The abandoned shack offered a rare refuge. The kids huddled in a corner, curled up against each other, exhaustion etched deep into their hungry faces. The Silent One sat still, always alert despite his weariness. Around them, the silence of the Pit felt almost like a whisper a fragile pause amid the chaos.
Lina rubbed her frozen hands, trying to warm her trembling fingers.
- We can't stay here too loong.
She murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Jem grunted as he rubbed his eyes.
- We've got to find food tomorrow, or we're all dead.
He said.
- And figure out a way out of here.
Rash added, his gaze sharp.
The Silent One stared at the door, his instincts screaming to stay on guard. But exhaustion was stronger than fear, and soon a collective breath carried the group into a restless sleep.
A noise jolted them awake.
First, muffled sounds metal clanging, hurried voices.
Then heavy footsteps pounding the ground, relentless and sure.
The Silent One's eyes snapped open. A cold, white light seeped through the poorly nailed boards.
- Shhh…
Lina whispered sharply as she sat up.
- They're here.
Jem breathed, his body tense.
- The gang?
Rash asked, his voice trembling.
The Silent One said nothing. He stood slowly, fists clenched, ready to defend what little they had.
A crack.
The door exploded inward.
Men in uniforms stormed inside armed, masked. No talks. No warnings.
- Grab them!
Barked a harsh, commanding voice.
The kids screamed, scattering in panic.
Lina grabbed the Silent One's arm.
- This way!
They ran, searching for an escape, a crack in the chaos.
Jem stumbled, and Rash caught him.
- We have to get out, or we're done for!
Lina yelled.
The Silent One followed, breath ragged, heart hammering.
They raced through narrow, broken alleys, their footsteps echoing. Their breaths came in ragged bursts, hearts drumming a grim warning. Lina gripped the Silent One's arm, weaving an uncertain path.
- This way, quick!
She gasped, glancing nervously behind.
Jem limped, knees shaking under the strain.
- I can't….
He panted.
Rash slowed, supporting him with a solid shoulder.
- Come on, don't give up.
Behind them, shouts rang out, orders and curses.
- They spotted us!
Lina snapped.
The Silent One tightened his grip on the rusty iron bar, eyes scanning every shadow, every corner.
They turned a street corner — only to be blocked by a group of masked men dressed in black. A harsh beam of light blinded them.
- There!
One shouted, blocking the children's escape.
The kids froze, breaths caught in their throats.
Lina let out a furious cry and charged at one of the men. The impact was brutal, but in seconds, they were surrounded.
- Grab them all!
Shouted one of the men.
Hands closed around their arms, fists rained down, pain exploding like wildfire.
The Silent One struggled, but it was too late.
Chains clanked, and cold eyes locked onto them.
The heavy silence of the Pit had turned into a stifled scream…