Ch1: The Kidnapping
The autumn leaves rustled under the dim streetlights as Mahnoor walked home from her late shift at the bookstore. The crisp air and the quiet of the evening were comforting, but tonight, something felt off. She quickened her pace, casting nervous glances over her shoulder.
Just as she rounded the corner to her street, a figure emerged from the shadows. Before she could react, a hand clamped over her mouth, and a cold, metallic blade pressed against her side. Panic surged through her as she was forced into a dark, unmarked van.
Inside the vehicle, Mahnoor's eyes adjusted to the gloom. She saw a man in his mid-forties with a cold, calculating gaze. His face was partially obscured by a hood. "Don't make a sound," he said, his voice eerily calm. "We're going to have a little talk."
The van jolted to a start, and Mahnoor's heart pounded in her chest. She knew she had to stay calm and think clearly if she wanted to get out of this situation. But the weight of the unknown and the fear of what might come next made it hard to focus.
The van traveled for what felt like hours before finally stopping. The man pulled her out roughly and led her into an old, decrepit warehouse. The walls were lined with shadows, and the only light came from a flickering overhead bulb.
Mahnoor was pushed into a chair, her wrists bound tightly. The man paced in front of her, studying her with a mix of fascination and cruelty.
"Why me?" Mahnoor managed to choke out, her voice trembling.
The man's eyes narrowed. "You're not here by accident. You're part of something much bigger than you realize."
Mahnoor's mind raced. She needed to find a way out and quickly. But as she stared at the man, she couldn't shake the feeling that this night was only the beginning of something far more complex and dangerous.