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9

Ximena was the only one left in the carriage.

Still looking around naively, she held her bag tightly to her chest and prayed she doesn't get sold or something. Where were they even headed?? Every other person had dropped off at their various destinations; but there she was - still going. Was this really how she was going to survive? By being naive all through?

Her heart was beginning to beat so heavily, especially when the carriage stopped moving.

Hold on; why did it stop?

Next thing she heard were hard footsteps and the face of the rider finally showing up before her.

"What do you think you're doing, young lady? Why haven't you dropped off along with the others?" He rasped.

Really?? This was the best place he could stop to bring up such confrontations? - Shilah thought, realizing just how bushy the place was.

"Uhm.... Well, you never told me to go off?" She itched her nape, knowing her reply was as weak as a lame man.

"What are you talking about?" The chubby man scoffed. "Alright,fine. Now, get out off my carriage. Now!"

"What??" Ximena flinched. "You...you can't just drop me off here... I mean, I can't even see a single house around".

"That is none of my business, young lady. Your ride is over. Now, get off my carriage before I pull you out myself. I have somewhere else to go to".

"Oh! Come on, Mister. If you drop me off here, there's no way I'd pay you because..."

"I don't need your pay anymore. Just get off my property!" He snapped, and when Ximena hesitated, he climbed onto the carriage and began pulling her down.

"No!! Let me go!! Let me go!!" She tried struggling with him, but it was futile considering his strength as swiftly, he succeeded in pulling her out.

"You scumbag!" #Ximena cursed. "You're so shameless, you know that? Showcasing your little power on a woman; shame on you!" She was holding her bag tightly to her chest, for fear of it being snatched from her.

"Whatever you say" the chubby man huffed and returned to his seat, taking off the horse immediately.

"Damn you!!" She yelled out after it. And by the time she was done,she was panting so heavily like a deer that had just escaped a hunter.

Afterwards, she looked around - her eyes coming in contact with nothing but bushes. Oh, God! What does she do? Where does she go from there?? Who's gonna help her?

She was beginning to sweat. And realizing there was no going back, decided to just walk - walk until she finds someone - or something that could help.

Ximena had to walk a really long way before seeing a path that appeared to lead to somewhere. She let out a relieving breath, wiping off the sweats that occupied her face. She's never had to walk for so long her whole life. It just wasn't easy.

She decided to take the path and see where that leads her - maybe to someone's home or a place she could get something to eat. She kept walking through it, her eyes going round to be sure she doesn't get bitten by something she hated.

She couldn't believe she was passing through all of these, just because of the monster that killed her parents. Dear God; how much she hated him! Now, she couldn't wait to carry out her plans of being the one to drive a stake through his dark heart!

After what seemed like forever to Ximena, she finally saw something different - something that signified she was close to meeting with humans...

It was a river. But not just a river; there was a guy sitting in front of it.

She halted, noticing the serene mood he had in. Watching him from behind, he looked almost like he was in a different world of his own - like one lost in thoughts. Who was he?

She thought of walking away, considering how reserved he looked. But, equally thinking of the stress she had gone through finding just one human, she gave it a second thought.

Nir, on the other hand, knew the very moment someone stood behind him. And snapping out of his thoughts, he cocked his head to have a look.

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