Zara was taken

The sharp crack of the slap echoed off the stained concrete walls.

"Ah—" The cry escaped her lips before Zara could stop it.

Pain exploded along her jaw, and a bitter, metallic taste filled her mouth. Her head snapped to the side, and for a terrifying moment, she thought something in her jaw had broken. Her tongue brushed against the inside of her torn, bleeding cheek.

Before she could brace herself, the man seized her chin in a bruising grip and struck her again. Once. Twice. A third time.

Each blow landed with brutal force.

Zara's world spun. Her cheeks throbbed, burning with agony, her vision swimming in and out of focus. Her ears rang, and hot tears rolled silently down her face.

The man stepped back, smirking, then held up his phone.

"Look at you," he sneered. "Swollen cheeks, blood in your mouth—you look pathetic."