Ryan' s mother's POV - ... past

There was pain all over my body as the cloud of confusion in my mind slowly started settling down. I didn't remember much of what happened after the gates closed except for the blacking out after being shoved inside what looked like a stable. When my eyes shot open, I was in a market. The stench of sweat and dirt filled the air, mingling with the cacophony of haggling voices and clattering hooves.

My hands were tied up and I was tied with a couple of more girls. My captors pulled mercilessly at the ropes,citting into my wrist and commanded, " Move," with cold eyes.They led me through the throng of people, the grip on my arm tight and unrelenting.

We arrived at a clearing. There was a small gathering,apparently waiting for our arrival. They were all horrible looking men, their greedy gazes appraising me like a piece of livestock. My eyes darted around, desperately searching for any signs of hope or escape. But the towering walls of the market seemed to close in on me, reminding me of m