Chapter 17: Darkness and Desperation

Ashley's mind was a jumbled mess as she lay on the cold metal floor of the van, her body bound and helpless, her mouth covered with duct tape. She couldn't shake the feeling of desperation that had settled in her stomach like a heavy weight. Where was Ryan? Was he looking for her? Would Emily know she was gone? The thought of her sister and Ryan searching for her brought a surge of tears to her eyes, but they were trapped behind the duct tape, unable to escape. As the van drove on, Ashley's thoughts turned to her unborn baby. Was it going to be okay? Was she going to be able to protect it from this monster? The fear that gripped her was suffocating, making it hard to breathe. She tried to move, to struggle against her restraints, but they were too tight. She was at the mercy of this stranger, and it was a terrifying feeling. The hours ticked by, each one feeling like an eternity. Ashley lost track of time, but eventually, she heard the van's engine die down, and the vehicle come to a stop. She was jolted forward, her body bouncing against the metal floor. Four hours had passed, and Ashley was exhausted. She was relieved when the van finally stopped, but her relief was short-lived. The man's voice was gruff as he opened the side door of the van, and Ashley was dragged out into the bright sunlight. She blinked, her eyes watering from the sudden change in light. The man's grip on her was like a vice, his fingers digging into her skin as he pulled her out of the van. Ashley's bound body stumbled, her legs unable to support her. "Don't hurt me," she cried, her voice muffled by the duct tape. "Please, don't hurt me or my baby." She tried to struggle, but it was no use. The man was too strong, and she was too weak. As she was pulled out of the van, Ashley caught a glimpse of her surroundings. They were in a deserted area, surrounded by trees and bushes. There was a small cabin in the distance, and Ashley's heart sank. She knew she was in grave danger. The man dragged her towards the cabin, Ashley's body bouncing along the rough ground. She stumbled, her legs catching on a rock, but the man didn't stop. He just kept pulling her, his grip unyielding. As they approached the cabin, Ashley could feel her fear rising to a new level. She was trapped, and she didn't know what the man had planned for her. She could only hope that Ryan would find her before it was too late.