Root of Terror

When Lara opened her eyes, she was stunned to find herself in a place that looked like a grand stage. The room was filled with elegantly dressed people, all wearing black suits and ties, seated at luxurious tables and chairs under dazzling lights from an ornate chandelier above. The brilliance of the lights stung her eyes as she glanced around, trying to take in her surroundings.

She instinctively tried to rub her eyes, but before she could, she realized her hands were bound with thick ropes. The bindings were tight, digging into her wrists, making any movement difficult. She tugged at the ropes, struggling to free herself, but her attempts were in vain.

As she looked around in panic, Lara noticed that she wasn't the only one tied up. To her horror, there were other women lined up beside her, all bound like she was. Most of them were far younger—barely teenagers—while Lara seemed to be the only adult among them based on appearance.

The realization made her stomach churn. The elegantly dressed audience, the glaring lights, the rows of women bound and helpless—something sinister was happening, and she was right in the middle of it. Lara's heart raced as she tried to process the situation, her mind screaming for answers while fear gripped her entire being.

Moments later, the lights dimmed further, leaving the room cloaked in near darkness. A single spotlight illuminated the center of the stage, where a man holding a microphone stood, his voice booming with authority like a host of a bizarre event.

"Gentlemen!" the host exclaimed. "The day of our gathering has come once again, and I know this is what you've all been eagerly waiting for!" His words echoed, capturing the attention of the well-dressed audience seated before him.

He continued, laying out the agenda of the gathering. It became clear that this was no ordinary meeting. The purpose of the event was to rally support for Pastor Jun in the upcoming election. Though the election was still some time away, the people in the room were determined to ensure his victory, solidifying his rise to power even before the official voting began.

Suddenly, a man seated at one of the VIP tables stood and spoke, his voice dripping with influence and arrogance. "I offer my full support to Pastor Jun, as long as he ensures that my… transactions remain secret and untouched by law enforcement."

The room murmured in agreement, and Lara's heart sank as she pieced together the meaning behind his words. The "secret transactions" the man referred to were drug dealings. It all made sense now—the untouchable power of Pastor Jun, his strong connections, and the reason the authorities couldn't touch him. These wealthy and influential individuals were funding his campaign, and in return, he promised them full protection and the power to operate outside the law once he became mayor.

Lara's mind raced as the horrifying reality of the situation dawned on her. This is why Pastor Jun is so powerful… these people are the true source of his strength. And if he wins, the corruption will only grow worse, spreading like a disease. Her body trembled, not just from fear for herself but from the weight of what she had uncovered.

After the murmurs and chatter sparked by the VIP's bold statement, a man suddenly stepped forward and took the microphone from the host. Instantly, the room fell silent. Every attendee turned their attention to him, their focus unwavering.

It was Pastor Jun.

His mere presence commanded authority, and the audience hung on his every word.

"Friend!," he began, addressing the VIP who had spoken earlier, "don't worry. I will never let your business be compromised. You can count on me." His words were followed by a loud, confident laugh, as though he relished their unwavering trust in him.

Turning to the crowd, he continued, "My friends! Thank you for all your support. I assure you, your investments in me will never go to waste."

The audience erupted in applause and cheers, their excitement palpable. The energy in the room shifted, with every guest seemingly reassured by Pastor Jun's bold declarations.

As the applause subsided, Pastor Jun leaned toward the host he had interrupted earlier, whispering something in his ear. The host nodded and subtly gestured toward the row of bound women lined up along the side of the stage.

Lara's heart pounded as she caught the pastor's brief but deliberate glance in their direction. Whatever he had whispered was about them. Fear surged through her veins as she realized that she—and the other women—were not just bystanders to this gathering. They were part of the plan, though she couldn't yet fathom how.

The host grinned widely after hearing Pastor Jun's whispered instructions, his excitement barely contained. It was clear that he, too, was eagerly anticipating what was about to unfold.

"Gentlemen!" the host announced, his voice booming through the hall. "The moment you've all been waiting for has arrived! Our honorable mayor never disappoints! Here are the beautiful women we've prepared for you tonight. We won't keep you waiting any longer—they will now be presented to you one by one!"

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, their enthusiasm sickeningly palpable. Many of them leaned forward in their seats, their eyes gleaming with anticipation.

One by one, the women bound alongside Lara were carried onto the stage by burly men, as if they were mere objects. It was like an auction—each woman was laid in the spotlight, and the men in the audience would call out bids or express their interest in "claiming" her. The laughter, crude remarks, and chilling smiles from the crowd were suffocating.

Lara's entire body trembled as she watched the horrifying spectacle unfold. Her breath quickened, fear gripping her chest like a vice. She wanted to scream, to cry out for help, but her voice caught in her throat, paralyzed by terror.

Her mind reeled. How could these people see them as nothing more than objects? The way they laughed and leered at the bound women was dehumanizing. She felt tears welling up in her eyes but fought them back, unwilling to show weakness, even in this nightmare.

The men's grotesque enjoyment, the women's muffled cries, and the host's exuberant commentary all blurred together into a cacophony of trauma for Lara. The darkness of the room seemed to press in on her, suffocating her as she realized her turn on that stage was inevitable.

Her heart pounded furiously as she thought, I have to get out of here. I have to find a way to fight back. Someone, anyone… help me. But the ropes binding her hands and the sheer number of guards surrounding them left her feeling utterly powerless.