Page 16 of Save Me

The forest, a mysterious sanctuary to others, becomes a labyrinth to me. Yet, fueled by determination, I stumble through the tangled undergrowth, guided by the fading glow of the setting sun. My focus remains fixed on one goal—finding a road. Despite the rough terrain scraping against my bare feet and the exhaustion threatening to overcome my legs, I press on, refusing to surrender. I have come too far to give up now.

After what felt like an eternity, I strain my eyes against the fading light and a surge of hope floods through me as I spot a road emerging from thedwindling trees. The distant hum of an approaching car snaps my attention, and I push myself to keep going.

“Help!” I scream with every ounce of strength, wildly waving my arms, but the car zooms past just as I reach the road. It was starting to get darker, the sun on the verge of disappearing completely. Gasping for breath, I press on until I stumble onto the road, the tears on my cheeks stinging with despair. And then, like a beacon in the night, another car materializes on the shadowy road. Summoning my last ounce of energy, I raise one trembling arm, desperately flagging down the passing vehicle.

At first, I thought they also didn’t see me, but as I glanced back, the car screeches to an abrupt stop. Relief washes over me, only to be swiftly replaced by fear as a realization dawns upon me—what if it’s Zavier? What if he came back?

Please, no.

The driver’s side door swings open, and my world spins violently, the sight before me sucking the very air from my lungs.

“Argent?”

PART TWO

Chapter 12

ARGENT

“Starlet.” The world aroundus falls into silence, the hush amplifying as I lock my gaze on her. Only her melodic voice breaks through, uttering my name. At that moment, I surge forward, wrapping her in my arms and holding her close. Her body shudders, tears streaming down her face, collapsing against my chest.

“I’ve got you, baby,” I whisper, sinking down onto the rough road, feeling the texture press against my knees. Pulling back slightly, I cup her head in my hands, my eyes scanning her disheveled appearance.

She’s a wreck, wearing nothing but light blue shorts, an oversized, filthy white t-shirt, and barefoot. Her hairhangs thin and greasy, her skin pallid, and dark bags mark her once vibrant hazel eyes. Anger grips me. My jaw clenches as I witness the broken woman before me.

“I’m going to kill him,” I declare, my voice a low, seething growl. Her trembling hand reaches up, gently caressing my cheek.

“Just take me home,” she murmurs, her voice barely audible, tears welling in her eyes. Gathering her in my arms, I rise from the road, making my way to the car. I don’t bother placing her in the passenger seat; instead, I hold her tightly on my lap as I start the car, the engine roaring to life as we pull away.

The journey home is filled with silence, my hand gripping the steering wheel while the other remains wrapped around her, refusing to let go. I can’t even fathom the horrors she has endured. I want to know—I need to know. But for now, I’m not going to overwhelm her with questions. That can wait. All that matters is getting her home, far away from this wretched place.

After a few minutes of driving, I notice her rapid breathing has turned into slow and steady breaths as her head rests on my shoulder. I can hear the faint soundof her soft exhales and feel the warmth of her breath against my skin. She must’ve fallen asleep, and, by the looks of it, she hasn’t had a good night’s rest in ages. Finally, I pull into the driveway of the apartment.

The engine comes to a halt, breaking the silence that enveloped the car. I’m not taking her back to her place—not yet. Carefully, I open the door, the cool evening air brushing against my face. Holding her tightly against me, I step out of the car, trying not to wake her. The darkness of the night surrounds us, with only the gentle glow of the moonlight guiding our path to the front door.

Standing in front of the door with Starlet in my arms, I give a slight kick against it. Instantly, the door swings open, creaking slightly in protest.

“Where have you—Starlet?” Demitri’s eyes widen as he takes in the sight before him. He quickly steps aside, allowing us to enter before calling out for Chloe. Gently, I place her on the couch, the soft fabric welcoming her weight. Grabbing a nearby blanket, I cover her, tucking it around her form to keep her warm.

“What’s going on?” Chloe asks, her voice tinged with annoyance at Demitri’s abrupt call. Her eyes dart around the room, searching for the source of his urgency, before freezing as they land on the couch. “Oh my God!” Her eyes immediately fill with tears as she realizes her best friend has finally been found.

“You found her. You actually found her!” she exclaims, her voice trembling. She rushes towards me, wrapping her arms around my waist, her grip tight and desperate. I wrap one arm around her, providing a comforting embrace.

“I didn’t,” I state, my voice steady as I meet her confused gaze. “She found me,” my eyes lock on Starlet. I am never letting her out of my sight again.

I am abruptly awakened by a piercing scream that cuts through the silence, sending a jolt of fear coursing through my veins. Groggy from sleep, I slowly situp in the chair next to the couch where Starlet rests, determined not to leave her side.

As my eyes adjust to the darkness, I find her standing in the center of the living room, panic etched across her face as she scans the room frantically.

Taking measured steps, I reach out and place a gentle hand on her trembling shoulder. In an instant, her head snaps towards me, wide-eyed and filled with a mix of relief and uncertainty.

“It’s okay, I’m here,” I whisper soothingly, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear and tenderly caressing her cheek. Tears glisten in her eyes as she gazes at me, her hand trembling as she tentatively reaches out to touch my exposed chest, causing a wave of goosebumps to ripple across my skin.

“You’re real... I-I thought it was just a dream.” My heart breaks at the sight of her fear and confusion. Resting my hand on hers, still lingering on my chest, I offer reassurance.

“I’m here, little star. And I’m not going anywhere.” With those words, I draw her into a tight embrace, holding her tightly against me. Despite the gravity ofthe situation, a small smile tugs at the corners of her lips, melting my heart.

“Are you hungry? I can make you something,” I inquire, reluctantly pulling away from our embrace. She shakes her head. “No, but I would kill for a hot shower.” Her words elicit a mixture of concern and tenderness within me.

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