Page 78 of Cedarwood Cabin

As I look around, the forest seems endless. I continue to sprint; my lungs feel like they are bleeding and my feet are getting cut up.

I hear in the distance, “Flora!”

My pulse quickens.

Ducking behind a thick oak tree, I have no choice but to try to hide. The forest is dead silent, not even a bird is chirping.

My body shakes with fear and adrenaline. Searching for any signs of them, I look around.

Then, I see Dax running off to my left, but he doesn't notice me. Relief floods through me and I exhale.

I stand up, keeping an eye out for Dax, step backward, and then collide with something hard.

“Going somewhere, baby?” Lyka whispers right behind me.

I don’t even have a chance to turn around before his strong arms wrap around me. I let out a piercing scream and thrash out my legs.

“Let me go!” I cry out.

He presses his lips against my ear and I feel his hot breath. “You really thought you could run away? That you could leave us?”

Dax appears out of nowhere and grabs my legs. I try to kick out as they carry me towards the cabin. I scream as loud as I can, hoping anyone can hear me.

“No one can hear you, flower. Let's take her to the barn,” Dax says, his voice sounding sinister.

“Please. Let me go….please,” I sob as they haul me towards the barn.

They throw me down on the hard floor and pain shoots through my body. My feet are stinging from the cuts, and with each movement, I let out a whimper.

“It’s time for your punishment,” Lyka says coldly.

Dax rushes towards me, grabbing me and positioning me between his legs as he sits on the floor. He completely immobilizes me as his legs wrap around mine.

I feel utterly powerless. “What...What are you gonna do?” I tremble.

“You’re going learn your lesson,” Lyka hisses.

Dax's fingers dig into my arms, pinning them down.

I scream in terror as Lyka walks over to the workbench and picks up the branding iron and a blow torch. My whole body shakes frantically.

“Shh, it’s okay, little flower,” Dax whispers in my ear.

“Please…Please! No…No! I’ll be good!” I scream.

They don’t listen to me. Lyka turns on the blow torch and the flame turns blue.

He holds the branding iron over the flame and the letter F starts turning red.

“Please! I’ll do anything. Please, don’t do this!” I beg.

Lyka looks at me with predatory eyes and I try to struggle against Dax's hold. With each passing second, the branding iron glows brighter.

Dax manages to pull my shirt up and push my jeans down. Lyka walks over, holding the branding iron steady. His demeanor is so calm that it's frightening, like this is just another afternoon for him. “I’d stay still, if I were you,” he suggests.

My vision glosses over with my tears as I brace myself.

I’m trapped in a nightmare. I blink hard a couple of times, hoping to wake up.

---