《The Mating Run》


 Chapter 1

    Chapter 1


    Mated


    I''m so overwhelmed that | can¡¯t decide whether to scream in ecstasy or agony.


    ¡°Please, please, please!¡±


    His strong hands guide me back and forth with each powerful thrust, causing me to moan uncontrobly.


    | ampletely lost in the pleasure of his cock moving in and out of me, my eyes closed in ecstasy.


    Bubbling moans and pleas spill from my mouth, the words tumbling over each other incoherently. If the timing had been different,


    | wouldn¡¯t have thought twice about pushing him off. The dirt and grime on the ground make the experience of being f**ked


    revolting, but the pleasure of the s*x is unparalleled.


    Every time his cock pushes inside of me, | feel my insides getting destroyed.


    ¡°That''s it. Take it. You can take it.¡±


    ¡°Pek Pk!


    My mind tells me | don¡¯t want this, but my body craves it, nheless.


    Arching my back against him, | push my hips towards him, urging him to thrust deeper into me. | am lost in the moment,


    overwhelmed by the desire to be taken and filled, and he seems to sense it without any verbal cues from me.


    | feel his hand on my hip, pressing me down into the ground, while the other hand tugs at my hair, keeping me at his mercy. The


    raw and intoxicating scent of him fills my senses as his chest presses against my back. His thick cock stretches me out so much


    that it feels like | am being torn apart.


    ¡°Holy shit,¡± | feel a shiver run down my spine as his lips brush against my n*ck, his murmurs sending goosebumps down my


    arms. He traces a line up my n*ck with his tongue, then moves to the other side, sending tingles down my spine. ¡°You taste so


    f**king good.¡±


    As soon as his sharp canines sink into my mating nd, my whole body goes numb.


    The thick and warm sensation of my blood mixes with his venom as it spreads through my veins, causing my entire body to


    spasm. | can sense the bond forming between us as he relentlessly pounds at me, the heat of his body radiating onto mine.


    ¡°Mine. All f**king mine.¡±


    With another sharp bite, | let out a moan of pleasure as his teeth sink deeper into my skin.


    | close my eyes and let out a contented sigh, fully immersing myself in the pleasurable feeling of being filled.


    ¡°Yes, yes, yes!¡±


    As he wraps his arm around me, his fingers find their way to my clit, sending waves of pleasure through my body. | feel my body


    writhe with pleasure as an orgasm approaches, but he holds me tightly despite my convulsions.


    ¡°Ah!¡± My moan of pleasure is so loud, but | can¡¯t bring myself to care. ¡°More!¡±


    ¡°Let everyone know you''re mine. Scream.¡±


    | ampletely under his control as his thumb presses into my chin, his words ringing in my ears. He grabs my chin roughly,


    turning my head towards what | assume is the direction of a camera.


    ¡°Yours! I¡¯m all yours!¡±


    The rest of the pack is likely observing us as we speak, with the event being transmitted on a huge screen for all to see. | feel


    exposed and vulnerable, certain that they are watching me getting f**ked on the forest floor.


    But this is tradition to them, and its vulgarity or dirtiness doesn¡¯t matter in the slightest.


    The Mating Run.


    It''s the blood and s*x that makes it fun.


    As soon as we exit the forest, | can already imagine the sound of his friends pping his back and congratting us on forming


    a bond. The elderly member of our pack would stroke my swollen belly, filled with his seed, assuring me that by the months, |


    would give birth to his pups.


    ¡°Lift your hips.¡±


    | obey his everymand, feeling his grip on my ankle tighten as he thrusts harder. As he twists my legs, | feel a tightness in my


    chest, and his cock pushes deeper inside of me. | can hear his heavy breathing and the sound of our bodies pping together,


    and | know that | am about to experience the most intense orgasm of my life.


    | gasp as his knot catches on my pussy, the sudden pleasure causing me to see stars.


    ¡°F**k! I¡¯m going to fill you up with my pups. You like that? | think you f**king do.¡±


    ¡°Please, please, oh goddess, please.¡±


    ¡°F**k, yeah, okay. Yeah, anything my mate wants, she gets.¡±


    Suddenly, he flips me over onto my back, his weight pressing down on me.


    | feel a mix of pleasure and pain as he groans and bites down on my n*ck, his canines buried deep. In an instant, my senses are


    overwhelmed by the intensity of my orgasm, leaving me unable to speak or move.


    Wave after wave of orgasm washes over me until tears start to stream down my face.


    As he releases himself inside of me, | can feel the knot on his cock growing, filling me uppletely. | can feel his presence


    inside, my belly bulging from the weight of his cock and the warmth of his cum. | feel my body spasming as | listen to him


    grunting on top of me.


    He pulls back, his eyes intently focused on mine. His eyes are so dark that they look like endless pools, pulling me in. There¡¯s a


    hunger simmering underneath his eyes, and | can sense that he can see it in my eyes too as we stare at each other.


    The feeling of his body against mine is familiar andforting, even though | can¡¯t remember meeting him more than five times.


    Since we¡¯re both contenders in the mating run, it doesn¡¯t matter to find out much about him beforehand.


    This mating is always going to happen from the moment | first run through the forest, but now it feels like the universe is aligning


    to make it happen.


    As a Hider, my job is to hide, and as a Hunter, his job is to chase me down.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    The sound of his breathing deepens as he begins to move his cock in and out of me. As there¡¯s no longer a need to run since


    we''re mated, he takes his time, making sure to please me in every way possible. | pull him towards me, my arms around his


    shoulders, and | taste the salty skin of his n*eck with my tongue.


    ¡°| just came,¡± With each thrust, my breathes out in a moan and a whisper. ¡°Oh, f**k.¡±


    His tongue slides over my mating bite, sending shivers down my spine.


    ¡°You can take it,¡± Pausing momentarily, he squeezes my waist tightly. ¡°What''s your name?¡±


    If this weren''t considered normal too, | would be offended, but thankfully, it is.


    ¡°Alina. You?¡±


    The corners of his mouth turn up into a smirk, indicating his amusement.


    ¡°Put that pretty brain to work and remember. You know who | am.¡±

 Chapter 2

    Chapter 2


    Months Before The Mating Run


    ¡°| don¡¯t see the point of it, Alina.¡±


    As we jog in the morning, Ettiepletely brushes off the suggestion | make, and | let out a sigh of frustration.


    For the past few days, I¡¯ve been considering registration, but the thought of going through it alone is making me apprehensive. It


    would be a good opportunity for Ettie to participate, especially since we''re around the same age.


    The High Council Elders will choose a mate for her in two years if she doesn¡¯t take matters into her own hands.


    ¡°You''re not seriously gonna let those decrepit old farts decide your fate for you, right, Ettie?¡±


    ¡°They must be experts at this. Besides, my legs aren¡¯t cut out for it. Did ya see how quick those Hunters run? Climbing trees and


    swimming aren''t my thing. Alina, I''ll die out there, you know it.¡±


    ¡°You''re never gonna survive with that negative attitude.¡±


    Ettie bends over, hands on her knees, huffing and puffing as she tries to catch her breath, sweat pouring down her face. Despite


    doing morning jogs for ages, Ettie stillins about the steep hill at the halfway point. There are times when | suspect she¡¯s


    not being honest about her weariness, possibly to avoid our early morning jogs, given herzy tendencies.


    ¡°If you want me to, | can support you from the stands. I''ll have a big sign ready with your name on it for when you finally get


    mated.¡±


    Ettie¡¯s answer is predictable, so | grumble under my breath, not disappointed in the slightest.


    Though | can¡¯t make her do anything, | hope she won''t me me if the High Council Elders select an ugly mate for her. Once |


    be a Hider, | have faith that | will be found by only the best, and | will have the power to choose.


    Every year, the Springcrest Pack celebrates the Mating Run, a tradition that dates back generations.


    Those aged 18-25 have the opportunity to register and find their mates each year. The celebration is meant for bonding and


    matches, with plenty of weddings, yet everyone knows it¡¯s nothing more than a giant unspoken orgy.


    On the day of the event, contenders will be divided into two groups: Hiders and Hunters.


    The selection will depend on their overall health and performance leading up to the event. Those who don¡¯t register for the


    Mating Run will have to rely on the High Council Elders to choose a mate for them once they turn 25.


    And so... maybe the High Council Elders do make good pairings, but they always acknowledged the possibility of separation.


    The Mating Run, on the other hand, has a track record of creating strong matches, like my parents who met during their time.


    It''s the Hunters who do the chasing, relentlessly pursuing the Hiders.


    When ites to chasing, gender is irrelevant.


    Both men and women can be skilled Hunters. They are the ones who shine during interviews before the celebration, gathering


    the most support from the crowd. They¡¯re the ones that endure the pre-trials and show great endurance, proving to the rest of the


    pack that they have the best overall ability.


    Meanwhile, it is the Hiders¡¯ job to stay hidden.


    The Hiders have at least five hours to prepare before the game begins, scouting for the perfect hiding spot along the trail. Rather


    than relying on strength, Hiders highlight their fragility and sensuality in interviews.


    Sponsors tend to favor Hiders, so they often receive the most gifts.


    During the Mating Run, gifts from sponsors are essential for survival, as food and weapons be increasingly scarce with


    each passing day. With my height and frame being a disadvantage, I¡¯ve been training myself to be a Hider, honing my skills in


    camouge and evasion.


    Hiders have it easier, they don¡¯t have to worry about strategy or being detected.


    They just have to hide and wait.


    With that thought lingering, | make a beeline for the shower as soon as | get home, eager to freshen up before heading out to


    City Hall.


    Outside, a line of people with envelopes and folders are already forming.


    From the line, | can immediately predict who will be chosen as Hunters and Hiders.


    It takes me a while to even get inside.


    The registration process involves a brief physical examination, recording of vital signs, a psychological evaluation, and a


    personal interview. Although they go through the formalities, every member of the pack knows that when ites to the trial,


    rules don¡¯t apply, and anything can happen.


    And when | say anything ¡ª | mean anything.


    ¡°Alina Mockett!¡±


    As soon as | hear my name called from the receptionist area, | stand up with my envelope in hand.


    | feel dizzy with excitement, even though | have been preparing for this moment my entire life.


    | take a deep breath and make my way to the office with the ¡®Clinic¡¯ sign, determined to face whatevery ahead. While


    scribbling on a clipboard, my doctor, an elderly woman and member of the High Council Elders, scrutinizes me from head to toe.


    Before | could even hand her my envelope, she starts speaking her mind.


    ¡°Short. You¡¯re aware that you¡¯re short, right?¡±


    Feeling self-conscious, | grimace.


    I''m 52¡±, which | consider a normal enough height, but inparison to the others from my pack, | guess I¡¯m one of the shortest.


    As she walks around me, the doctor taps her pen on the clipboard, sighing again. | stand as still as | can, hoping that the makeup


    | put on earlier won¡¯t run down my face.


    ¡°Thin. Well, your skin looks good, so that¡¯s something. Your hair¡¯s ck and a bit on the shorter side, but we can add some


    makeup to make you pop instead. You''re... alright, maybe, but not stunning. Totally not stunning.¡±


    ¡°... Thank you?¡±


    As the doctor continues with the check-up, | can feel the cold stethoscope against my skin, and my heart rate quickens with


    every shake of her head. When she weighs me, I¡¯m relieved that she doesn¡¯t make anyments about my weight.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    The psychological examination is straightforward, involving only the identification of a happy emoticon and an assessment of my


    ability to control aggressive tendencies. The doctor swiftly takes the envelope from my hand, which contains my registration form


    and a couple of photographs of my face.


    Then, she hands me a pamphlet, and a sheaf of printouts to read through.


    Overwhelmed by how quick the process is, | ept them.


    ¡°Alright, here¡¯s a list of ces where you can hide that suit you best if you get selected as a Hider. Oh, and there¡¯s also a trail


    map and guide in there, which gives the quickest routes in case you end up being a Hunter. We''ve got a whole squad of


    designers, make-up artists, and a nutritionist to make sure you''re all set for the event. Keep in mind, the Mating Run can run for


    a long time, so make sure you''re healthy and have plenty of sponsors.¡±


    ¡°O-okay.¡±


    ¡°Any questions?¡±


    ¡°No...?¡±


    ¡°Next!¡±


    Blinking in surprise, | look down at the pamphlets in my hand, feeling the glossy paper against my fingertips as | walk out of City


    Hall.


    The air outside is thick with the sound of snapping cameras and excited chatter as a crowd of photographers and interviewers


    gathers to document the Mating Run participants.


    I''m so focused on trying to hide from the press by flipping through the pages of the Hider manual that | don¡¯t even notice the


    person calling out my name.


    My head snaps up so fast that dizziness washes over me, and my eyes immediately focus on thest person | expected to see.


    ¡°Ettie?¡±

 Chapter 3

    Chapter 3


    | watch Ettie exit the ¡®Clinic¡¯ room, clutching brochures and pamphlets, and my grin grows wider.


    ¡°Not one word, Alina. | mean it.¡±


    | wrap my arms around her, blocking out everything else around us, including her.


    With Ettie by my side, we exit City Hall, and the shes of the cameras from the photographers and reporters blind me


    momentarily. Reporters and photographers are swarming around us, their questions about our registration process causing Ettie


    to cover her face in frustration.


    Ettie¡¯s grip on my arm is tight as she pulls me away from the noisy press.


    ¡°Come on, it¡¯s too damn early for this,¡± A photographer¡¯s camera shes in Ettie¡¯s eyes as he gets too close, causing her to snarl


    in frustration. ¡°Don¡¯t take any more pictures, seriously!¡±


    The press is hot on our heels, but we manage to lose them by ducking through small alleyways and climbing up and down gates


    and fences.


    | already know that Ettie will be the center of attention and that many people will want to take her picture.


