1 Yue's abduction

It rained that night.

And the people were outside still. Their fascination all lured out by the thundering screeches of vehicles in the lane. It was just another action-packed police chase in the monotonous yet bustling city.

As the clock struck midnight, the noise started dwindling down. However, it seemed harder for me to take a nap as silence enveloped my surroundings. I tossed and turned. It was yet another sleepless night under the city's faulty lights.

Who am I kidding?

Who could comfortably sleep under such conditions?

I had a luxurious seven – peso Marlboro cardboard for a bed and a magnificent flickering street light for a lamp. It was the best accommodation I could afford after a day's work, begging for alms.

I was forcefully pulled out from my thoughts when a van which you usually see in movies parked in front of me.

How rude!

It wasn't on my schedule to hitchhike.

Two shady – looking men in black stepped out and yanked me up. My eyes widened as what was happening right before my eyes started to sink in. I'm so screwed.

When they snatched me from the comfort of the heap of boxes I decided to call home, I thrashed, kicked, screamed, and tried to claw my way off their grasp but to no avail.

What can a 13 year old do to a fully grown duo with big muscular biceps bulging from within their ambiguous attires?

Despite the realization, I still did my best to escape. I've heard about the recent kidnappings from the hushed whispers of the crowd.

No one dared to tell the tale to the almighty police force. Not when the syndicate had ties with the higher ups of the territory within their jurisdiction. And besides, who would even care if a few homeless orphans were abducted?

Since hearing the news, I lived under the shadows. It was too naïve of me to think I was careful enough not to be targeted. What if they cut me up alive and sell my organs?

No way am I going to let them skin me to death without a fight.

They threw me to the back of the van and I could do nothing but cry. Wailing. Fearing the nearing of my end. With the last ounce of my strength, I cried my heart out.

The absence of food in my system for an entire week finally getting to me. What a pathetic finale for a pitiful life.

All energy left my body, almost aching because of the recklessness caused by my endless struggling.

Tears freely streamed my begrimed cheeks as snot clogged my nose, making it incapable for me to properly breathe.

Just then, at that moment, one of the men seated at the back turned his head towards me. Sht.

His eyes slowly scanning every inch of my body. Beads of cold sweat profusely trickled down my forehead.

Please don't hurt me. I wanted to beg but I couldn't find my voice.

He stared. Muted.

My heart dropped as the car stopped.

"Hungry? Grab a snickers." He deadpanned.

As he reached in his pockets, a soft crisp sound of plastic caught my attention. He held out a chocolate granola bar to me.

What?

The guy behind the steering wheel choked at his awful attempt to joke then started the car again.

Fear and confusion enveloped me as I watched his every move warily.

"..."

"You don't want it? Fine-" I grabbed it without letting him finish. He went still for a few seconds before a slight grin broke on his face. Wow. It doesn't suit him.

"Are you mute? You don't talk much do you?" He casually asked. His back now turned on me. I ignored him.

The other guy seated beside him playfully smacked his shoulder and asked, "Why are you being awfully chatty today?"

"I can't help it. It's too awkward. She looks so wretched," he shrugged.

I contemplated about thanking him for the food but then again, they did kidnap me. And I still don't know what they plan to do with me.

Who knows? Maybe they really will sell my parts for a sky high price. I'm young and healthy. My organs are working well. The only issue is me being a bit malnourished. With just a week of being cared for and properly fed, they can even sell me off at the slave auction. Some nobles have sick fantasies about children. I'd rather die than end up as one of their toys.

The car turned in a dark alley and all I could see were decrepit buildings illuminated by the headlights. Don't tell me we're stopping here?

Everything looked dark and eerie. It seemed sadder compared to the slums in the big city.

We made a few turns until we reached the end of the gravel road.