Take me through the night

Wren stumbled through the darkness, her heart still racing from the encounter with the viper. Suddenly, she found herself face to face with the mysterious stranger from earlier. The woman's piercing eyes seemed to bore into Wren's soul, but this time, there was a hint of softness in her gaze. "Thank you," Wren said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Thank you for saving my life." The stranger's expression remained enigmatic, but she nodded slightly. Wren took a step forward, curiosity getting the better of her. "Who are you?" she asked, but before she could get another word out, the stranger's hand clamped over her mouth, and she was pulled behind a nearby tree. Wren protested, trying to wriggle free, but the stranger's grip was firm. Just as she was about to struggle more, she heard the sound of soldiers' footsteps echoing through the forest, growing louder with each passing moment. The stranger's eyes locked onto Wren's, and she mouthed a single word: "Quiet."

Wren's heart raced as she realized the danger that was approaching. She nodded, and the stranger slowly released her grip, keeping a watchful eye on the path ahead. The soldiers' footsteps drew closer, their torches casting flickering shadows on the trees. Wren held her breath, hoping they wouldn't discover her hiding spot...

The guards passed by, their torches casting flickering shadows on the trees, but mercifully, they didn't notice Wren and the stranger hiding behind the tree. Wren let out a sigh of relief as the soldiers disappeared into the darkness. She turned to the stranger, not expecting to make eye contact with the woman's beautiful eyes again. But there they were, piercing and intense, yet somehow soft and gentle at the same time.

"What's your name?" Wren asked, her voice barely above a whisper. The stranger's voice was like music, beautiful but strong at the same time. "Ryoko," she replied, her lips curling into a subtle smile. Wren's eyes widened in surprise, and before she could ask another question, Ryoko's expression turned curious, and she asked, "And who the fuck are you?"

Wren's face grew hot with shame, and she looked away, her voice barely audible. "Just a...a servant. Wren. No one important." Ryoko's gaze lingered on Wren's face, her eyes searching for something. Then, she nodded slightly, and her voice was low and mysterious. "We'll see about that."

Ryoko's gaze never wavered, her eyes piercing through the darkness. "You're coming with me, Wren," she stated, her voice firm and commanding. Wren's eyes widened in protest. "What? No, I won't go anywhere with you! I don't even know who you are or where you're taking me!"

Ryoko's expression remained unyielding, her jaw set in determination. "You don't need to know the details, Wren. Just know that it's not safe for you here." Wren's protests grew louder, her voice echoing through the forest. "I won't go! I won't let you take me anywhere!" Ryoko's movements were swift and sudden, her hand grasping Wren's arm and pressing her against the tree.

Wren's face flushed with a sudden blush, her eyes locked on Ryoko's intense gaze. She couldn't help but notice how close their bodies were, how Ryoko's chest pressed against hers, and how her heart raced with a strange excitement. "Quiet, Wren," Ryoko whispered, her breath hot against Wren's ear. "You can't go back. It's too dangerous, especially this late. And you've seen me...you can't have information getting out." Wren's struggles ceased, her body trembling against the tree. She couldn't deny the flutter in her chest, the thrill of being so close to this mysterious and captivating woman. Ryoko's grip was firm, her fingers digging into Wren's skin, and Wren's blush deepened, her mind racing with unexpected thoughts.

"Please...let me go," Wren whispered, her voice barely audible, her eyes fixed on Ryoko's lips. Ryoko's expression softened slightly, her eyes gleaming with a hint of sympathy. "I can't, Wren. I won't let anything happen to you. You're coming with me, and that's final." The silence that followed was oppressive, Wren's protests silenced by Ryoko's unyielding grip. The darkness seemed to close in around them, the only sound the heavy breathing of the two women, and Wren's heart racing with a mix of fear and excitement.

Wren finally gave up struggling, her body exhausted from the futile attempts to break free. She nodded reluctantly, and Ryoko released her grip, leading her through the forest with a firm hand on her arm. They walked for what felt like hours, the darkness of the forest enveloping them like a shroud. As they emerged into a clearing, Wren saw a small camp set up, a fire crackling in the center. Five people stood watching them, their faces illuminated by the flickering flames. One woman, her hair tied back in a ponytail, stood with her arms crossed, her expression stern. The rest were men, their faces hardened, their eyes cold.

One man, older and muscular, seemed to be the leader of their group. His face was chiseled, his eyes piercing, but his expression was cold and heartless. Ryoko approached him, her head bowed slightly, and spoke in a low tone. "Gerndor, I—" But before she could finish, Gerndor's face turned red with anger. "You failed, Ryoko! You were supposed to complete the mission, not bring back a stray!" His eyes landed on Wren, and his scowl deepened. "And who is this? A prisoner?" Ryoko's expression remained calm, but Wren sensed a hint of defensiveness in her tone. "She's a complication, Gerndor. But I couldn't leave her behind."

Gerndor's anger seemed to grow, his voice rising. "A complication? You know the rules, Ryoko! We can't afford to have loose ends!" Wren felt a shiver run down her spine as Gerndor's gaze bore into her, his eyes filled with a calculating intensity. She knew she was in grave danger, trapped in a situation she didn't understand, with people who seemed to be hiding secrets and lies.

Gerndor's glare bore into Wren, his eyes filled with a menacing intensity. Suddenly, Ryoko stood protectively in front of Wren, her movements swift and fluid. As she positioned herself, her hand accidentally brushed against Wren's, sending a spark of electricity through both women. Ryoko's gaze flashed to Gerndor, her eyes blazing with a fierce warning.

"Nothing will hurt her, Gerndor. She could be useful." The others nodded in understanding, their faces filled with a knowing look. Wren's heart raced as she realized what they were implying. She was a concubine, someone close to the Empress. The others thought she had willingly shared the Empress's bed, but Wren's thoughts seethed with anger. "Not willingly, you fools," she thought to herself. Gerndor's expression remained skeptical, but he finally nodded. "Very well. We'll bring her back to camp." Wren's fear spiked as she realized she was being taken from her home, from everything she knew. She tried to protest, but Ryoko's grip on her arm tightened, silencing her. As they led her away, Wren's mind raced with questions.

What did they want from her? Why was she so important? And what lay ahead in this unknown camp, surrounded by people who seemed to hold secrets and lies? The darkness of the forest seemed to closing in around her, and Wren's heart raced with every step, her fate uncertain.