Sock Gagged

Description:

Phoenix wiped the sweat from her brow as she padded across the wooden floor, her breath still settling after her workout. She had tossed her hoodie on the back of the couch and left the TV on low for background noise. The silence of the house felt almost too quiet.

She didn’t hear the window unlatch.
Didn’t hear the careful creak of footsteps behind her.
Only felt it—
A sudden grip from behind.
A large hand clamped over her mouth, yanking her back mid-step.

Her body stiffened, instinct flaring. She thrashed, muffled cries pressed into the palm of a stranger. Panic surged. Her arms were caught in a strong grasp, and no matter how she kicked or jerked, she couldn’t break free. She caught a glimpse in the glass of the TV screen—just a silhouette, face obscured, eyes focused and cold.

When Phoenix stirred, the floor felt cold beneath her cheek. Her limbs were twisted behind her—tight, bound. She tried to move, but her wrists and ankles were pulled together, cinched with something unforgiving. Her mouth was stuffed, muffling her breath. Fabric—soft, familiar. Her socks.

The reality sank in fast.
She’d been ambushed. Overpowered.
Now hogtied and gagged, unable to call for help.

Panic clawed at her throat, but she told herself to breathe. Stay calm. Focus. Her eyes scanned the room—no sign of him. She tugged at her bindings, searching for weakness. Nothing budged.

But her mind was already moving. The way the knots were tied. The angle of her arms. The table leg just inches away. She had to try—anything. Every second might count.

Whatever they wanted, Phoenix wasn’t about to give it to them without a fight.