PROLOGUE

Characters:

Female lead: Ophelia Mae Cellestine

Age: 13 years old

Xavier Angelo Celestine

Age: 26  years old

Damien Ezra Celestine

Age: 25

Benjamin Auri Celestine

Age: 24 years old

Lennox Blake Celestine

Age: 20 years old

August Kai Celestine

Age: 17 years old

Asher Kai Celestine

Age: 17 years old

(This story is also Available in Wattpad)-------------------------------------------------------------------

A young girl darted through the dense woods, her footsteps leaving imprints on the soft forest floor. Her eyes wide with fear, strands of her disheveled hair stuck to her flushed cheeks. The cacophony of her rapidly pounding heart drowned out the sounds of her pursuers, who were swiftly gaining on her. With each nimble leap over fallen branches and dodging between thick trunks, her determination fueled her desperate escape. The rhythmic thumping of her shoes echoed through the secluded woods,creating an eerie symphony with the rustling leaves and distant calls of nocturnal creatures.

Every breath she took was a sharp gasp, her chest heaving in exhaustion as she pushed her small frame to its limits. Her eyes flicked with fleeting glances to her rear, paranoia fueling her every move. The moonlight peeking through the dense foliage cast ominous shadows around her, racing minds urging her to go faster. Fear mingled with determination as she weaved through the forest, utilizing her knowledge of the terrain to her advantages. Her senses were heightened, acutely aware of the slightest sound and motion around her.

Adrenaline surged through her veins, momentarily boosting her fading energy. She pushed herself further, driven by raw instinct and the overwhelming desire to escape her 'enemies' clutches. The forest seemed to blur around her as she pushed through the pain, her focus solely fixed on survival. As she dashed onward, leaves brushed against her skin leaving small scratches and imprints of her journey. She was like a fleeting shadow, disappearing into the depths of the woods,leaving behind only wipers of her presence. Her legs burned but she pressed on refusing to succumb to fatigue.

The young girl's perseverance led her deeper into the heart of the woods, where silence reigned supreme. She finally found a moment to catch her breath, her heaving chest slowly calming as she tucked herself into a hidden alcove beneath a canopied tree. There, she paused , her eyes still scanning her surroundings, forever vigilant.

OPHELIA'S POV

As I dashed through the dense woods, my heart was pounding like a wild beast in my chest, I couldn't escape the haunting memories of my fallen crew. Every stride I took was laced with guilt and sorrow, their faces etched into my mind like a painful reminder of my failure. Each rustling leaf and broken twig seemed to echo their final moments, replaying in my mind like a never ending nightmare. I blamed myself, questioning every decision that led us to this point. Why couldn't I have protected them? Why couldn't I have seen the danger lurking in the shadows before it was too late?. As my footfalls resounded in the hushed silence of the woods, I couldn't shake the overwhelming weight of their sacrifice. They selflessly chose to stay behind, diverting the attention of our enemies so that I could escape. Their sacrifice was not lost on me; it was a burden that I carried with me, each step a solemn reminder of what they had done for me.

The sounds of shouts and cries faded into the distant recesses of my mind, drowned out by the sound of my own labored breathing. Tears streamed down my dirt- streaked face, intermingling with the sweat and grime of the relentless pursuit. I wished with all my being that I could turn back time, and find a way to rewrite our fate. But in the midst of my despair, a flicker of determination emerged. I owed it to my fallen crew to survive, to honor their memory. With each pounding heartbeat, each desperate gasp for air, I silently promised them that I would carry on, that I would make their sacrifice count.

As I wove through the labyrinth of trees, dodging obstacles and pushing my body to its limits, their faces flashed before my eyes like bittersweet ghosts. The camaraderie we shared, the laughter and trust we had built, now lived solely in my memories. I yearned for their guidance, their presence but they now existed only in the corners of my mind. I knew I had to keep running, keep evading my enemies, for their sake. The pain in my legs and the exhaustion threatening to consume me paled in comparison to the weight of their loss. It was their unwavering belief in my ability to escape and seek justice that fueled my determination to press on, to make their sacrifices meaningful.  In the depths of the woods, a glimmer of hope ignited within my weary soul. With tears streaming down my face, I promised my crew that I would not let their deaths be in vain. I would find a way to fight back to bring justice and peace to their memory. Their tragic loss would become my catalyst for resilience, an unyielding fire burning within me as I sprinted forward, running away from my enemies but forever carrying the memories of the brave souls who had given their lives for mine.

