A stabbing pain radiated through Nicole's chest, hinting at broken ribs. "Puff!" Exhaling sharply, blood burst from her lips, splattering the vibrant green grass with vivid red hues.

The guard clutched at his throat, his attempts to call for help reduced to desperation. With the fruit fork embedded in his vocal cords, only muffled gurgling sounds escaped him.

Blood streamed from the wound in his throat. He could no longer hold himself upright and gradually sank to his knees.

The fork remained lodged in his neck, his breath ragged. Despite his dire state, he fixed Nicole with a glare filled with fury and malice, inching toward her.

Men in this line of work were relentless. Even on the brink of death, his intent to end Nicole's life persisted. He struggled to make any audible sound, hoping to catch the attention of two other guards nearby.

Luckily, the secluded spot behind the hut, shielded by thick grass, kept their struggle unnoticed.

Nicole had a sense of where the other guards were positioned. Two more were stationed about 500 meters away, oblivious to the chaos unfolding here.

The night had descended to this deep, dark hour when even those well -rested from the day found their senses dulled, their sharpness to sounds and sights significantly blunted.

Nicole's body was a map of pain, her bones seeming to grind against her flesh. Immobilized, she couldn't muster the strength to crawl or even lift her arms.

Yet, she mentally steeled herself, refusing to succumb to death at the hands of her ruthless captors. Inside the wooden house, numerous young girls awaited her, their plans for escape hinging on her signal.

Nicole had made a promise, and now, all their hopes were tethered to her resolve.

As the guard reached for Nicole's foot, she summoned every ounce of willpower, slowly propped herself against the wall, and stood.

With a swift turn, she snatched a vine from the ground and wrapped it tightly around the guard's neck, strangling him.

Nicole opted not to use the fruit fork. Clenching his vocal cords was enough to silence him.

After a tense fifty count, the guard's head lolled to the side, his body ceasing to move.

Nicole crumpled to the ground, her entire body numb.

Nicole knew any of these breathing ruthless men surrounding the girls would never let them escape, no matter what. If they sensed any hint of trouble, they would eliminate everyone. To these cold-hearted captors, human Lives were disposable. Even if they slaughtered these "goods," replacements were always available. Money was their only concern.

Nicole spat a mouthful of blood onto the face of the guard in a small act of defiance. He had it coming.

After resting briefly, no more than five minutes, Nicole pushed herself to stand. There was no time for respite. Other girls were relying on her.

Moving stealthily, Nicole reached the hut and found cover. Peeking out, she checked if the two guards remained at their posts.