Chesca quietly gazed out at the dense forest from her room. She had already arrived—and now, she needed to make the most of this visit.
Thalia is here. She might get hurt in this forest.
The thought echoed in her mind with increasing worry.
Fernan's companion had brought her here earlier, but left her alone shortly after. She took a deep breath. It was better to move at night—she had long known that the most unexpected events happened under the cover of darkness.
Memories of her childhood struggles resurfaced. Chesca was searching for something her mother had hidden—three pieces of evidence she needed to uncover: first, the notebook that belonged to her father; second, the hidden item her mother left behind; and third, the piece her uncle Fernan concealed.
Before the man who had helped her escape passed away, he revealed that he had buried evidence that her brother Giovane had been hunting for.
Chesca sighed deeply and left her hiding place. Her cousin and companion had insisted she wear a tracking device, ensuring she could be located in case of danger.
But she refused to rely too much on others. She was determined to put an end to her father's greed—no matter the cost.
Under the moonlight, she could see her destination. She remembered how she and her siblings once wandered through this very forest, running from their father's violence.
Tears welled up in her eyes as she recalled the events that ultimately led to the deaths of her beloved siblings.
Chesca, you need to be strong. You have to be resilient—for your siblings.
That was the only thought anchoring her as she fought back the tears streaming down her face.
Suddenly, she caught sight of a shadow. Instinctively, she hid under the shade of a nearby tree. Her heart pounded—was it an enemy? Someone from her brother's organization?
Then a scream pierced the silence, startling her. Carefully, she followed the path where she had seen the shadow.
She soon heard voices—laughter, male voices.
"Don't… I have a family. I have a family waiting for me…"
It was a woman's voice, pleading. Chesca peeked through the bushes and saw her—a woman in her twenties, terrified, bound, and helpless.
The men around her only laughed.
"Miss, make us rich again," one of them jeered.
Chesca watched in horror as one of the men pulled the woman's hair and struck her. The woman cried, unable to resist—her hands were tied tightly. Chesca could almost feel the ropes herself.
"Boss, is this one okay now?" asked one of the men.
"Hmm? Not terrible, not bad," a familiar voice answered.
She didn't need to look. She knew that voice.
Giovane. Her brother.
"Is that a virgin?" Giovane asked casually.
"Yes, boss. Fresh from the farm," the man replied, laughing. Giovane joined in.
"Take her to the warehouse. There are plenty of customers waiting. They specifically asked for a virgin—they're insatiable." He sighed.
"Take care of her. She's merchandise. Let them feast until they're satisfied."
Footsteps retreated. The only sound left was the woman's voice, desperately crying for help.
Chesca covered her ears. Her mind replayed the memories of the warehouse—of what happened there. She felt sick just remembering.
That woman would be taken to a place known only to the powerful, where horrors unfolded in silence. She could barely stand the nausea brought on by her disgust.
Her hands trembled.
Calm down, Chesca. Calm down.
She whispered to herself.
Then—movement. A figure in the shadows.
She peered more closely. A hood was pulled back, revealing a face.
Ericka?
She blinked, unsure—but no, she wasn't mistaken. It was Ericka.
What is Ericka doing here?
Chesca was about to step out and call to her—but in the next moment, Ericka vanished from sight.
Panic surged through her. She scanned the area until she saw Ericka again—this time, following the group of men.
No, no, no…
Ericka will be in danger if she gets too close to the warehouse.
Chesca knew—if someone entered that place, they rarely came out alive.
Without hesitation, Chesca followed. She stayed hidden but kept a close watch. They wandered deeper, and it was then she realized they were completely lost in the woods.
Chesca's heart sank.
They were near the warehouse again.
Ericka had unknowingly brought them both to the edge of danger. Chesca looked around frantically until she found Ericka, hiding beneath a tree's shadow, eyes locked on the building ahead.
From Ericka's posture, Chesca could tell—she was about to enter.
No. I won't let her. Not her.
She carefully scanned the area for other members of Giovane's organization. The risk was enormous, but she couldn't allow another innocent life to be lost.
Slowly, she crept toward Ericka. The younger girl hadn't noticed her; she was too focused on watching for movement near the warehouse.
Chesca moved with utmost caution.
Just as Ericka was about to spring from hiding, Chesca grabbed her arm.
"Ericka!" she whispered urgently.
Startled, Ericka turned with fierce instinct, ready to strike. Chesca froze—there was no way she could defend herself against an attack.
But then—Ericka stopped. Their eyes met.
Recognition flickered in Ericka's gaze.
"Ruth?" Ericka asked in disbelief.
Suddenly, the sound of footsteps nearby made them both duck back into the shadows.
They stayed hidden, breaths shallow.
Ericka glanced at Chesca—still full of questions—but now was not the time.
Without a word, Ericka grabbed her hand and pulled her away.
Before they could move far, a man stepped in front of them, blocking their path.
Their eyes locked with his, and Ericka tensed.
Without hesitation, the man grabbed them both—and they fled into the forest in complete silence.