I felt the panic rise within me as I turned the corner, only to be greeted by a tall brick wall, boxing me in. Taking quick, shallow breaths, my heart pounded against my ribcage. My footsteps echoed loudly, betraying my presence in this forlorn alleyway. Looking behind me, I saw them. The crew. Their sinister grins, twisted with malice, sent a shiver down my spine. A cluster of shadows closing in, their steps growing closer and closer. My mind raced, searching for an escape route that didn't exist. With trembling hands, I pressed against the cold. Unforgiving bricks, futilely hoping for an exit to reveal itself. Tears blurred my vision, but I fought back the trembling fear, forcing myself to focus.

Through the cacophony of adrenaline and fear thundering in my ears, their laughs pierced the silence. Mocking, taunting, enjoying the desperation etched across my face. I sized up their every move, their every gesture. No possible ally in sight, only darkness echoing their chilling presence. I could feel the cold sweat trickling down my temple as hot tears streamed down my face. But I couldn't let them win. Couldn't show them my vulnerability, Not like this.

Clutching my trembling fists, my confidence took hold. Desperation often brings out hidden strength. I would fight for my life, even if they thought I was nothing more than a defenseless girl, easy prey. In this moment, a fierce determination ignited within me. I would fight, tooth and nail, until my last breath. Their wicked laughter grew louder, sending tremors down my spine. But now, it resonated with a different sentiment- a reminder of their underestimated foe. They had cornered me, but they didn't have me yet.

As they closed in, my mind sharpened with defiance. I donned the armor of  resilience, preparing to face the impending storm. They may have thought I was an easy kill, but that was their mistake. I would make them regret it. With every ounce of my being , I vowed to fight back, to survive, and to prove that even a young girl can be a force to be reckoned with.

The young girl's heart raced as she locked eyes with the leader of the crew, the one who sought to end her life. A mix of fear and defiance swirled in her chest as she glared at him, refusing to let her vulnerability show. Their gazes remained locked for what felt like an eternity before the leader finally spoke. His words pierced through her, blaming her for the deaths of her crew, accusing her own family of abandoning her. She listened attentively, her face betraying no emotion, as he pronounced her careless and alone. Without missing a beat, the young girl responded calmly, her voice steady. " You're right, I think I must have lost my mind. After all, the people I held dearest are now gone because of me''. Pausing briefly, she continued. ''That's why I'm giving you this opportunity..... To end it all'' . Her enemies stared at her in confusion, their expectations shattered. One of them, a man in all black clothing, scoffed. ''You must be joking''.

''No, my mind has never been clearer''. She replied, her resolve firm. ''This is my choice. So, take this opportunity to kill me''. Silence fell upon them, the weight of her conviction sinking in. And then, finally, their leader spoke. ''You have earned our respect, my lady. If there is another life, me and my crew shall gladly follow you wherever you may lead''. A small curved the young girl's lips at his words. She positioned herself, ready to face the bullets that would soon be fired at her, accepting her fate with bravery. As the men raised their guns and aimed, she noticed their hesitation. Seizing the moment, she urged them. ''Don't hesitate. Remember, this is your choice. Live up to it''.

Closing her eyes tightly, she braced herself for the gunshots that would seal her fate. The deafening sound echoed in her ears as the bullets tore through her body, sending her crumbling to the ground. Opening her eyes for one final glimpse, she beheld the beauty of the clear night sky and the radiant moon. Blood spilled from her wounds and her vision began to blur, but before everything faded, she saw her enemy draw closer, kneeling down to check if she was still alive. A serene smile appeared on her face as she whispered. ''Thank you''. And with those words, she surrendered to the darkness, her eyes fluttering closed for the last

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