    If there is anyone who could gather arge group of sponsors during the Mating Run, it would be her.


    With a mane of golden hair and sparkling green eyes, she is the embodiment of timeless beauty. Those who manage to stay in


    the spotlight, even after the event, who find themselves with a leading role in an uing si or featured in the pamphlet for


    the next Mating Run.


    | wonder what the doctor told her, if it was more encouraging than what she told me.


    Just as the thought enters my head, | notice Ettie¡¯s houseing into view. The ce where she lives is quaint and only has two


    floors. Ettie lives by herself and looks after five nts, exactly how she wants it.


    ¡°Goddess, | thought we¡¯d never get away from those assholes.¡±


    Wiping the sweat off her forehead, Ettie lets out a whine in frustration.


    Our morning jog pales inparison to the distance we covered while fleeing from the persistent photographers. Ettie surprises


    me by remaining standing, despite my expectation that she would copse to the floor in exhaustion.


    | observe her movements as she walks towards the watercan, picks it up, and waters each of her five hibiscus nts.


    Just as | was about to tease her, the sound of both of our phones ringing interrupted me.


    | furrow my brows and nce down at my phone to see an unfamiliar number attempting to reach me. | turn to look at Ettie, who


    mirrors my own expression of confusion. With a shrug, she answers the call and walks away from me. As | answer the call, my


    eyes fixate on the picture frames that decorate her wall.


    ¡°Alina Mockett?¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Your biodata and contact information have been shared with us by City Hall for the purpose of the uing Mating Run. I¡¯m


    Miles and I''ll be taking care of the styling and PR for you. Got a minute to talk?¡±


    My spine straightens involuntarily as soon as | hear what Miles said.


    People have mentioned the speed at which PR works to get a contender¡¯s name out there, and the intense effort put into pre-


    Mating Run events.


    Prior to the event, the contenders¡¯ names would be promoted through parties, interviews, and radio appearances to attract


    potential sponsors. Experiencing it firsthand is an entirely different matter than hearing about it, and the mixture of emotions is


    both overwhelming and exhrating.


    ¡°Uh, yes?¡±


    ¡°Great! Wanted to give you the heads up ¡ª City Hall¡¯s partying tonight. Registration closes soon, and they¡¯re nning a big red


    carpet extravaganza to showcase all the contenders for this year¡¯s Mating Run. You''ll have a chance to meet the Alpha and the


    High Council Elders. Got any shy, maybe red dress? So, you''re kind of in ording to your file. Let¡¯s work on making you


    stand out.¡±


    Thement stings just as much now as it did when the doctor first uttered those words.


    | steel myself and push through, reminding myself that this is a small hurdle.


    It''s up to them to make me beautiful, not me.


    ¡°| don¡¯t have a dress that¡¯s gonna be eye-catching enough. I''ll check with my friend who¡¯s in the running and see if she¡¯s got one


    I can borrow. You know who I¡¯m talking about, don¡¯t you? Her name¡¯s Ettie-¡±


    Miles gasps, then quickly clears his throat before continuing to speak. | could almost feel the weight of his disappointment in the


    air, even without seeing his face.


    ¡°Wait, are you referring to Ettie Winterman? You know, the bombshell with green eyes? | don¡¯t think so. Whatever you do, don¡¯t


    wear her dress or show up together at the event. You¡¯re free to mingle with her at the party, but once you''re there at the red


    carpet, you''re solo. You gotta be the center of attention, but that won¡¯t happen if Ettie¡¯s right next to you. You''ll end up with


    nothing and she''ll get it all. You got what | meant, right?¡±


    Miles, my PR guy, thinks I¡¯m uglier than my friend. It goes without saying that | got it.


    ¡°Right.¡±


    Despite the hurt in my voice, Miles doesn¡¯t seem to notice and continues on with the conversation.


    Or maybe he does notice, he just doesn¡¯t care.


    We continue our conversation, and it seems like Ettie is unhappy with the way it¡¯s going, judging by the way she¡¯s grumbling.


    After my hour-long call, Ettie and | sit on the couch for about five minutes, just absorbing the atmosphere before we speak.


    ¡°Ugh, | can¡¯t believe you convinced me to register, Alina.¡±


    ¡°You know you love me, don¡¯t let me hide out there alone.¡±


    ¡°They''re making me wear a dress that barely covers my knees. One without straps!¡±


    ¡°They''re making me wear a flowy pastel dress. They think my face isn¡¯t enough, so they¡¯re banking on my innocence. I¡¯ve got the


    doe-eyed thing going on, apparently.¡±


    Ettie¡¯s forehead creases, her eyebrows forming a high arch.


    ¡°You can¡¯t be serious. Alina, who cares what they think? You''re so beautiful. It¡¯s all about ratings and putting on a good show, and


    maybe making some dough from sponsors. Nothing more to it.¡±


    | appreciate Ettie¡¯spliment, but | know she¡¯s just being polite.


    Since Miles doesn¡¯t know me, | can trust that his opinion is impartial. | takefort in knowing that when the Mating Run starts


    on the trail, Ettie will be there with me, hiding and watching every move.


    When | look at the clock on the wall, | can¡¯t help but grimace at the time.


    ¡°Need to run home and shower before | meet my PR team outside City Hall. They¡¯re gonna try dresses on me and do my


    makeup, so | gotta get there pronto. Once you''re at the party, send me a text, Ettie. I''ll bete, so don¡¯t wait up for me.¡±


    ¡°Wait, we''re not going together?¡±


    | can¡¯t shake Mile¡¯s words about Ettie getting all the attention out of my head, even as | try to focus on something else.


    And so, | lie.


    ¡°| don¡¯t think so. Miles said the dress fitting might drag on since I¡¯m tinier than the rest. There¡¯s a good chance they don¡¯t have


    many dresses that fit me.¡±


    Ettie lets out a low groan and rubs her tired eyes.


    ¡°This is killing me. | just left City Hall and now | have to go back. Can''t believe it! | don¡¯t give a damn about meeting the Alpha,


    and sponsors seem pointless to me.¡±


    ¡°They don¡¯t wanna go through what happenedst year, Ettie.¡±


    Ettie rises from the couch with a snort, stifling a yawn, as she makes her way towards the shower.


    ¡°It happened the year beforest year and ever since the Mating Run began, so it¡¯s not gonna stop anytime soon. That¡¯s when


    the pheromones start doing their thing, Alina. You¡¯re good to go as long as you read the consent form and waiver... Did you?¡±


    ¡°Well, yeah, but-¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the end of it. No more discussion. I''ll be in the shower. Can you lock up when you leave, please?¡±


    | make my way home, the cold air biting at my cheeks as | walk.


    Once | arrive home, | immediately take a refreshing shower. With my fingers, | smooth down my hair, put on a face mask, slide


    on some sunsses, and zip up my hoodie. Miles instructed me to avoid being seen, as the initial photo to be released to the


    press is the one where | am already fully dressed up.


    The area outside City Hall is already bustling with reporters and photographers swarming around the closed off white tents.


    When | arrive, | am greeted by a small but enthusiastic crowd, some of whom are already waving and smiling at me, having


    recognized me as a contender.


    With the event being broadcasted live, it was expected that every step of the bonding process, from registration to the final


    ceremony, would be captured on camera.


    The bright shes of the cameras make me feel like I¡¯m in a dream, and | have to blink several times to regain my vision. As | try


    to make my way to the white tent Miles had mentioned for make-up and dress rehearsals, photographers and reporters jostle for


    position, shoving each other and their equipment in my face.


    When a warm arm grabs my shoulder and pulls me away, my tense muscles finally begin to loosen. The unmistakable sound of a


    camera hitting the pavement fills the air as a man with shaved pink hair and purple eyeshadow growls. And | know the only


    person who could have done it was Miles.


    ¡°How¡¯s it going, Alina? You hanging in there? We''re sorry we couldn¡¯te get you. We had a ton of things to take care of,


    including calling boutiques and make-up brands. But good news, we found three dresses that should fit you perfectly. Are you


    good to go?¡±


    As we step into the white tent, my heart flutters with excitement, and | can¡¯t stop grinning.


    ¡°Ready as I''ll ever be.¡±


    Everything after that passes by in a blur of motion, leaving me feeling disoriented and dizzy.


    The sound of buzzing clippers and the pungent scent of hair products fill the room, as Miles and his team of skilled assistants


    work tirelessly to transform me into a vision of perfection for the press. | am surrounded by a fluttering of chiffon as they hold up


    dresses in varying shades of pastel, the sound of rustling fabric filling the air. The soft, ethereal colors are a stark contrast to my


    usual practical and muted wardrobe.


    Taking the lead, Miles exudes an air of sophistication and unwavering poise.


    ¡°Alina, sweetheart, you have three options.¡± Holding up the dresses like delicate canvases, he chimes and twirls them around.


    ¡°Which one do you prefer:vender, white, or pale pink? All chiffon. All divine. Take your pick.¡±


    My eyes flick over the array of dresses, and | feel overwhelmed at the variety of styles and colors. The dresses are stunning,


    each one more delicate and intricate than thest, but | can¡¯t imagine wearing them without feeling like I¡¯m ying dress-up.


    ¡°| don¡¯t know, Miles,¡± | reply, my voice betraying a hint of uncertainty. ¡°They¡¯re all so... vibrant.¡±


    Asoft chuckle escapes Miles, as though myment is old news to him.


    ¡°Sweetheart, lighten up! It¡¯s the Sponsor''s G, not a funeral. We want you to stand out, and these colors will make it happen.


    What does your gut say?¡±


    As | run my fingers over the white chiffon with puffed sleeves, I¡¯m struck by how light and airy it feels.


    ¡°| guess... this one. White. It¡¯s subtle.¡±


    Miles gives a nod of approval and shoves the dress into my arms.


    ¡°Excellent choice. Now, let¡¯s work some magic.¡±


    Hastily, | slip the dress over my head, and I¡¯m amazed that it fits me perfectly. Like a glove, not too tight and not too loose, and


    the hemline ends just above my knees. It covers enough skin, and I¡¯m grateful for that.


    It may not be too extravagant, but it¡¯s still captivating.


    Miles then runs his fingers through my hair, smoothing it into a shiny curtain that frames my face like a midnight waterfall. He


    runs his fingers lightly over my face, his touch gentle yet purposeful as he admires how the makeup highlights my cheekbones


    and makes my eyes stand out.


    ¡°You have such pretty golden eyes, Alina. Let''s make them pop a bit.¡±


    He uses his skilled hands to make me look more innocent and wide-eyed, as he had described. As | stand in front of the mirror,


    Miles adjusts my cor with ease, while | fidget with my dress, feeling self-conscious.


    ¡°There, sweetheart,¡± He says, and his face lights up with satisfaction. ¡°You look like a literal angel. Don¡¯t forget, tonight¡¯s your


    time to shine.¡±


    As | stare at my reflection, the changes are impossible to ignore. The white chiffon dress with puffed sleeves, sleek hair, and


    makeup make me feel like apletely different person.


    Miles has worked his magic, and | feel like a new person, confident and beautiful.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    The air is thick with the scent of freshly cut flowers and the sound of trumpets ying as | step onto the crimson carpet on the


    way to City Hall.


    The cacophony of reporters shouting my name makes my head spin, drowning out the sound of my own thoughts. I¡¯mpletely


    unustomed to the amount of people giving me attention, and it makes me uneasy.


    ¡°Alina!¡±


    ¡°Alina, hey, look here!¡±


    ¡°Alina Mockett!¡±


    | try to smile, but my lips feel stiff and uncooperative, and ites out more like a grimace.


    The photographers¡¯ shouts are an unrelenting barrage of questions and demands. The words tumble out of my mouth, jumbled


    and incoherent.


    The sudden appearance of a microphone in my face startles me as a reporter shouts a question.


    ¡°What made you decide to do the Mating Run, Alina?¡±


    ¡°Um, well,¡± With a trembling voice, | begin to speak. ¡°I... | guess because it¡¯s time.¡±


    Suddenly, another voice chimes in, asking about the style of my dress.


    ¡°Alina, why the white dress? Are you trying to convince the pack that you¡¯re an innocent person?¡±


    | can¡¯t help but feel self-conscious in the white chiffon fabric dress I¡¯m wearing, my eyes nervously darting down to examine it.


    ¡°You got it wrong, it¡¯s not like that. This is what my designer rmended.¡±


    While posing awkwardly for the cameras, | feel my body collide with someone else¡¯s.


    Startled, | turn to face the tall, striking man who | had just bumped into and find myself craning my n*ck to meet his gaze. His


    tawny eyes hold a softness that contrasts with the intensity of the moment, as does his russet-colored hair.


    There is no mistaking it; | recognize him right away.


    His smirk is softened by the gentle way he steadies me, his amusement at my clumsiness clear in his eyes. The photographers.


    are ecstatic and moring for our attention, shouting both our names and urging us to pose together.


    | feel his presence as he leans in, his whisper sending a shiver down my spine. The paparazzi erupt in chaos, their shouts and


    screams filling the air.


    ¡°You''re looking like you¡¯re going to vomit any minute now. Everything okay?¡±


    My eyes widen instantly, and I curtsy.


    The sound of Victor Craft''sughter fills the air as he pulls me close, draping his arm over my shoulders and pressing our bodies


    together for the camera. My heart is pounding so hard against my chest that | struggle to keep a smile on my face.


