[ Listen to the music for the full experience & if needed loop the video]

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In the darkness created by the trees, the madman kept his grip on the woman's neck steady. He watched her gasp for air and he let out a low chuckle. He threw her to the ground and circled her motionless body. A sneer left his lips as grotesque thoughts of violating the woman came to his mind. The cold night air echoed each step he took as his gaze was focused on her body.

"Let's...try that again" his voice seemed to have venom spilling out with each word he spoke. Conan propped her up against the fallen tree and squatted down to her level. The maniacal man pulled out a blade from his side and waved it in front of Erika's face. With each centimeter the blade made towards her, the young woman's heart began to beat faster and faster. Fear was painted on her face as she tried to move away once again, but she failed since the control Conan had on her was still in effect.

"Now let's make a deal, Evergreen" Conan put aside his obsessive behavior and tightened his grip on the handle of the knife. He brought it close to her neck and spat out a demand.

"If you obey...I'll make sure that tinman and the old officer won't get hurt" his gaze soon became a glare, the beam that kept its lock on her became strong as he bought the knife closer, grazing her skin ever so slightly that the skin got irritated and started to appear inflamed.

"And if you don't" he brought the knife to her neck and brushed the dull part along the skin. Conan did not need to say anything at this point, Erika got the message and was terrified beyond compare.

"Heh--now that we have your attention..." Conan trailed off as a woman came to his side. He smirked and greeted her by placing a delicate kiss on the back of her hand. The love and care Erika once received from the maniac was now given to her. She smiled widely and let out a huff as she lowered her scarf to give the young woman a better view. Erika's eyes wide at this reveal and tried to scream, but Conan forced a balled up cloth to her mouth the second she opened her mouth. All Erika could do at this point was stare at this woman--a woman she trusted.

"Now listen close or else there will be consequences" the woman spoke with such a stern voice that each word stabbed Erika with terror.

"You must come to this location" she held up an image projected onto a tablet-like screen and Erika stared as it was astonishing--the woman wanted her to go there?

Erika shot a look at the woman as she made out dark hair and a deep colored lip. She shook her head in disagreement, she couldn't go there and if Erika did it would mean something horrible. The young woman avoided eye contact by staring at the ground. Although the woman grew impatient and grabbed onto Erika's jaw tightly--she winced as the area was previously abused by Conan, therefore sending a wave of uncomfortable, unbearable pain.

"Now listen to me" the woman snapped Erika's head up so that she looked at the woman into her dark lifeless eyes.

"Go to this location and those you love will stay alive...for another day" she smirked and looked away at the last part, but to only snap them right back at the young woman.

Now, Erika had a decision to make, give herself up and keep Connor and her family safe or the other way around and sacrifice them so that she would be safe--she went with the most logical option and answered the woman after a long stagnant pause of hesitation.

"Ye-yes...I'll go" she said with a voice that trembled with fear and defeat.

The woman stood up and nodded at Conan, as they got what they needed. The joker-esque man stayed behind and glared at the motionless woman.

"You have two days to get to us...the sooner" he stood back up and headed towards the woman's direction.

"The better" Conan spoke his last words and walked away from Erika. He relieved her of the paralysis the moment the sound of an engine roared and the sight headlights fading.

After a moment of recollecting what just took place, Erika took in a deep breath and collapsed to the snow-covered forest floor. Hot tears left her eyes as she had no idea what to do now. Thoughts of her mother, Hank, Cole, and Connor raced through her mind. She was terrified and knew of nothing else to do than just obey the order she was given, so she sought to mend the wounds she made with her family before her time expires. And that she would give all her love to Connor before saying goodbye.

As these thoughts raced in her mind, footsteps were heard crushing some untouched snow. She dared not to look and just stayed in that position. The figure came close and cradled her in its arms.

"Erika!?" a red LED flashed as her name was spoken. She gave in and looked to see Connor clearly in distress as he held the woman close. His eyebrows were furrowed as she scanned her for any injuries and hastily carried her to her vehicle.

"No...Connor...please" she pleaded as she was placed in the passenger's seat, but the android did not listen and started the engine.

"Connor...please..." she placed a hand on his as it was ready on the gear.

"Erika?" Connor stopped and looked at her with worried eyes.

"Please...just stay" she whispered and moved close to him so that she was leaning against him.

"I won't leave you, Erika...I love you" 

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Sorry for the cliffhanger, but it's how I write so I'm sure you all have gotten used to it...maybe. But can we take a moment to appreciate the fact that he said the three words!? The four letter word that you must have been dying to hear!? Yes he did!!! As always, I hope to see your comments on your thoughts about this chapter and maybe other things you would like to bring up to my attention. Thank you again for being great readers and supporters of my book! Much love to you all!! 😍😘❤️