach, threatening to choke her. Just as she rounded another corner, a glimmer of hope flickered in her mind: if she could reach the main road, she might find someone to help her.

But as she raced toward the street, her feet pounding against the pavement, the night seemed to conspire against her. She stumbled on a crack in the sidewalk, falling hard to her knees. Pain shot through her leg, but she barely felt it; adrenaline dulled the edges of her suffering. Scrambling back to her feet, she heard the unmistakable sound of heavy footsteps approaching.

“Where do you think you’re going?” his voice was low, dark, and filled with malice, sending a shiver down her spine.

Taliya forced herself to move, the sharp pain in her leg ignored as she limped toward the street. Her breath came in ragged gasps, her lungs burning with exertion. She could see the streetlight ahead, a beacon of hope in the suffocating darkness.

But just as she thought she might make it, a strong hand grasped her shoulder, yanking her back with brutal force. Taliya gasped, panic coursing through her as she struggled against his grip, but he was too strong. She kicked and squirmed, trying to break free, but his hold was unyielding.

“Let go of me!” she cried, her voice rising in desperation.

With a swift motion, the kidnapper spun her around to face him. His eyes gleamed in the dim light, filled with a terrifying mix of anger and satisfaction. He was close enough that she could see the twisted smile on his lips, and it sent ice coursing through her veins.

“Stop fighting, Taliya,” he growled, pulling something from his pocket. It glinted in the moonlight—a small syringe. Her heart dropped as realization hit her like a physical blow.

“No, please!” she begged, but her words fell on deaf ears. The man lunged forward, pinning her against the wall. The sharp pain in her leg flared as she struggled, but it didn’t matter. All that mattered was escape.

In a moment of desperation, Taliya brought her knee up sharply, aiming for his groin. She felt a satisfying thud as she made contact, and for a brief moment, he staggered back, his grip loosening. It was enough to give her hope, enough to make her believe she could get away.

But just as she turned to flee, he regained his footing and lunged for her again. This time, he was quicker, and before she could react, he grasped her wrist, yanking her back toward him with a fierce growl.

“You think you can get away that easily?” he spat, his breath hot against her face.

In her moment of terror, Taliya felt the world spinning, her mind racing with fear and adrenaline. She had to escape. With every ounce of strength, she pulled against him, but his grip was unyielding.

“Help! Someone, please!” she screamed, but the night swallowed her cries whole.

The kidnapper was faster, his other hand reaching for her arm. He injected the contents of the syringe into her skin with a swift jab, and Taliya felt a burning sensation spread through her veins. Panic surged, her body fighting against the encroaching darkness.

“No!” she gasped, struggling to stay conscious, but the world around her began to blur. She felt her legs weaken, her vision fading as the drug took effect. “Murad… help…” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

As her body surrendered to the darkness, she felt herself being lifted off the ground, her limp form cradled in his arms. The last thing she remembered was the sound of a van door slamming shut and the roar of the engine starting up.

The van pulled away from her house, the lights of the street fading into the distance. Taliya’s heart sank as she slipped into unconsciousness, the terror of her abduction swirling around her like a dark cloud.

Murad had left in a hurry, unaware of the danger lurking just outside their home. He rushed back, a sense of urgency pressing down on him, only to find the house shrouded in silence, the door ajar.

“Taliya!” he called, panic surging through him as he entered. The emptiness of the house echoed his fears. In that moment, he realized she was gone, and his heart dropped into an abyss of dread.