    It''s impossible for me to pretend that I¡¯m not star struck, because | am.


    It''s not every day | get to be in the presence of the Alpha¡¯s son.

 Chapter 4

    Chapter 4


    Ask anyone around here, and they''ll tell all they know about Victor Craft.


    Considering all that he has done, it¡¯s a mystery why he isn¡¯t better known.


    Not only is he the Alpha¡¯s son, but he¡¯s also the only one who can talk back to him without consequences. With his broad


    shoulders and towering height, Alpha Craft could easily snap a person in half if he wanted to.


    Upon reflection, it bes clear to me that | did, in fact, witness him doing it.


    Victor is notorious for the wild parties he throws in City Hall, where booze flows freely, drugs are passed around, and s**ual


    escapades are the norm.


    | am never extended an invitation to those events, of course.


    Even though Ettie has received a few invitations, she disregards them because I¡¯m not part of the guest list.


    She has permission to invite me as her plus one, but she won¡¯t because she believes the ce is teeming with the wrong crowd.


    The pack can get pretty wild when the Alpha¡¯s son supervises the parties, so | don¡¯t disagree with her.


    The Alpha¡¯s generally stern, but he shows a softer side when ites to his son. He makes it his mission to make up for the loss


    of our Luna by showering Victor with all the love and affection he can muster. The bastard seems to be enjoying it immensely.


    It''s clear that his father¡¯s influence has granted him special treatment, as he¡¯s 26 and shouldn''t have been allowed to register in


    the Mating Run in the first ce.


    Despite knowing all these things, Victor refuses to move away from me, which makes me ufortable.


    The man¡¯s hold on me is so tight that | can barely breathe, his body pressed tightly against mine.


    Victor''s arrogant demeanor is on full disy as he greets people, expecting them to be just as enthralled with him as he is with


    himself. Although | could talk to them, | choose not to, and Miles advises me to concentrate on the crucial sponsors.


    There is no need for me to draw attention to myself amongst the other contenders.


    With us only knowing each other for a few minutes, Victor introduces me to others as if we¡¯ve been in a rtionship for years.


    ¡°Yeah! Check out Alina. She¡¯s gorgeous, huh?¡±


    With our cheeks pressed together, | can feel the heat emanating from Victor¡¯s body as he downs more vodka from the bottle.


    While the woman res at Victor''s arm around my shoulder, | attempt to smile and make the situation less ufortable.


    ¡°I''m already head over heels for her, even though we just met today. I¡¯m gonna chase her down as soon as the game starts.¡±


    Hisment makes my skin crawl as the woman in front of us erupts inughter.


    ¡°Alina?¡±


    Hearing the voice | know so well, | turn to look over my shoulder, away from Victor.


    Asmile has already formed on my face when | see Ettie, but it instantly vanishes when | see the clothes she has on. As | look at


    her attire, confusion washes over me, and | can¡¯t help but furrow my brow.


    Back at her house, she can¡¯t stopining about the strapless dress and bright colors her designers had chosen for her.


    But as | stare at her, | can¡¯t help but notice how identical our outfits are.


    With a high ponytail, Ettie¡¯s blonde hair allows her face to be fully exposed, revealing her natural beauty. The light make-up she


    wears highlights her stunning features, making her look even more beautiful.


    | blink again, and suddenly, Ettie seems like a stranger to me, even though I¡¯ve known her for years.


    ¡°You know the chick, dollface?¡±


    My mind drifts off until Victor¡¯s question jolts me back to the present, and | cough to regain myposure.


    I stumble a little as | pull away from him, unustomed to walking in such high heels, and make my way over to Ettie. A smile


    spreads across Ettie¡¯s face as she looks me up and down, her eyes sparkling with sincerity.


    ¡°Alina, you look absolutely gorgeous!¡±


    As she speaks to me, Ettie grins.


    Tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear, | force a smile on my face, willing myself to appear happy.


    | feel a wild, uncontroble urge rising up in my throat, preventing me from meeting her eyes. Maybe it¡¯s the few drinks | had


    earlier that are to me.


    Victor, oblivious to the hint, leans in close behind me, his arms on either side of my shoulders and his chin resting on top of my


    head.


    ¡°She totally does, doesn¡¯t she?¡± | can tell Victor''s smirking from the way he drawls his words, even though I¡¯m not looking at him.


    ¡°| think you look pretty too, stranger, ¡¯cause you both apparently have the same designers.¡±


    Ettie blushes and nervously twists a strand of hair around her finger while scratching the back of her n*ck.


    ¡°| mentioned you up while my designer is getting me ready. She keeps bugging me about why I signed up, and | finally tell her it¡¯s


    because of you. So, she says I¡¯m a good friend, and then we start talking more about you, and your outfit for tonightes up. |


    don¡¯t really know, but it seems like she thought of the same idea and wanted me to wear white as well.¡±


    ¡°It''s fine,¡± Even though | don¡¯t believe my own words, | reassure myself that it¡¯s okay as | stammer through my words. My


    confidence wanes as | realize that Ettie¡¯s beauty outshines mine, now that we''re wearing the same dress. Everyone knows that


    Victor is a liar, so his words are anything but true. ¡°Wow, Ettie... You look great! When did you get here?¡±


    Ettie grins, but her eyes show a hint of difort.


    ¡°| arrived a couple of hours ago. My bad for not approaching you sooner. | got held up at the door by some folks who wanted to


    talk.¡±


    ¡°Oh!¡± Casually draping an arm over my shoulder, Victor affectionately presses his cheek against the top of my head. My irritation


    towards him is slowly dissipating, and | can¡¯t deny that the alcohol is ying a role in that. ¡°You were talking to the mall owners,


    aren''t you? Oh yeah, | know them, they¡¯re loaded. Get them to sponsor you, and the Mating Run will be a breeze.¡±


    ¡°Uh,¡± Ettie grins again, clearly ufortable. ¡°Right.¡±


    A few moments of ufortable silence pass before Victor squeezes his arms around my shoulders, leading me to the bar. His


    purring is so close to my ear, | can feel the vibrations, and his touch lingers like he doesn¡¯t want to let go.


    ¡°Ladies, what do you say we make this night memorable?¡±


    Ettie and | share a look that conveys our mutual understanding, but | can¡¯t help feeling relieved by Victor¡¯s presence, which


    alleviates the tension that has been weighing on us.


    ¡°| mean, a couple of shots won''t hurt, right, Ettie? This is the Sponsor¡¯s G, let¡¯s enjoy it.¡±


    Ever the responsible one, Ettie carefully considers her options before acting. Without even ncing at Victor, she fixes her gaze


    on me, unsure of what to say.


    ¡°| don¡¯t know, Alina. Drinking isn¡¯t really our thing.¡±


    With a nonchnt wave of his hand, Victor brushes off her concerns.


    ¡°Nonsense! Tonight''s a party, and Alina needs to rx and have some fun.¡±


    He turns his attention back to me, his eyes filled with a flirtatious gleam as he nuzzles the side of my head, his cheek brushing


    against mine. Even though | don¡¯t know why he¡¯s standing so close, it feels like he¡¯s a lifeline, Keeping me from drowning in my


    own insecurities.


    ¡°Why the serious face, Alina? Come on, you''re way too beautiful for that!¡±


    ¡°Oh, shut up, we''re alreadying to drink with you.¡±


    ¡°Beautiful and fucking smart, incredible!¡±


    As ufortable as it is, | can¡¯t deny the thrill of being the center of Victor''s attention, even as my cheeks burn.


    The sound ofughter and the clinking of sses continues throughout the evening, and my happiness grows. With every


    passing moment, I¡¯m increasingly aware that registering now is the best choice. Each time | down a shot, Ettie¡¯s face shows


    increasing concern as she tries to intervene.


    ¡°Alina, take it easy. You''re going to overdo it.¡±


    Victor steps in, his hand on my shoulder sending a calming feeling through me. He lifts a bottle of vodka to my lips, and | ept


    it eagerly. Ettie¡¯s eyes bore into me, but my thoughts are muddled, leaving me uncertain if she¡¯s angry at me or Victor.


    ¡°Don''t be a party pooper, Ettie. Let her enjoy herself.¡±


    My nods be more enthusiastic as | feel the warmth of the alcohol spreading through my veins. With each sip, | feel my


    inhibitions slip away, reced by a newfound confidence that¡¯s liberating.


    | take a deep breath and decide that | won¡¯t let my insecurities ruin the day.


    Victor parades me around the sponsors all night, cajoling them to promise me special gifts for the Mating Run. The Alpha¡¯s son is


    highly regarded, and they¡¯re thrilled at the possibility of gaining his favor.


    As | think about Victor¡¯s unwavering support, a wave of gratitude washes over me.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    The music swirls around us, and | lose myself in the rhythm as Victor leads me across the gleaming dance floor. Every so often, |


    notice Ettie watching us with a mixture of concern and resignation in her eyes.


    | appreciate her good intentions, but | know that it¡¯s time that | do things on my own.


    ¡°Does she always watch you like a damn hawk?¡±


    | roll my eyes at Victor¡¯s yful teasing as we dance around the floor.


    ¡°She¡¯s my best friend, Victor.¡±


    ¡°Really? Seems to me like she¡¯s trying to keep you in the shadows so she can shine. Did you n on matching with her in the


    same dress, doll face?¡±


    My face scrunches up in a frown as | look at him.


    ¡°Ettie¡¯s not that kind of person.¡±


    ¡°Don''t look at me like that,¡± Victor¡¯s arms are raised in surrender as he leans in close, his nose brushing against mine. | stand


    still, trying to focus on not losing myself to the effects of the alcohol. ¡°Just calling it like | see it.¡±


    Just as I¡¯m about to speak, | hear a throat being cleared behind us. | see Victor¡¯s face change from happy to scheming in a


    matter of seconds. His sudden embrace catches me off guard, and | gasp as he pulls me close, pressing my face against his


    chest.


    ¡°Can | do anything for you?¡±


    Even though | can¡¯t see who it is, | still try to pull away from Victor.


    Despite my attempts, he refuses to let me go and pushes my face into his chest.


    ¡°Need | remind you, Victor, that it''s customary to greet your father with a hello?¡±


    My lips part with a gasp of surprise, and | instinctively start pping Victor¡¯s chest.


    He chuckles again, yfully pressing his cheek against the top of my head to hush me. His warm breath tickles my n*ck as his


    lips brush against my skin, causing me to tense up. Lips tickling my ear, he leans in close, his words flowing like sweet, golden


    honey.


    ¡°Alina, do me a favor and shut up. If you want more sponsors, you''re gonna have to have me and keep him from seeing you. It¡¯s


    a win-win situation. You help me and | help you.¡±


    In just a moment, my trust for him evaporatespletely, as | knew it would.


    | knew Victor''s sudden interest in me felt strange ¡ª | couldn¡¯t believe someone as famous and handsome as him would want to


    be friends with me for no reason. Although | try not to be offended, | can¡¯t help but feel hurt.


    ¡°Alpha Craft, could you kindly leave us alone?¡± Victor''s once charismatic voice now holds an undertone of intense anger. His


    hands, which were onceforting, now feel suffocating with anger. ¡°I¡¯m trying to score a mate here, can you give us some


    space?¡±


    ¡°Victor, the names of potential mates within the pack have already been provided to you. What are you even doing? Registration


    for the Mating Run is not necessary. Just do what | ask of you to do.¡±


    Though Victor doesn¡¯t respond, his bodynguage indicates his thoughts. | crane my head slowly to stare at him, and as | do, it


    hits me ¡ª | finally understand what he meant when he said we should help each other out.


    Finding a mate isn¡¯t on Victor Craft''s agenda.


    In an act of rebellion, he signed up for the Mating Run just to spite his father.

 Chapter 5

    Chapter 5


    Victor''s eyes flicker with barely-contained anger, his jaw taut as if holding back a scream.


    | stand there awkwardly, feeling the warmth of Victor¡¯s embrace and the rise and fall of his chest. The party is in full swing around


    us, and despite the tension boiling between father and son, the music res on. As Alpha Craft addresses his son, his voice is


    low andmanding, leaving no room for argument.


    ¡°Victor, | am interested in knowing about your ns for the future.¡± | feel the fear creeping up my spine just from the sound of


    Alpha Craft¡¯s voice. ¡°Living in this manner and discarding all that I¡¯ve sacrificed for you is not a viable option. As you are no


    longer a child, it¡¯s time for you to grow up.¡±


    Defiance drips from Victor''s voice as his arrogance res.


    ¡°The thing is, I¡¯m living my life on my own terms. I¡¯m not obligated to live the way you want me to.¡±


    Tension hangs in the air like a thick fog, and | can feel it pressing down on me. As Victor seethes with anger, | struggle to find the


    right words to calm him down. | press my ear against Victor¡¯s chest and can hear the deafening sound of his heart pounding.


    Watching the tense standoff, | make the decision to intervene before things escte any further.


    Victor''s arms reluctantly release me, and | turn to face Alpha Craft, my heart racing with a mix of fear and respect. He looks at


    me nkly, not giving away any emotion. Alpha Craft¡¯s appearance mirrors Victor¡¯s in many ways, though the thick, wild beard


    on his face apanied by the dozen wrinkles on his forehead is a noticeable difference.


    The beard on his face does not hide the fact that he¡¯s frowning at me.


    ¡°Alpha Craft,¡± | speak up, keeping my voice respectful and unwavering. ¡°I am so sorry. Allow me to introduce myself. My name¡¯s


    Alina Mockett, and I¡¯m in the running for the Mating Run as well.¡±


    Alpha Craft¡¯s eyes flick from Victor to me, and | feel a shiver climb up my spine.


