chapter 6: The Trap

Rory's heart was racing as she realized she was trapped. Julian's smile grew wider as he walked towards her, his eyes gleaming with a sinister intent.

"You shouldn't have tried to cross me, Rory," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "I always get what I want, and I want you to finish the job."

Rory tried to back away, but her feet felt heavy, as if rooted to the spot. Julian's eyes seemed to be hypnotizing her, drawing her in with an otherworldly pull.

Suddenly, Rory heard a noise behind Julian. It was a faint rustling sound, followed by the creaking of the door.

Julian's head snapped towards the sound, his eyes narrowing. Rory took advantage of the distraction to make a run for it.

She sprinted towards the door, her heart pounding in her chest. She could hear Julian's footsteps behind her, but she didn't dare look back.

As she reached the door, Rory flung it open and ran out into the night. She didn't stop until she was blocks away, gasping for breath.

When she finally stopped to look back, Rory saw Julian standing in the doorway, his eyes blazing with fury.

Rory knew she had to get out of town, fast. She quickly grabbed a taxi and headed for the bus station.

As she waited for the bus to depart, Rory couldn't shake the feeling that Julian was still watching her. She looked around nervously, but saw nothing out of the ordinary.

The bus finally pulled out of the station, and Rory felt a sense of relief wash over her. She was safe, at least for the moment.

But as she looked out the window, Rory saw a figure standing on the sidewalk, watching her. It was Julian.

Rory's heart skipped a beat as she realized she wasn't safe after all. Julian had found her.

Rory's eyes were fixed on Julian's figure, her mind racing with fear.

As the bus pulled away from the curb, Rory saw Julian's face twist in a snarl. He raised his hand, and for a moment, Rory thought he was going to hail the bus. But then she saw the glint of a phone in his hand, and she realized he was taking a photo of the bus.

Rory's heart sank. Julian had her plate number now. He could track her down anywhere.

She slumped back in her seat, feeling defeated. She had thought she had escaped, but now she realized she was still trapped.

As the bus rumbled on, Rory's mind was a whirlwind of fear and anxiety. What was Julian planning? Would he catch up to her?

She glanced around the bus, wondering if anyone else had noticed Julian. But the other passengers seemed oblivious, lost in their own worlds.

Rory was alone, and she knew it.

She pulled out her phone and sent a text to an unknown number, hoping against hope that someone would answer.

"Help," she typed.

She hesitated for a moment, wondering if she should send the message. But then she pressed send, hoping that someone would come to her rescue.

As she waited for a response, Rory's eyes scanned the road ahead, watching for any sign of Julian. She knew she couldn't outrun him forever.

But for now, she had to keep moving.