Sway With The Wind [Complete]

Chapter 1 - A start of a new journey

The silence was deafening, broken only by the distant drip of water and the occasional creak of the building settling. El's mind raced with possibilities. She could hear her own breath, shallow and rapid, and the thud of her heart echoing in her ears. She strained to hear anything else, any clue that might give her a hint about her captors or her surroundings.

Suddenly, she heard footsteps approaching. The sound of boots against concrete sent a shiver down her spine. She tensed, every muscle in her body screaming with fear. The footsteps stopped just outside the door, and she heard the jingle of keys. The door creaked open, and she felt a rush of cold air as someone entered the room.

"She's awake," a gruff voice said. The voice was unfamiliar, rough and menacing. El felt her heart rate spike, her body trembling with fear. She heard the sound of more footsteps as several figures entered the room.

"What do we do with her?" another voice asked. This one was higher-pitched, almost nervous.

"Keep her quiet," the first voice replied. "Boss will be here soon."

"Stay still, and you won't get hurt," the first voice growled. El's breath caught in her throat, terror flooding her veins. She forced herself to remain still, hoping to avoid further antagonizing her captors.

Time seemed to stretch on indefinitely. El had no way of knowing how long she sat there, every second feeling like an eternity. Her thoughts spiralled into a whirlwind of fear and despair. She thought of her family, her friends, the life she had been building. Would she ever see them again? What would happen to her?

Her mind played out countless horrifying scenarios. She imagined being hurt, or worse, by these men. She wondered if anyone was looking for her, if anyone even knew she was missing yet. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she fought them back. She needed to stay strong, to keep her wits about her if she had any hope of escaping.

Finally, the sound of footsteps returned. This time, they were accompanied by a more confident stride. The door opened again, and El could sense a shift in the atmosphere. Whoever had just entered commanded respect and fear from the others.

"Is this her?" a new voice asked, smoother and more authoritative. The others mumbled in agreement. El felt a hand lift her chin, forcing her to face the direction of the voice. Though she couldn't see through the blindfold, she sensed the intensity of the gaze fixed upon her.

"So, you're the one causing all this trouble," the smooth voice said, more to himself than to her. El's mind raced. Trouble? She had no idea what he was talking about. She had been a normal student, living a normal life. What could she possibly have done to warrant this?

The hand released her chin, and she heard the sound of a chair scraping against the floor as the newcomer sat down. "I'm sure you're wondering why you're here," he continued, a hint of amusement in his voice. "All will be revealed in time."

El's heart pounded in her chest. She wanted to scream, to demand answers, but she knew better. For now, she had to stay calm, to listen and learn as much as she could. Panic would only make things worse.

"Secure her," the smooth voice ordered. El felt rough hands once again on her shoulders, tightening the bonds around her wrists and ankles. She winced as the restraints dug deeper into her skin.

"Now," the voice said, "we wait." The words sent a chill down El's spine. Wait for what? What did they have planned for her? She had no choice but to endure the darkness, the fear, and the uncertainty, hoping against hope that she would find a way out of this nightmare.

*** 

10 months ago...

Under the sway of a gentle autumn breeze, the road adorned with vibrant foliage, El opened the car window and extended her hand, beckoning the wind to caress her fingertips. Leaning against the wind, she lost in cascade of thoughts. Aware that she is about to embark on a journey of her own, she finds herself uncertain whether this phase of her life is because of uneasiness or anticipation. Of all the Autumns she had witnessed, this one held a distinct significance. Not just the delight of embracing adulthood that renders this autumn special rather, it is the fulfillment of her legacy, as she secures admission to her coveted university.