Belle raced through the dense forest, her breath ragged as she stole quick glances over her shoulder. The men were relentless, their pursuit unwavering. If it had been just one, she might have deceived him, weaving through the trees to lose him in the shadows. But three? How could she outwit three men who moved with such speed?
"Stop running, girl, and let's have some fun!" One of the men bellowed, his crude words slicing through the night. The distraction cost Belle dearly. Her foot caught on a root, and she tumbled to the ground.
"Ahh!" She gasped, the impact clashing her injured forehead. Pain shot through her skull, and she felt a faintness threatening to overtake her. She was already weakened from blood loss, and her strength was waning fast.
Determined, Belle forced herself to her feet, but dizziness overwhelmed her. Her head throbbed, and her vision blurred until the trees around her became indistinct shadows.