    It''s not until a few momentster that | realize there is a man standing next to him emanating an air of strength and alertness.


    He has a statuesque frame, ck hair, and aplexion that glimmers like gold in the sun. Scars adorn both of his powerful


    arms. | can feel his prating stare on me as he observes me, his presence exuding authority. | blink and turn around to see if


    someone is behind me, but no, his piercing re is directed at me.


    With a nod, Alpha Craft acknowledges my greeting, his voice rough but controlled.


    m delighted to meet you, Alina. | hope that you are fully equipped to face the challenges that await you when the Mating Run


    starts.¡±


    In response, | give a nervous nod, determined to push forward.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, Alpha Craft. I¡¯m gonna give it my all during the Mating Run.¡±Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    As our conversation progresses, | can¡¯t help but be fixated on the imposing figure next to Alpha Craft. He stands still, watching


    over the Alpha without uttering a word. He has an air of superiority as he stands there, arms behind his back, and gives me a


    disdainful look.


    Alpha Craft doesn¡¯t even bother introducing whoever he is.


    Victor meets Alpha Craft''s piercing gaze as he turns to him once again. Each time he opens his mouth, I¡¯m left breathless, my


    jaw dropping in shock. Victor winces at every word, feeling the calcted edges of his father¡¯s words slice through him.


    ¡°Victor,¡± Alpha Craft begins to speak, his measured but stern voicemanding attention. ¡°You have consistently been impulsive


    and shown little inclination towards responsibility. Your belief in your own intelligence and dependability may be overstated. If you


    could emte the gentleman beside me, our conversation would be unnecessary.¡±


    Despite his rising anger, Victor keeps his mouth shut, his jaw tensed and nostrils red. Just as the tension is about to reach its


    peak, | step in, heading straight for the man who has been shooting daggers at me.


    ¡°Excuse me, but | don¡¯t think we''ve been introduced. Who are you?¡±


    | repeat my question, but the man remains unresponsive, as if I¡¯m not even there. Alpha Craft chuckles beside him, breaking the


    silence that would have otherwise followed my question.


    Alpha Craft¡¯s face is beaming with pride as he ps the man¡¯s back.


    ¡°Certainly, Alina. | regret not introducing him earlier and apologize for my oversight.¡± He turns to the imposing figure, his smile


    unnaturally wide and forced, unlike the one he reserves for his son. ¡°Allow me to introduce Zeke Duncke, who happens to be the


    nephew of one of the High Council Elders. He is poised to assume the role of head of security and is also a contender in the


    Mating Run.¡±


    | receive no greeting or smile from Zeke, just a nod of acknowledgment and his hands sped tightly behind his back. With a


    chuckle, Alpha Craft shows no signs of being done yet, his eyes fixated on Zeke with a glint of satisfaction.


    ¡°And you know, he¡¯s also a potential candidate for the role of Alpha,¡± Zeke stiffens, and | hear Victor scoffing behind me


    simultaneously. Alpha Craft¡¯sughter echoes through the room, but his smile quickly fades as he sps his hands together and


    fixes a stern gaze on Victor. ¡°Nevertheless, if Victor is sessful in finding an ideal mate, he will assume the Alpha position with


    ease. He has achieved the appropriate age and acquired the requisite education.¡±


    ¡°But | gotta find a mate that meets your standards? Right, father?¡±


    The only sounding from Alpha Craft is a soft, melodic hum. He nods at us and takes a few steps before disappearing from


    sight. Zeke lingers behind, his gaze fixed on the floor beneath his feet, his jaw locked.


    Hearing the news that the position he had been working hard to obtain is going to be given to the Alpha¡¯s son solely because of


    nepotism must be a devastating blow.


    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t worry about what my father said.¡± Victor''s voice, usually booming, is surprisingly gentle as he speaks. It¡¯s surprising


    to see him genuinely feeling sorry for the guy. With a smile on his face, he extends his hand towards Zeke in a friendly gesture.


    ¡°How about joining us for drinks? It¡¯s gotta be tough standing by my father all day.¡±


    Zeke¡¯s eyes narrow into slits as he looks at Victor''s hand, as if he¡¯s trying to burn a hole through it with his stare. Victor¡¯s


    expression remains stupid, seemingly oblivious to what¡¯s happening.


    ¡°Zeke?¡±


    ¡°Don''t f**king say my name.¡±


    Zeke¡¯s unexpected harsh words cause Victor to flinch in surprise.


    Zeke, seizing the opportunity of Victor¡¯s shock, strides towards him and deliberately collides with his shoulder, causing Victor to


    lose his bnce and tumble backwards. Helping Victor up, | crouch down with a gasp while Zeke growls low beneath his breath


    as he walks past us.


    ¡°Don''t let me catch you on the trail, Craft. I¡¯m killing you first.¡±

 Chapter 6

    Chapter 6


    Beginning


    The day of the Mating Run arrives, and the trail is alive with the sounds of everyone preparing for the event.


    This time, Ettie and | arrive together, both d in the mandatory pack-issued gray tracksuits for contenders of the event. My hair


    is too short to tie into a ponytail, so | clip it back on both sides, while Ettie¡¯s high ponytail adds a touch of elegance to her


    appearance. The absence of photographers is noticeable, but it¡¯s only a matter of time before the benches will fill up, and the


    sound of clicking cameras will be a constant background noise.


    As we walk through the event, we are surrounded by booths of every color, each one offering a different item for sale ¡ª


    keychains, shirts, foods, and other souvenirs. The merchants are eager to promote their products and even ask us to pose for a


    photo holding their items as they promise to use them for advertising to gather sponsors once their stalls are ready.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    Ettie, standing right next to me, is already sweating profusely and tugging at the cor of her tracksuit.


    ¡°Ugh! Today¡¯s heat is killing me.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± | ask, my voice tinged with bewilderment. The cool, damp air makes it feel like the perfect day for a cozy sweater. ¡°It¡¯s


    not really that warm.¡±


    Ettie furrows her brow and looks at me quizzically.


    ¡°Alina, I¡¯m sweating my butt off.¡±


    Just as I¡¯m about to respond, a pair of strong arms encircle my shoulder, and a gentle kiss is nted on my forehead. If it were


    any other day, | would respond differently to the one who did it, but not on this day. It''s unmistakable ¡ª Victor¡¯s familiar scent fills


    the air.


    Since the Sponsor¡¯s G, he has been following me around like a shadow,


    18


    1624 Wed., & Mar


    60


    Beginning


    which is starting to irritate me.


    109


    | try to fight it, but the more time | spend with him, the more | find myself feeling irritated and yet strangely attached. Victor grew


    on me like a fungus, and try as | might, | can¡¯t shake him off.


    ¡°Hey doll face, you were supposed to let me know when you got here.¡± His nose brushes against my cheek as he yfully


    teases me again, making meugh. I¡¯m used to his antics, so | roll my eyes at him, much to Victor¡¯s delight. He turns towards


    Ettie, and her typical scowl greets him. ¡°And there¡¯s Ettie! You looking forward to today?¡±


    ¡°Peachy.¡±


    Ettie grumbles, her toneced with a hint of irritation. She wipes her forehead. again, and | think it¡¯s more the heat than anything


    that has her feeling frustrated. She pulls at the fabric of her tracksuit, trying to get some relief from the so-called heat she¡¯s


    experiencing.


    ¡°What''s her deal?¡± Victor¡¯s whisper is so close, | can feel his lips brush against. my ear. ¡°She¡¯s sweating like crazy.¡±


    ¡°| don¡¯t know. She¡¯s saying the weather''s hot.¡±


    ¡°I''m not deaf, | can hear you both.¡±


    Ettie grumbles again, the sound of her shoes pping against the ground as she walks towards the booth selling iced lemonade.


    Since the contenders are the primary source of ie for the event, we¡¯re allowed to get most of the stuff from the booths for


    free. Once the merchant notices Ettie¡¯s sweat-drenched clothes, he offers her a cup of iced lemonade, which she gulps down in


    one go.


    ¡°Dam n, that was good. Thanks.¡±


    ¡°Sure, I¡¯ve given out drinks to plenty of people before you!¡± The merchant speaks with a heavy ent and a rough voice. ¡°Sorry,


    this must be really hard for you. The staff said it¡¯s not gonna happen until muchter.¡±


    [e)


    278


    16:24 Wed, 6 Mar J


    Beginning


    Victor coc ks his head to the side, his hair falling into his eyes as he does so.


    ¡°What wouldn''t happen?¡±


    Victor''s sudden appearance causes the merchant''s eyes to bulge out of their sockets, reminding me once again of his fame.


    Without answering his question, the merchant grabs two more cups of his ice-cold lemonade, condensation running down the


    sides, and hands one to Victor and me.


    ¡°No way, you''re the Alpha¡¯s kid! Take some drinks from my booth. It''d be awesome. Help yourself for seconds if you want.


    Usually, you only get one free drink, but the Alpha¡¯s son and his friends can get as many as they want.¡±


    Victor''s lips twist into a sly grin as he savors the taste of the liquid in the cup.


    ¡°Cool. Do we get a free snack too?¡±


    Victor''s shamelessness leaves Ettie and me struggling to carry all of the useless things the merchants gave us. The range of


    items is diverse, including shirts, shoes, and popcorn. We are given everything for free, and most items are two to three in


    quantity. The bas t ard doesn¡¯t even appear the slightest bit


    embarrassed.


    With just a flutter of his eyshes and a quick introduction, the merchants are eager to fulfill his every request.


    Ettie is still sweating, but her anger has escted to a point where she is now eerily calm despite her fury. I''vee to know her


    well enough to recognize the signs of when to avoid talking to her. We don¡¯t object when Victor escorts us to a table, and we take


    our seats.


    ¡°Ain''t life like this f ucking grand? Being Alpha Craft¡¯s son pays off sometimes.¡±


    Ettie shoves a handful of popcorn in her mouth, her eyes narrowing as she res at him.


    ¡°You make me sick.¡±


    3/8


    16:24 Wed, 6 Mar 5


    Beginning


    which | then unfurl before them.


    ¡°So, basically, they¡¯re categorizing us based on our vitals and interview performance. To get in, we gotta give up our phones and


    everything except our tracksuits at the registration desk up front. They stick the tracker in us and we sign some papers. And


    then, the registrar will let us know what category we¡¯re in.¡±


    We moan and groan, but eventually we relent and walk to the registration area


    together.


    While on our way, Victor has to make a few stops to do some interviews and take some photos, which involves Ettie and me as


    well. Every step is nerve-wracking, but the fresh air and beautiful surroundings provide some relief.


    The Mating Run is something | have been looking forward to, but now I¡¯m feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. Every so


    often, Victor nces over at me and asks if I¡¯m fine, as if he can sense something is wrong.


    Despite his flirtatious behavior, | can tell that he is a good person, and | appreciate that.


    As soon as we reach the registration, wee to a halt. Even though there is already a line forming, the staff quickly ushers us


    to the front as soon as they see Victor¡¯s face. Rather than feeling embarrassed, | am too busy wrestling with my


    extreme anxiety.


    ¡°Victor Craft! So happy to see you! All we need you to do is sign some papers, but first things first...¡± The staff retrieves a box


    from under the table and sets it down in front of us with a soft thud. With a smile, they tap the top with their fingers. ¡°If you¡¯ve


    brought any gadgets or anything other than the tracksuit, just leave them here. After you¡¯re done, let me inject the tracker in your


    wrist. Then we''ll let your know which category you¡¯re in for the Mating Run today.¡±


    Victor''s hand tightens around the pen, and he lowers himself down to begin writing. Before signing, he takes a deep breath and


    turns to look at us over his shoulder, his eyes filled with worry.


    ¡°| promised myself | wouldn''t be anxious, but I¡¯m failing.¡±


    [e)


    16:24 Wed, 6 Mar


    Beginning


    which | then unfurl before them.


    69%


    ¡°So, basically, they¡¯re categorizing us based on our vitals and interview performance. To get in, we gotta give up our phones and


    everything except our tracksuits at the registration desk up front. They stick the tracker in us and we sign. some papers. And


    then, the registrar will let us know what category we¡¯re in.¡±


    We moan and groan, but eventually we relent and walk to the registration area together.


    While on Our H


    Victor has to make a few stops to do some interviews and take some photos, which involves Ettie and me as well. Every step is


    nerve-wracking, but the fresh air and beautiful surroundings provide some relief.


    The Mating Run is something | have been looking forward to, but now I¡¯m feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. Every so


    often, Victor nces over at me and asks if I¡¯m fine, as if he can sense something is wrong.


    Despite his flirtatious behavior, | can tell that he is a good person, and | appreciate that.


    As soon as we reach the registration, wee to a halt. Even though there is already a line forming, the staff quickly ushers us


    to the front as soon as they see Victor¡¯s face. Rather than feeling embarrassed, | am too busy wrestling with my extreme anxiety.


    ¡°Victor Craft! So happy to see you! All we need you to do is sign some papers, but first things first...¡± The staff retrieves a box


    from under the table and sets it down in front of us with a soft thud. With a smile, they tap the top with their fingers. ¡°If you¡¯ve


    brought any gadgets or anything other than the tracksuit, just leave them here. After you¡¯re done, let me inject the tracker in your


    wrist. Then we''ll let you know which category you''re in for the Mating Run today.¡±


    Victor''s hand tightens around the pen, and he lowers himself down to begin writing. Before signing, he takes a deep breath and


    turns to look at us over his shoulder, his eyes filled with worry.


