[center][url=https://open.spotify.com/track/5gWtkdgdyt5bZt9i6n3Kqd?si=37957e6e11974ccb][img]https://i.postimg.cc/05m61xNT/Elena-Castellano-removebg-preview-1.png[/img][/url][/center][right][sub]Interactions: Luciana/Loni [@FernStone][/sub][/right][hr]
[indent][color=#ffffff]Elena could feel her heart beating loudly, like it wanted to burst from her chest, as the sound of shuffling steps drew nearer. The man wandering toward her couldn’t see, and his movements were strange and unsettling. They were not smooth; instead, they reminded her of a puppet with tangled strings, trying to find its way but struggling with every step. As she prepared herself for whatever was about to happen, her anxiety spiked when the man suddenly lunged at her. His hands reached out for her shoulders with urgency, searching for something stable in a world that was completely dark to him.[/color]

[color=#f9c2bf]“Stay back!”[/color][color=#ffffff] she cried out, her voice shaking but filled with a fierce determination. She needed to summon every ounce of strength she had in that scary moment, knowing that she had to protect not only herself but also little Luciana, who was hiding behind her. As she twisted her body to create a barrier between the man and the girl, Elena could feel the fear coursing through her veins, but she also felt a protective instinct rising up strong within her. Keeping Luciana safe was her number one priority, and she was ready to do whatever it took. [/color]

[color=#ffffff]Elena’s eyes quickly moved to the small circle of protection that Loni had somehow managed to form. It was made of salt, and it sparkled faintly, creating a bright barrier in the thick darkness that surrounded them. [/color][color=#f9c2bf]“Hold on, kiddo,” [/color][color=#ffffff]she whispered softly to Luciana, trying to keep her voice calm and gentle. [/color][color=#f9c2bf]“We’re getting through this, okay? Just hang tight and stay close to me.”[/color]

[color=#ffffff]The man kept advancing towards her, his twisted fingers reaching out as if trying to grab something invisible in the air. Elena took a quick step to the side, making sure to keep her distance. As she moved, her back accidentally nudged against a chair that had fallen to the ground, making a faint noise. It was vital that she avoided his touch; there was something deeply wrong with these people, something unnatural, and she feared the terrible consequences that would follow if he managed to lay his hands on her.[/color]

[color=#f9c2bf]“Loni!”[/color][color=#ffffff] Elena yelled, her voice ringing with urgency. [/color][color=#f9c2bf]“We’re coming to you!” [/color][color=#ffffff]She quickly ducked under the man’s outstretched arm, feeling the child in her hold clutch her tightly, her tiny fingers gripping the fabric of Elena’s jacket like a lifeline. [/color]

[color=#ffffff]The shimmering wall of salt was just a few steps ahead, glimmering like a protective shield. But as Elena hurried forward, she felt the man’s frigid fingers brush against her arm—a chilling sensation that sent waves of horror through her. Reacting instinctively, she pivoted and seized a heavy ceramic mug from a nearby table, swinging it with all her strength, ready to defend herself.[/color]

[color=#ffffff]The mug burst apart when it hit the man's head, sending sharp pieces flying in all directions with a loud bang. He teetered on his feet, confused and disoriented for a moment. Seizing the moment, Elena charged ahead, her muscles aching from the exertion, until she finally reached the boundary of Loni's protective shield.[/color]

[color=#ffffff]The gentle glow of the salt circle flickered hesitantly, and for a brief, breathless moment, she worried it might shatter. Yet, the protective boundary remained intact, creating a secure path for Elena to enter. She stepped forward cautiously, while Luciana clung tightly to her side. As they stepped through the entrance, Luciana’s cries softened, the gentle warmth of the barrier surrounding them like a nurturing embrace. Elena sank to her knees, still holding the little one tightly, and let out a shaky breath she hadn’t noticed she was holding back all this time. [/color]

[color=#f9c2bf]“We’re fine,”[/color][color=#ffffff] she whispered softly, her voice raspy and faint as she looked over at Loni, who was clearly having a tough time keeping the barrier steady. The deep cut on her shoulder shone with bright red blood, marking her already worn-out jumper. [/color][color=#f9c2bf]“You’re holding up well. Just hang in there for a little while longer.”[/color][/indent]