    ¡°| promised myself | wouldn''t be anxious, but I¡¯m failing.¡±


    Ill


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    5/8


    16:24 Wed, 6 Mar


    Beginning


    Asmile from the staff immediately puts Victor at ease.


    ¡°No need to stress. You''ll get your category in an envelope. Why not open it up with your friends?¡±


    ¡°| can do that? Awesome.¡±


    pen on paper


    As we sign the papers, the sound of pen on paper fills the air, apanied by the asional rustle of paper. We take off any


    extraneous items not needed for the trail and ce them in the box provided. The staff spends a few minutes injecting all of our


    trackers, one by one. Out of all the steps, that is the one that takes the longest. Uponpletion, the staff distributes our


    envelopes with a grin.


    ¡°May all three of you find your true mates in the Mating Run.¡±


    In anticipation of the Mating Run, the staff shares its iconic tagline with us. Just as we are nodding to leave, the staff clears their


    throat for a second time. When we turn around, we notice that their smiles are still stered on their faces, but this time they


    soom forced.


    ¡°Oh... and try not to kill anyone. It¡¯s not technically against the rules, but if you can hold off, please do.¡±


    With a mischievous glint in his eye, Victor smirks. ¡°Sure.¡±


    We trudge back to our table in silence, each lost in our own thoughts. Ettie¡¯s hand trembles as she gazes intently at the


    envelope, sweat still pouring down her face. Victor¡¯s head is slumped, but | can tell by the furrowed brow on his face that he is


    also studying the envelope. The lump in my throat makes it difficult to speak, so | take a deep breath before raising my head to


    stare at them.


    ¡°Let''s just do it and be done. You want to do it on the count of three?¡±


    Finally breaking her hours of silence, Ettle nods and speaks.


    ¡°Sure. One.¡±


    | watch as Victor¡¯s chest rises and falls with each deep breath. His hands


    [e)


    16:24 Wed, 6 Mar


    Beginning


    tremble as he touches the edge of his envelope, ready to rip it open.


    ¡°Two.¡±


    99-68%


    With a deep breath, | tear open the envelope and squeeze my eyes shut.


    ¡°Three.¡±


    My eyes flicker open, and | quickly scan the category disyed on my letter. | catch Victor and Ettie doing the same from my


    peripheral vision. With a quick read-through, Victor finds whatever he was looking for on the paper, causing him to


    throw his head back and smile.


    As | turn to look at Ettie, my smile fades away.


    Her eyes are wide with shock, and her hand is shaking as she clutches the


    letter.


    ¡°Ettie?¡±


    Ettie shakes her head, her long hair swishing back and forth.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t happening.¡±


    ¡°What you got, doll face?¡± Victor''s letter catches the light as he flips it over to show us. ¡°I got Hider.¡±


    I nod, showing him my letter, and he takes it from my hand.


    ¡°| got Hider too.¡±


    ¡°Awesome!¡± Victor''s face lights up with a grin, but it quickly fades when he notices Ettie¡¯s strange behavior. ¡°Ettie? What''s


    wrong?¡±


    Ettie is silent, but her eyes and bodynguage speak volumes. Her difort


    is visible as she swallows, and herplexion grows paler. She nervously hands us the letter with trembling fingers, and Victor


    and | eagerly grab it to read.


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    At the exact moment Victor reads it out loud, | let out a gasp.


    ¡°Ettie Winterman Hunter.¡±


    cH


    8/8

 Chapter 7

    Chapter 7


    Preparation


    ¡°| think there¡¯s been a mix-up, Ettie.¡±


    | say firmly, my voice resolute as | observe Ettie, who had already hunkered down on the muddy forest floor. She sits hunched


    over, her head cradled in her hands, her gaze locked on the earth beneath her. As | crouch beside her, | nervously chew on my


    bottom lip and throw an arm over her shoulder.


    ¡°Ettie, we have to take this to the staff,e on. They probably messed up, and you''re supposed to be a Hider, just like us. Just


    like me.¡±This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    Close by, the sound of murmuring voices drifts towards us, as the crowd shares updates on the identities of the Hunters and


    Hiders. The contrasting emotions of contentment and restlessness fill the air, as some relish in the simplicity of hiding while


    others yearn for the thrill of the chase.


    | nce at Ettie once more, and herplexion turns pale as if all the blood has been drained from her face.


    ¡°Ettie,e on, get up!¡±


    Grabbing her arm firmly, | make a stand with a sense of urgency. Ettie¡¯s ignoring mepletely, and | can see beads of sweat


    forming on her forehead. It feels familiar, like our daily morning jogs, with her voicing her fatigue.


    | let out a strangled cry as Ettie remains helpless on the ground. | look at her paper again, growing increasingly frustrated as


    none of it seems to make sense. Every time we went for a morning jog, Ettie would grumble about how | wore her out and how


    she''d rather be curled up in bed.


    However, her test results tell a different story. There¡¯s no denying her perfect health as every aspect of her body, from her blood


    composition to her muscle mass to her weight, is impable.


    | turn to Victor, and I notice his intense gaze shifting between me and Ettie, his


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    Preparation


    face lost in deep thought. Like me, he¡¯s a Hider, so at least I''ll havepany in my hiding. But Ettie¡¯s situation is different she will


    embark on the Mating Run solo.


    And | made a vow that we would face it together, side by side.


    ¡°Any ideas on what we should do?¡± | ask Victor a question, and he looks at me with a start, as if my presence hadpletely


    slipped his mind. ¡°We can¡¯t leave Ettle hanging like this. We gotta give the staff a heads up that her test results are incorrect.


    Ettie¡¯s not a Hunter or anything, she¡¯s just like us!¡±


    Victor lets out a weary sigh, cautiously making his way towards me, before gently resting his hands on my shoulders. As he


    gazes into my eyes, he pauses to take a long, steady breath.


    ¡°The Mating Run results never lle, Alina.¡± Even as | shake my head desperately, Victor insists on telling me. Victor lets out


    another sigh as he takes Ettie¡¯s test results from me, his eyes scanning it once more before shaking his head in disappointment.


    ¡°It''s a test that¡¯s been passed down through the generations. These results are from a really advanced technology. If the results


    say she¡¯s at Hunter, then she is one. There¡¯s nothing we can do, unfortunately.¡±


    ¡°Ettie wouldn''t ever lie to me,¡± | say, furrowing my brows at Victor, the creases. on my forehead deepening with each passing


    second. As | turn to my side, | catch at glimpse of Ettie,pletely still and unmoving. ¡°Ettle, you won''t lie to me, will you? Tell


    me the results are wrong. Please, tell me they''re wrong.¡±


    Ettle remains silent, her bodypletely still.


    ¡°Ettie?¡±


    Overhead, the ring sound of stereos reaches our ears, interrupted briefly by a burst of static, before an announcementes


    through.


    ¡°Contenders! The Mating Run is about to start. Audience, please fill up the bleachers at the starting line. There will be booths


    near the bleachers selling souvenirs and snacks. Hunters, get yourselves geared up as we''ll be taking you to the running


    grounds shortly. Hiders, make your way to the starting line. Thank you!¡±


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    The announcement repeats itself thrice, and then the pleasant melody of elevator music permeates the surroundings.


    68%


    Beside me, Victor clicks his tongue impatiently before forcefully grabbing my arm and dragging me towards the starting line. |


    firmly nt my feet on the solid ground, staring at him with a mixture of shock and irritation.


    ¡°We can¡¯t just bail on Ettie!¡±


    Victor lets out a weary sigh, his eyes rolling in exasperation as he looks at me. ring at me, he forcefully motions with his arm


    towards Ettie, who remains close to the ground.


    ¡°Alina, she¡¯s not moving, she¡¯s not going anywhere else from the looks of it. We have to go and get ourselves ready for the


    Mating Run. There¡¯s no use in waiting here. We''re gonna be disqualified before we even make it to the tournament.¡±


    ¡°But-¡±


    Just go.¡±


    | quickly turn my head towards Ettie¡¯s direction. She finally lifts her head, her bloodshot eyes revealing the traces of tears as she


    hastily wipes them away. | can only watch with a worried expression as Ettie stares at me, her lips quivering, but she tries her


    best to maintain an angry look on her face.


    ¡°Ettie-¡±


    ¡°Just go, Alina. Leave me be. Let''s meet up at the Mating Run.¡±


    | shake my head, feeling the weight of frustration settle in my temples.


    ¡°Ettie, please-¡±


    ¡°Na¡±


    Ettie stands, wiping away the dirt on her knees and butt, leaving smudges on her clothes. She locks eyes with Victor, nodding in


    silent agreement. Without


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    16:25 Wed, 6 Mar


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    exchanging a word, Victor nods in understanding and firmly grasps my arm. | struggle against his firm grip, but he¡¯s already


    dragging me away from Ettie.


    ¡°No way, Ettie, we¡¯re supposed to face this as a team!¡±


    But Ettie¡¯s already walking away, her figure slowly fading into the distance.


    68%


    The staff emphasizes that the gray track suits we are given to wear hold a special significance.


    The moment we enter the Mating Run grounds, a number will materialize above our heart, serving as a visible marker. It will be


    our number, prominently disyed throughout the run, making it easier for the Audience to remember our identity. By simply


    pressing a button on the screens near the bleachers, audience members can instantly give us sponsored gifts.


    I


    Given our role as Hiders, Victor and | are granted a head start of five hours to reach the Mating Run grounds and secure a well-


    concealed spot, away from prying


    eyes.


    him.


    | move wit


    really thinking, my eyes fixed on Victor''s back as | trail behind


    | notice Miles beckoning me towards a cozy, makeshift tent that the designers have thoughtfully put together. As soon as the


    Mating Run begins, the cameras will start capturing every moment. ording to Miles, the Hiders who appear pretty and dainty


    have a greater chance of obtaining sponsorships.


    ¡°How are you holding up?¡± Miles asks, skillfully applying a lightyer of makeup. to my face. | don¡¯t know how to answer him, still


    upset that Ettie¡¯s not a Hider like | am. ¡°It¡¯s totally normal to feel anxious at the beginning of the run, but the important thing is to


    have a good time.¡±


    With his expertise, he manages to transform my short hair into a stylish half-bun. Then, he carefully positions two eye-catching


    clips on either side of my bangs, enhancing the framing of my face.


    16:25 Wed, 6 Mar & J


    Preparation


    ¡°Alina, you look absolutely stunning!¡±


    68


    Miles¡¯ words fail to convince me, but | still manage to smile at him. He notices, of course, his experienced eyes scanning me just


    as he had done to countless contenders before. As he lightly pinches my cheeks, | grimace and instinctively pull away from him,


    wincing.


    ¡°Ouch!¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t be crying tonight, no chance.¡± Miles¡¯ hands firmly sp my shoulders as he pivots me towards the mirror, allowing us


    to both gaze upon our reflections. He forcefully grabs my face, his fingers digging into my cheeks as he maniptes my lips into


    a forced smile. ¡°If you shed a tear during the televised Mating Run tonight, everyone¡¯s gonna see it. They won''t back you if you¡¯re


    an easy target. You don¡¯t want that, Alina, nobody wants that.¡±


    I let out a weary sigh, acknowledging him with a nod.


    7


    With a final smile, Miles spins around and retrieves a backpack, passing it into my waiting hands. | grab it from his grasp, my


    brow furrowing in bewilderment, wincing as the weight hits me. Miles watches in silence as | sneak a glimpse inside the bag.


    In the bag, there¡¯s a shlight, a sleeping bag, a water bottle, and some


    biscuits.


    ¡°These are some things you might need as a Hider at the Mating Run, they¡¯re given to you at the beginning.¡± With a firm grip on


    my shoulders, Miles exins and guides me towards the tent¡¯s p, his words filled with urgency. ¡°You good to go? Once you go


    out, the cameras will start shing, so remember to put on a smile.¡±


    Inhaling deeply, | notice the faint scent of popcorn nearby and nod.


    ¡°Ready as I''ll ever be.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s my Hider.¡±


    Miles ces a tender kiss on my cheek and yfully ushers me out of the tent.


    ml


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    Preparation


    568%


    As soon as | step out, a barrage of camera shes blinds me momentarily.


    People are shouting, their voices echoing in the air, as they call out my name. | do my best to smile at each of them, feeling the


    weight of the backpack securely pressed against my back.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to answer their questions.¡± Miles whispers in my ear as he guides me to the starting line, where the rest of the


    Hiders await. ¡°Just put on a pretty smile, sweetheart. The audience will go crazy for it.¡±


    Smiling at the cameras, | follow Mile¡¯s instructions and make my way to the starting line. As | scan the crowd, my eyes lock onto


    Victor, and | give him a nod of recognition before saying goodbye to Miles, waving my hand in farewell. Before | walk towards


    Victor, he gives me a warm smile and wishes me luck.


    Over


    Victor grins at me, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he yfully wraps an arm my shoulder. He gives me a gentle side hug, his


    cheek grazing against my hair in a tender gesture.


    ¡°Alina, you''re looking absolutely fabulous. You ready?¡±


    | force a smile at him, my fingers white-knuckled around the strap of my bag.


    | repeat what | tell Miles, hoping my words will sink in.


    ¡°Ready as I''ll ever be.¡±


    As Victor smiles at me, | can see the dimples forming on his cheeks. As | look around, I¡¯m captivated by the sight of other Hiders,


    who all appear incredibly attractive. | feel like I¡¯m the only one out of ce, like a puzzle piece that doesn¡¯t quite fit. If it wasn¡¯t for


    Victor standing beside me, I¡¯m certain the cameras wouldn¡¯t even bother to turn my way.


    Each time a camera focuses on us, Victor¡¯s smile widens, and he effortlessly pretends that we are engaged in a captivating


    conversation. He tells me it¡¯s gonna be a solid gamen, that it''ll show we¡¯re a team to the audience. So, if he receives a


    sponsorship, I''ll be included in the package as well.


    Beggars like me had no room for preferences in the Mating Run.


    [e)


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    68%


    Right on cue, another deafening burst of static pierces through the speakers, causing me to instinctively cringe and shield my


    ears. Without a word, Victor scoots closer to me. Then, in a familiar fashion, a voice akin to that of a machine resonates through


    the speakers, delivering an announcement.


    ¡°Hiders! Wee to the Mating Run, folks! We''re about to get the ball rolling. Pleasee onto the field so we can make a note


    of your numbers. Keep in mind that the number must remain visible, as it is essential for securing sponsorships and tracking your


    location on the grounds.¡±


    Victor''s chuckles fill the space beside me, his steps confident as he walks ahead and offers his hand to me. ¡°Let''s get this party


    started,e on, sweetheart. Now¡¯s the time to show everyone who we are.¡±


    With a deep breath, | reach out and sp Victor¡¯s hand.


    With one strong tug, he pulls me towards the starting line, the anticipation building with every step. And almost immediately, the


    air is filled with the crac kling sounds of static as the numbers on the Hiders¡¯ tracksuits light up.


    In that split second, my eyes flicker downward, and | catch sight of a number 9 manifesting on my tracksuit. As | lift my head, |


    see Victor standing there, his number 63 proudly disyed on his chest.


    Just as the grounds fall silent, another announcement res through the speakers, catching everyone¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Alright, everyone, let¡¯s get this Mating Run started!¡±


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 Chapter 8

    Chapter 8


    Allies


    68%


    Five hours.


    Hiders are given a generous five-hour window to scout for the perfect hiding ce.


    The speakers re the announcement of themencement of the Mating Run, apanied by a resounding st from a


    horn. Then, a flurry of movement. ensues as everyone sc atters, desperately seeking hiding spots for the duration of


    the run.


    Beside me, Victor stands with a gleeful expression, hisughter echoing through the air as the other Hiders frantically scramble,


    asionally stumbling over their own feet. | stare intently at him, weighing the options of either running alongside the crowd or


    pausing until they dissipate momentarily, sensing the


    imminent rush.


    ¡°Any ideas on where to hide?¡± Victor wraps his arms around my shoulder, his chin gently pressing against the top of my head as


    he asks. As we stand at the starting line, our eyes follow the swift movements of the other Hiders. ¡°We''ve got five hours to


    brainstorm hiding spots. Apparently, they¡¯re betting this Mating Run


    willst a whole week.¡±


    In surprise, my eyes grow wide. | briefly look up at him, my eyes meeting his. ¡°A week, seriously? The previous Mating Run only


    lasted a few days, do they honestly think we can go longer than that?¡±


    ¡°| hear there¡¯s some toughpetition this year.¡± Victor exins, his grip on me. tightening as he pulls me closer to him. ¡°Well,


    there¡¯s me, obviously. Then there¡¯s this jerk who¡¯s totally obsessed with my dad. And then there are a few kids of politicians who


    decided to join too. Just a bunch of famous people, | guess. But of course, you''re also here.¡±


    The eye rolles naturally as | recognize that Victor added me to the group. as an afterthought. | brush offments like that


    because | know he didn¡¯t have


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    any ill intentions. He¡¯s being straightforward and saying it exactly as it is.


    Ignoring hisment, | reach out and grip his arm tightly.


    Having prepared for this, my first instinct would be to seek refuge among the towering branches of the trees. However, it¡¯s worth


    considering that others might also have their thoughts on the matter. It¡¯s a popr hiding spot, often ranked as the number one


    choice in magazines and interviews.


    No one would want or sponsor a Hider who didn¡¯t even bother to scout for a perfect hiding spot.


    Then, the thought of damp, musty caves crosses my mind. It would be easier, but since we took too long, most of the caves


    would probably already be imed by other Hiders. And there¡¯s no guarantee that everyone would simply open their doors to us


    or wee us into their hiding spots.


    Certain Hiders are known to be quite possessive of their hiding spots, unwilling to disclose them to others.


    We also need to take into ount the importance of being close to a water or food source. The food ration we were provided


    with is enough to keep us going for a couple of days, and maybe a little longer if we¡¯re extremely frugal.


    With all that in mind, | firmly grasp Victor¡¯s wrist and begin walking.


    ¡°Where are we going, exactly?¡± Victor asks, his footsteps echoing behind me.


    ¡°To a spot where no one will find us.¡±


    ¡°Uh...¡± Victor chuckles, his voiceced with amusement, as he regards me with skepticism. ¡°We want them to find us, Alina.¡±


    ¡°And they will,¡± | say, stealing a quick nce at Victor, my lips curling into a smile. ¡°We''re just gonna have fun making them work


    to find us.¡±


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    16.25 Wed, b Mar


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    At least, that is my initial intention.


    68%


    When | made the ns for the Mating Run, | always took into ount the expectation that mypanion won''t voice any


    comints. Prior to Ettie bing a Hunter, | carefully selected hiding spots that | know will provide us both withfort.


    On the other hand, Victor Craft is apletely different breed.


    ¡°There¡¯s no way | can hide there.¡±


    Victor says, his stare fixated on the mossy rock with a hole in the middle that can fit two people. He keeps his arms tightly


    crossed over his chest, careful not to brush against any of the moss surrounding us.


    | scowl at him, my brows furrowed in frustration. ¡°Why not? This spot is perfect for hiding. The moss will help the rock blend with


    its surroundings. So, if anyone finds us, it¡¯s all because of our scent. That means we''re totallypatible.¡±


    ¡°Alina.¡± Victor stares at me, his eyes filled with intense anger, as he res at the moss-covered rock. ¡°The ce is all wet, and


    there are worms hanging from the ceiling. The smell alone would make me wanna puke.¡±


    | can¡¯t help but stare at Victor, my eyes widening in disbelief, as if he grew at


    second head.


    ¡°You won''t believe this, but we''re in a forest.¡± | start to speak, my words echoing through the forest as | pace back and forth,


    animatedly pointing at the leaves and dirt. ¡°There¡¯s gonna be bugs, the ce will be damp for sure. If it''s damp, that¡¯s a good


    sign ¡®cause it means there¡¯s water nearby. We gotta have that; it¡¯s crucial for survival.¡±


    ¡°Can''t we just go to a cave that¡¯s not damp or maybe find a dry underground passage?¡± Victor suggests, his face twisted in


    disgust as he continues to stare at the moss-covered rock. ¡°These worms are seriously freaking me out, Alina. I¡¯m sorry, | can¡¯t


    hide in there.¡±


    ¡°The caves are totally full now; we¡¯ve already hiked for an hour to reach this


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    rock.¡± With a frustrated click of my tongue, | proceed to exin. With the rising temperature, a trickle of sweat begins to form in


    the middle of my back. If we settle ourselves quickly, adjusting will be much easier. Victor can¡¯t grasp the meaning behind it. ¡°We


    can just hit the road again after crashing here.¡±


    Victor shrugs nonchntly, his body remaining perfectly still. ¡°That''s way too much work, Alina. Isn¡¯t it smarter to find a hiding


    spot and stick with it for the whole


    run?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, but that¡¯s not gonna happen in real life.¡± My grip on the strap tightens as | passionately argue my stance. ¡°It¡¯s normal for


    Hiders to change hiding spots at least four times. It¡¯s all there in the articles and surveys. Did you not go through


    them?¡±


    Victor''s shoulders lift ina shrug as he hastily wipes away the sweat on his forehead. There are cameras strategically positioned


    on the trees, all pointed directly at him, likely capturing him for the audience seated in the bleachers.


    ¡°| just skimmed it, Alina. Who reads a textbook for these freaking things. anyway?¡±


    Ido. | read them.


    | don¡¯t say it aloud.


    | just groan, the sound of frustration escaping my lips, and nod in resignation, knowing that arguing with Victor would only be


    futile.


    | thought everything would be smooth sailing after that, but | soon discovered how mistaken | was.


    Since there were no Hunters yet, we mostly encounter other Hiders as we cross paths. The Hiders wee across on our walks


    have made us abandon the idea of covering long distances since they consistently inform us that the hiding spots we are


    considering are already taken. Despite my urging to walk faster, Victor continues to stroll leisurely.


    0


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    16:25 Wed, 6 Mar 5


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    With only three hours left, he stubbornly argues that it¡¯s still an excessive amount of time, failing to acknowledge our need to


    gather supplies. With each passing moment, my silence grows as we scour for a hiding spot that meets his standards. The


    question of whether Victor can sense that remains unanswered.


    68%


    I''ve taken him to arge branch leaning against a tree, where the rustling leaves. provide us with perfect concealment. The


    thought of staying there fills Victor with unease, envisioning the pitch-ck surroundings where snakes could easily be mistaken


    for harmless vines. | try to calm his fears by assuring him that the forest is free from snakes or any potential harm, but my words


    fall on deaf ears.


    I''ve brought him to a location where enormous logs are sca ttered, ready to be rearranged into a smallbyrinth. If we had


    interlocked the logs, we could have created a central open space for us to enjoy during the run. Nevertheless, Victor voices his


    comints once again, emphasizing the overwhelming amount of work. involved and his apprehension of bing exhausted.


    He reasons that his arms.ck strength and are unfamiliar with the demands of lifting heavy loads.


    I''ve even taken him to a hidden spot nestled beneath a thicket of shrubs. He


    tries to tolerate being there, but the shrubs trigger constant sneezing and itching. | know he¡¯s lying because if he was truly


    allergic, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to register for the Mating Run in the first ce. Entrance into the forest is prohibited for


    individuals with allergies due to the presence of unremovable allergens.


    It is when | discover a hidden cave behind the waterfall that everything takes a


    dramatic turn.


    ¡°This is so cool!¡± As the waterfall crashes down, | scream with all my might, my voice struggling topete with the


    overpowering noise. ¡°We can stay here for a while since there¡¯s plenty of food and water. We won''t smell because we can take


    quick showers whenever we feel like it. This is gonna be the sickest hiding spot ever, Victor!¡±


    Victor is quiet, and | can sense the tension building, so | cautiously shift my gaze towards him, bracing myself for the words |


    know will only bring discontent. When | finally turn to look at him, my smile instantly disappears.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    Victor stands with his arms crossed tightly against his chest, clearly expressing


    Ill


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    16:26 Wed, 6 Mar G


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    his reluctance to be there.


    D


    6B:


    ¡°What''s the matter with it now?¡± | demand, letting out a frustrated groan. ¡°Victor, this ce is perfect! You see that, don¡¯t you? We


    can stay put and kick back here, just like you wanted. No need to go anywhere else.¡±


    ¡°Sure, but have you considered how cold it¡¯s gonna be after dark?¡± Victor reasons, his fingers absentmindedly scratching the


    back of his neck. ¡°We''re stuck. with just one nket and this track suit. We don¡¯t have anything else to wear. If they all get wet,


    we''ll end up getting sick.¡±


    This particr reason he gives me seems the most rational and reasonable out of all the others. However, my exhaustion


    prevents me from searching for an alternative hiding spot that would amodate his absurd and unjust preferences.


    ¡°We''ve only got a few minutes left before the Hunters go after us!¡±


    I let out a piercing scream, releasing all the pent-up anger that | have been desperately trying to suppress. | catch Victor off


    guard, and his gaze locks onto me with a mix of confusion and... amazement?


    ¡°If you don¡¯t wanna stick around, then suggest something else! It¡¯s been me finding the hiding spot this whole time. You only did


    one thing ¡ª you followed me andined like a little bit ch.¡±


    ¡°Oh. Wow.¡± Victor snickers, his eyes scanning me from head to toe as if | had just cracked a joke. ¡°I never knew you had it in you


    to be so feisty, honey. Do those textbooks of yours say if Hiders can get together?¡±


    A flush of anger spreads across my face, the redness creeping up from my neck. But judging from the mischievous twin kle in


    Victor''s eyes, hepletely misinterprets it. With each step, he closes the distance between us, his arms enveloping my waist,


    pressing our bodies together.


    ¡°How about we go back to the starting line and give the staff the good news that we found each other, sweetheart?¡±


    Just as I¡¯m about to respond, the speakers trumpet with another ring horn.


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    Like a mirror image, | freeze simultaneously with Victor.


    ¡°Hiders, please make your preparations as the Hunters are about tomence!¡±


    ¡°Sh it.¡± | push Victor away from me, and he stumbles backward, his arms iling for bnce. | urgently grab for his wrist, my


    fingers tightening around it as | pull him towards the thundering waterfalls. ¡°Come on already! We have to hide.¡±


    | always knew that Victor Craft was the type of person who wouldugh at the most inappropriate times. But | had no idea how


    much of an as shole he really was.


    The forest is abruptly filled with the ring sound of a horn, its reverberations apanied by the eerie howls of the Hunters.


    Taking advantage of my distraction, Victor forcefully yanks his arm away from me. He thenughs, his eyes sparkling with tears


    of amusement, as if my confusion is the most hrious thing he has ever witnessed.


    He quickly turns back, hisughter echoing through the air as he runs away


    from me.


    ¡°Catch up with you whenever, Alina!¡±


    From his tracksuit pocket, he retrieves a small whistle and gives it a sharp blow.


    ¡°Someone¡¯s hiding in the waterfalls!¡±


    7/2

 Chapter 9

    Chapter 9


    Smoke


    Everywhere | look, thick clouds of smoke billow and swirl.


    The mist forms a thick, hazy curtain that envelops the trees and creates a heavy, dense atmosphere. | have no choice but to


    race through it, trying to ignore the overpowering smell that fills the air. Tears well up in my eyes, and a burning. sensation fills


    my throat as | desperately try to hold my breath, but the forest stretches on endlessly, and my lungs beg for air.


    l instinctively cover my nose and sprint through the dense thicket of trees.


    The forest is alive with howls and the rhythmic thud of the Hunters¡¯ footsteps as they search for their prey. The bag resting


    against my back adds an extra burden, making me run slower than usual, despite my inherent swiftness.


    What could Ettie be up to, and where might she be? If the results from herb work at the clinic are urate, even if she¡¯s


    running while carrying something heavy, she won¡¯t easily be fatigued.


    Though | can¡¯t boast about being the swiftest person in Springcrest, | can definitely sprint faster than a few of the Hiders. If Victor


    hadn¡¯t just ruined my hiding spot, | would be enjoying the peaceful sounds of a waterfall right now. | know | can find a secluded


    spot to conceal myself, | know | can sprint undetected, but the real question is how swiftly can | escape this ce?


    | know the Hunters must be detecting my presence through their keen sense of smell already. Knowing that | must choose a


    strategy, | instinctively adjust my feet, preparing to sprint with newfound speed and determination.


    I gasp, the need to breathe overwhelming me, my chest heaving.


    As | take a deep breath, the smoke fills my lungs, and in an instant, the world around me takes on a different hue. | feel my heart


    pounding, and a tingling sensation washes over me, starting at my chest and extending deep within. The desire surges through


    me, overwhelming my body like an uncontroble wildfire.


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    Smoke


    Wed, 6 Mar


    | am experiencing something, but | can¡¯t quite grasp what it is.


    Gradually, |e to understand that the forest is teeming with aphrodisiacs, and their undeniable effects wash over me. My


    senses are heightened, and | can hear the faint rustle of leaves as they dance in the breeze. The trees whisper secrets that


    dance on the wind, while the air itself hums with longing.


    And then, | hear something. | hear them.


    Around me, | hear a mixture of screams, some filled with pleasure and others. with pain, creating a symphony of moans and


    cries that reverberate through the hazy air. Stumbling through the smoky woods, | feel a strange mix of emotions an


    intensewined with a foreboding sense of danger.


    The lingering scent of the aphrodisiac smoke wraps around me, intensifying my longing. With my senses heightened, every


    rustling leaf and whispering breeze feels electrifying, sending shivers down my spine.


    | can feel the suffocating embrace of the fog in the forest, and | know | have to find a way out. In order to regain control over my


    desires, | know | need to clear my mind. But the smoke makes it nearly impossible to think straight.


    Exhausted, | seek refuge and slump against the trunk of a tree, nestling into the small nook created by its roots. As | press


    against the rough bark, it scratches my skin, heightening the fiery sensation/coursing through my veins. | can¡¯t resist the urge to


    caress my sensitive nipples and thighs, desperate to find relief from the intense heat coursing through my body.


    My forehead glistens with sweat, and | instinctively brush it away, the salty taste lingering on my lips. With just a simple touch,


    my body reacts instantly, shivers running down my spine, and a soft moan escaping me, unable to contain the overwhelming


    desire. | squeeze my eyes shut, attempting to clear my mind, but the images and sensations intensify, overwhelming my senses.


    My back presses against the rough tree, my thighs feel slick with sweat, and a powerful ache of desire throbs between my legs.


    | can¡¯t control my urge, so | close my eyes, lean against the tree, and let my hand sink into the soft fabric of my track pants. My


    fingers instinctively find their


    [e)


    15-25 Wed, Mar


    Smoke


    way into my soaked slit, without any hesitation. | let out a soft moan as | discreetly pleasure myself, my hand pressed against my


    lips to stifle any sound that might give away my location to the Hunters.


    With each gentle movement, my fingers effortlessly slip in and out, pushing me to new heights of pleasure. In that moment, tears


    well up and trickle down my cheeks, a clear indication of the disappointment | feel. | need something more, something bigger.


    The overwhelming ache of desire consumes me, intensified by the symphony of ecstatic screams from the other Hiders.


    | want what they have, but why can¡¯t | have it too?


    With each breath, my quickening breaths match the pounding of my heart, as a burning thirst consumes me.


    The sensation of tingling lips overwhelms me, a parched feeling that mirrors the delight of savoring the finest wine. | can¡¯t resist


    licking them, savoring the moist experience different tastes intensifies, while | am left with the lingering taste of my own body.


    sensation on my tongue, and it¡¯s absolutely maddening. The need to


    Sweat pours down my body, desire dripping along my neck and chest. | can¡¯t stand the way my clothes stick to me, causing


    difort. With each glistening droplet of sweat on my skin, my mind wanders to the intoxicating thought of someone¡¯s lips


    tasting and savoring me.


    | can almost physically perceive the haunting touch of those imaginary lips, pushing me closer to the edge of insanity.


    I can¡¯t stop my fingers, previously trembling and unsteady inside of me, from moving towards my mouth. As | lick and suck on


    them, a delightful sensation electrifies my body, filling me with pleasure. It¡¯s not right, so incredibly not right, but unfortunately, it¡¯s


    all | have right now.


    The sounds of others¡¯ moans and cries, lost like me, only fuel my longing, a twisted joke. As frustration takes over, | feel the sting


    of tears mixing with the sweat on my face. | so b, desperate for a taste of that indescribable ecstasy that seemed so close yet so


    far. With each movement, my hand glides lower, brushing against the damp fabric between my legs, and | slip my fingers inside


    once more.


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    Smoke


    ¡°Not enough.¡± Under my breath, | mutter softly, exploring my own body by slipping another finger inside. My eyes struggle to


    open, but the thick smoke distorts my view, making it difficult to see clearly. | gasp again, my cries growing louder and more


    desperate. ¡°Need more. Want more.¡±


    And then, it was like the universe heard me.


    Only, | didn¡¯t want it to hear me:Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    From the haze, a silhouette materializes before my very eyes.


    their


    It''s a Hunter, gaze locked with mine, eyes burning with intensity.


    3/4


    [e)

 Chapter 10

    Chapter 10


    Hunter


    68%%


    The Hunter¡¯s breath is scorching against my face, his weight bearing down on me, his hands clenching like unyielding iron vices,


    leaving bruises in their wake. | feel a rush of panic, my emotions swirling with anger and revulsion, as | realize | ampletely at


    his mercy, trapped with no escape. Dread courses through my veins, each beat of my heart a reminder of the impending doom.


    ¡°Stop struggling,¡± he hisses, his voice echoing like a menacing growl. ¡°Just be a good girl and present.¡±


    With every ounce of strength, | resist, feeling the ache in my muscles as | refuse toply and try to push him off.


    ¡°Get off me, you ba sta rd!¡± | spit out the words, my voice trembling with desperation. ¡°Step the f uck away from me, or you''ll be


    sorry!¡±


    The sound of hisughter sends a chill down my spine, making my blood run cold. ¡°Take it easy, sweetheart. No need for


    hostility. This is how it¡¯s meant to happen in the Mating Run. Don¡¯t you wanna get this over and done with?¡±


    His words send a chilling sensation down my back, and I clench my jaw, summoning every ounce of strength I have. With a


    surge of adrenaline, | buck my hips, feeling the strain in my muscles as | try to throw him off bnce. It works, but the impact is


    minimal.


    My heart races as the Hunter tightens his grip on me, and | suddenly feel a de¡¯s sharp edge against my skin. | freeze, my


    body going numb as his presence


    looms over me.


    My bag didn¡¯t have any weapons, did a Hunter¡¯s bag have weapons? Why do they even need weapons? Why would the staff


    think it¡¯s a good idea to give them weapons? What''s going on?


    | thought they didn¡¯t want a repeat of what happenedst year?


    1/4


    Hunter


    G


    Hunter


    The Hunter¡¯s breath is scorching against my face, his weight bearing down on me, his hands clenching like unyielding iron vices,


    leaving bruises in their wake. | feel a rush of panic, my emotions swirling with anger and revulsion, as | realize | ampletely at


    his mercy, trapped with no escape. Dread courses through my veins, each beat of my heart a reminder of the impending doom.


    ¡°Stop struggling,¡± he hisses, his voice echoing like a menacing growl. ¡°Just be a good girl and present.¡±


    With every ounce of strength, | resist, feeling the ache in my muscles as | refuse toply and try to push him off.


    ¡°Get off me, you b astar d!¡± | spit out the words, my voice trembling with desperation. ¡°Step the f uck away from me, or you''ll be


    sorry!¡±


    The sound of hisughter sends a chill down my spine, making my blood run cold. ¡°Take it easy, sweetheart. No need for


    hostility. This is how it¡¯s meant to happen in the Mating Run. Don¡¯t you wanna get this over and done with?¡±


    His words send a chilling sensation down my back, and I clench my jaw, summoning every ounce of strength I have. With a


    surge of adrenaline, | buck my hips, feeling the strain in my muscles as | try to throw him off bnce. It works, but the impact is


    minimal.


    My heart races as the Hunter tightens his grip on me, and | suddenly feel a de¡¯s sharp edge against my skin. | freeze, my


    body going numb as his presence looms over me.


    My bag didn¡¯t have any weapons, did a Hunter¡¯s bag have weapons? Why do they even need weapons? Why would the staff


    think it¡¯s a good idea to give them weapons? What''s going


    an?


    | thought they didn¡¯t want a repeat of what happenedst year?


    14


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    16:26 Wed, 6 Mar


    Hunter


    ¡°Naughty girls get punished, you know,¡± he purrs, there is a cold, calcting gleam in his eyes. Then, he forcefully grabs my chin


    with his hand, directing my gaze towards the towering trees. As | narrow my eyes, | immediately spot one camera pointed directly


    at us. ¡°Give a big smile to the camera, 9. You¡¯re gonna be mine real soon.¡±


    My body tenses up, and | clench my fists in a futile attempt to evade the sharp edge of the dagger pressed firmly to my cheek.


    Beneath me, the ground is unyielding and unforgiving, sca ttered with jagged rocks and twisted roots. The de grazes my


    cheek, leaving behind a shallow wound that slowly oozes a thin stream of blood.


    ¡°Let go of me!¡± Seething with anger, my voice trembles and cr acks.


    Above me, his face contorts into a sinister and lecherous mask. | recoil in disgust as he brazenly licks the blood off my cheek,


    making me queasy with his audacious act. Frustration welled up inside me, causing tears to blur my vision, but | couldn¡¯t make a


    move with a dagger aimed directly at me.


    ¡°Such fire. | do enjoy a spirited fight. Makes the victory all the sweeter.¡±


    I refuse to give in. | can''t.


    | twist my head, sinking my teeth into his shoulder, hearing his sharp intake of breath as pain shoots through him. With the


    distraction, his hold on my wrist starts to slip. In a frenzy, | manage to free one of my arms, the adrenaline coursing through my


    veins. Summoning all my strength, | swing it towards him, hoping for a solid hit on his face.


    It hits.


    He curses loudly, momentarily loosening his grip on me, and | quickly take advantage of the opportunity. Summoning all my


    strength, | thrust my hips once. more, sessfully flipping him to the side. | scramble to my feet, my legs trembling with


    adrenaline, ready to bolt. But he¡¯s quick, much too quick.


    With a sudden lunge, he forcefully tackles me, mming me to the ground once


    Ill


    2/4


    Hunter


    more.


    ved, b Mar


    ¡°F uck!¡± | let out a piercing scream, twisting my body beneath him. ¡°Stop touching me!¡±Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    His hand still tightly grips the knife, and its gleam in the dappled forest light creates an eerie atmosphere. As he sneers, his


    fingers clenched tightly around my throat, cutting off my breath.


    ¡°Trying to run, are we?¡±


    | gasp for breath, feeling a tightness in my throat, as the world around me starts. to fade and blur. Gasping for air, | struggle to


    maintain focus as the world spins and swirls around me, the Hunter¡¯s fingers digging deeper into my throat. | can feel my vision


    bing hazy, while my thoughts race faster and faster, spiraling into a chaotic frenzy.


    It''s a matter of life or death, and surrendering is not an option for me.


    With a surge of desperate strength, | dig my fingers into the forest floor, searching for a rock, a weapon-anything to get him off


    me. My hand closes around a jagged stone, and as | swing it, the sound of the wind rushing past fills my ears. As the rock


    connects with a sickening thud, | can almost feel the impact reverberate through my body, and the Hunter¡¯s grip on my throat


    finally starts to falter.


    He stumbles back, gasping for breath, his disorientation evident in his dazed expression, and | take advantage of the opportunity.


    Adrenaline surges through my veins as |unch myself at him, my body moving instinctively, without a second thought. With a


    forceful push, | bring him to the ground and straddle his chest, the rock poised above me.


    ¡°| told you no, you piece of sh it.¡±


    | growl, my voice barely above a quivering whisper.


    A flicker of fear passes through his eyes, causing them to widen, but he is unable to react in time. | swing the rock, and ites


    crashing down with a bone-crushing force onto his skull. Something wet sshes against my cheek, like


    ll


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    10:26 Wed, 6 Mar @


    2 68%


    the sensation of a watermelon exploding. | don¡¯t think | was able to stop, and with each blow, | could feel the impact


    reverberating through my fists.


    me.


    | don¡¯t even remember screaming, but the intensity of my loud cries surprised


    With a final gasp, the Hunter¡¯s body goes limp beneath me.


    | don¡¯t recognize him, | don¡¯t think | can. All that remains of his face is a mess of red clumps of skin and bone. A rush of emotions


    overwhelms me, leaving me breathless with a blend of fear and fury. On his track suit, right by his chest, there is arge number


    72.


    I can only identify him in that way.


    My hand trembles, causing the rock to slip from my grasp as | scramble away


    from him.


    Then, slowly, | turn my head towards the camera, meeting its unblinking gaze.

 Chapter 11

    Chapter 11


    Guilt


    As | stand over the lifeless body of the Hunter, the reality of what I¡¯ve just done begins to sink in.


    ¡°No, no, no, no, no-¡±


    My chest heaves with each breath, and | can feel my heart pounding like a drum in my chest. The forest seems to close in on


    me, suffocating me with the weight of my actions.


    | never wanted this. | never asked for any of it.


    But he left me with no cholce, no way out.


    It was t


    him or me.


    Tears blur my vision, and | turn away from the Hunter¡¯s body, taking shaky steps backward, | nce down at my trembling


    hands, which are stained with his blood. The metallic scent of it fills my nose, and I¡¯m hit with a wave of nausea.


    My eyes wander over to the camera again, its lens staring back at me, and | can¡¯t help but wonder if it¡¯s watching my every


    move. In a dazed panic, | frantically wipe my hands on my jacket, hoping to remove the blood, but it proves futile. The crimson


    color of blood stains the once gray tracksuit, leaving me in a state of shock as i stare at it, unable to belleve what I¡¯m seeing.


    A blood-curdling scream escapes my lips.


    Without a second thought, | stumble away from the scene, my hands trembling uncontrobly. I¡¯ve got to get out of here. With the


    cameras recording everything and the evidence piling up, there will be no escaping the fact that | am the culprit.


    Running at such a rapid pace, |pletely neglected to take my bag with me.


    Without the bag, | feel a sense of emptiness washing over me. Lying abandoned


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    Guilt


    2.68


    at the scene of the crime, my lifeline, my supplies, everything | need to survive, taunt me. However, going back is not an option


    for me. Not now. It¡¯s toote.


    All| can do now is search for a more discreet hiding spot.


    As | charge forward, the branches relentlessly assault my face, forcing me to swat them away in a frenzy. | push through the


    thicket, feeling the sting of sharp branches scratching my cheek, but | press on. Tears fill my eyes, blurring my vision, and | let


    them stream down my face as I s ob while running.


    Even amidst my heavy breathing, | can still hear the mixture of pleasure and agony surrounding me.


    Everywhere | turn, there are cameras, capturing my every move.


    It''s as if they¡¯re deliberately provoking me, meticulously documenting my getaway from the crime scene. Their unblinking lenses


    create a suffocating weight


    in the air.


    Suddenly, my foot catches on a fallen log, causing me to lose my bnce andnd face-first in the dirt. When | look up, I¡¯m


    immediately confronted by a camera ced directly in my line of sight, recording the entirety of my fall. | feel a dizzying


    sensation as if the world is spinning, unsure if it¡¯s a result of the guilt from my deeds. or the unrelenting scrutiny of those


    unrelenting cameras.


    Ignoring the pain in my knees, | scramble to my feet, driven solely by the urgency to escape. Gasping for breath, | inhale the


    dense aroma of pine and damp earth. With each beat, my heart intensifies, echoing the painful reality of the danger


    that surrounds me.


    Each step | take deeper into the forest, my footing bes more uncertain. As | push through the dense foliage, the branches


    scrape against my arms and face, but the adrenaline keeps me from feeling the pain.


    The memory of the Hunter¡¯s lifeless eyes is etched in my mind, a constant


    usation.


    | can¡¯t shake the haunting sound of his final breath escaping my lips.


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    16-26 Wed, 6 Mar


    Gult


    ¡°| shouldn¡¯t be med for this,¡± | tell myself, speaking with enough volume that the cameras surrounding me pick up every word.


    Without realizing it, | wrap my arms around myself, feeling the tremors run through my entire body. ¡°It¡¯s not on me. | did


    everything | could to survive.¡±


    | have to find an inconspicuous location, a ce where | can remain hidden from their prying eyes. But my thoughts are all


    jumbled, making it difficult to focus. The cloud of guilt from my recent actions impairs my judgment.


    ¡°F uck. F uck. F uck this s hit!¡±


    I can¡¯t go on.


    Desperation grips me, my mind a chaotic tangle. The cameras-always watching, always following me. | whirl, repeating the


    movement in a never-ending cycle. And everywhere, the cameras silently watch and record. There¡¯s nowhere to hide. I¡¯m


    trapped in this never-ending nightmare, where the forest''s unblinking electronic eyes watch my every move.


    The smell of damp earth fills the air as | stumble through the underbrush, the struggle of each step mirroring the weight of my


    burdens. Tears stream down my face, distorting my view, and | struggle to find a suitable hiding ce.


    What''s the point? The Hunters will find me, they will.


    Copsing to my knees, | feel the unforgiving forest floor beneath me. I¡¯m dirty, bl oody, and utterly defeated. As | s ob, the sound


    seems to bounce off the trees in the woods, amplifying my cries of despair.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    ¡°Sh it. What was | thinking when | registered for this messed up thing? I¡¯m such an idiot!¡±


    | guess | could just give up, let them find me, and do whatever they want.


    | don¡¯t give a dam n anymore.


    Then, my ears catch a soft, distant sound.


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    16:26 Wed, 6 Mar


    Guilt


    The sound of water. Immediately, my body tenses up, and | close my mouth with a snap.


    68%


    It''s distant, but it¡¯s there. As | stare at my hands drenched in blood, a pressing. realization cuts through the haze of despair-|


    need to wash them.


    With newfound determination, | push myself up and track the source of the sound. The sharp branches relentlessly whip against


    my skin, causing it to sting with each strike. As | move forward, the allure of water intensifies, tempting me with the irresistible


    notion of purging the Hunter¡¯s blood from my hands.


    The closer | get, the louder the sound of flowing water bes, providing a calming harmony in the midst of the forest¡¯s


    commotion. My heart races as | hasten my steps, finally bursting through the trees and entering a small clearing.


    In front of me, a crystal-clear stream sparkles in the dappled sunlight.


    ¡°Water,¡± | whisper, my voice barely audible, raspy and filled with newfound hope. ¡°Water!¡±


    My mouth involuntarily releases a startledugh. With a wide smile on my face, | sprint as fast as possible towards the stream,


    myughter echoing through the air. It¡¯s a miracle no one has chased after me so far, but now I¡¯m starting to believe it truly is a


    miracle.


    Maybe, just maybe, there¡¯s still a glimmer of hope for me.


    With every ounce of energy | have left, | sprint and stumble to the water¡¯s eye


    My hands, stained with blood, tremble violently as | plunge them into the rushing stream. The icy water bites at my skin, but |


    wee the pain. Cupping my hands, | scoop up the water and hear the gentle sshing sound as | wash away the crimson


    stains on my hands.


    The water takes on a reddish tint, swirling and carrying the evidence of my


    actions.


    I scrub and scrub, desperate to wash away the sticky residue of blood from my


    skin.


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    16:26 Wed, 6 Mar 5


    Guilt


    B


    68


    Kneeling by the stream, | can feel the weight of my sorrow as my tears mingle with the flowing water. The cameras may still be


    watching, but | don¡¯t care. At this moment, the only sounds | hear are the gentlepping of the water and the rustle of leaves in


    the surrounding forest.


    With my hands still trembling, | take a moment to drink from the stream, relishing the refreshing taste of the cool water. It''s a


    smallfort, but at least it provides some sce. | can¡¯t remain here indefinitely, but the soothing sound of the water has


    rejuvenated me to carry on.


    | approach the stream cautiously, my eyes fixated on the crystal-clear water, reflecting the surrounding trees. The desire to wash


    away every impurity is so intense that it consumes my thoughts, like a relentless fire. | need to feel clean. again, to wash away


    the gruesome memory of what I¡¯ve done. The stains of blood may have vanished from my hands, but the burden on my


    conscience refuses to


    fade.


    In a daze, | clumsily fumble with the zipper of my track suit, my fingers. struggling to find a grip. It feels like time has slowed


    down, each movement requiring a deliberate and conscious effort. The fabric falls to the ground, revealing my tank top and


    shorts underneath.


    ¡°I need to do this.¡±


    | whisper to myself, desperately trying to calm my pounding heart. As | reach for the water, my trembling fingers struggle to


    maintain a steady grip, and | ssh it onto my face. | am taken aback by the sensation, the coolness hitting me like a jolt, in stark


    contrast to the turmoil inside me. Feeling the roughness of the streambed beneath my feet, | continue to scrub my cheeks. As the


    water swirls, it carries away the evidence of my torment, leaving behind a sense of relief.


    | can¡¯t stop there. With unsteady hands, | dip down further, the weight of the water pressing against my chest. The frigid air hits


    me like a punch, causing me to gasp. But it¡¯s also invigorating, awakening my senses like a jolt of electricity. My entire body is


    trembling as | kneel in the stream, vulnerable to the world, but | need


    this.


    My fingers move to my arms, to the sleeves of my tank top. | nervously pull the


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    Guilt


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    fabric over my head, feeling a rush of relief as it glides off and disappears into the water. | shiver, not just from the cold but from


    the raw vulnerability of being half-naked in this unforgiving ce. My shorts and underwear are all that remain, and it takes all


    my strength to peel them off.


    I''m exposed, both physically and emotionally, to the elements and the world. | wash my body with the stream¡¯s water, scrubbing


    away the dirt and grime. It¡¯s an act of desperation, of trying to regain some semnce of control in a world that has spiraled out


    of it. The water flows over me, taking my sins with it, but | know that nothing can wash away the memory of what I¡¯ve done.


    As | crouch in the stream, | realize the irony of my situation. The cameras that have haunted me are likely capturing this moment


    as well. They''ll have footage of me, vulnerable and exposed, trying to wash away the guilt that stains my soul. They''ll use it


    against me, I¡¯m sure of it.


    Tears mingle with the stream¡¯s water as I¡¯vigorously scrub my skin, creating a salty and cleansing mixture.


    ¡°I''m sorry.¡± | whisper, my voice filled with uncertainty, not even sure who deserved my apology. The world? Myself? The life I¡¯ve


    taken? ¡°I¡¯m so sorry.¡±


    As | stand up and dress in silence, the heaviness of my damp track suit clings to my body. | can¡¯t say if | feel physically cleaner,


    but there¡¯s an odd sensation of being refreshed and revitalized. It feels like I''ve washed away my old self in the stream, and now


    I''m emerging as someone entirely new.


    The cameras never cease their surveince, a constant presence that | won''t allow to crush my resolve. | won''t let them define


    who | am. The stream may not have washed away my sins, but it¡¯s given me the strength to keep going.


    To fight, to survive, and to face whateveres next.


    And it is so funny. It feels as if the universe is toying with me, ying at mischievous game. Whateveres next is supposed to


    be a y on words, but little do | know that | am about to be taken byplete surprise.


    While | am wringing the water out of my hair, a rustle catches my attention from


    MI


    [e)


    677


    16:27 Wed, 6 Mar


    Gualt


    behind.


    | freeze immediately, my breath catching in my throat, but it is toote.


    | turn, and to my surprise, | see a face | never thought | would see.

 Chapter 12

    Chapter 12


    Fear


    68%


    The metallic glint of his machete above me triggers an instant surge of adrenaline.


    | can hear the sharp whistling of the machete as ites closer, and | instinctively sidestep, narrowly avoiding having a few


    strands of my hair sliced off. As he runs after me again, a startled scream erupts from my throat, echoing through the air. His grip


    on my neck tightens, and he forcefully pushes me down onto the ground.


    Zeke wears a gray tracksuit like the others, but his hoodie is tied around his waist, leaving his chest exposed for all to see. | can¡¯t


    see his number, possibly because his hoodie is soaked in blood, and he¡¯s chosen to tie it around his waist instead of wearing it.


    His face is streaked with stters of blood, and his eyes gleam with a manic bloodlust.


    The blood


    on his face seems too fresh to be his own.


    Zeke forcefully pins me to the ground, his weight pressing down on my stomach. | can already feel my chest tightening, my


    breaths bingbored. He raises the machete, its sharp de glinting menacingly in the light, and takes aim at me. But |


    react swiftly, evading it with a quick move to the side. The machete sinks to the ground with a thud, barely missing my head, and


    | can¡¯t help but let out a surprised burst ofughter.


    Atingling sensation runs down my spine, my body responding with pure enjoyment. It adores the presence of a captivating,


    dominant Hunter above her. If it weren''t for this extreme insanity, Zeke would have been an ideal mate.


    He possesses both striking looks and an aura of strength, a formidable contender for the Alpha position. Literally, what else could


    a Hider possibly desire?


    Being this close to him, | can clearly see the jagged scars etched across his face and chest. Sca ttered across his chest are


    countless scars, while his face bears a few cuts and bruises. The fresh scars on his face stand out, while the ones on his


    Ill


    1/7


    16:27 Wed, 6 Mar


    Fear


    Fear


    68%


    The metallic glint of his machete above me triggers an


    adrenaline.


    ant surge of


    | can hear the sharp whistling of the machete as ites closer, and | instinctively sidestep, narrowly avoiding having a few


    strands of my hair sliced off. As he runs after me again, a startled scream erupts from my throat, echoing through the air. His grip


    on my neck tightens, and he forcefully pushes me down onto the ground.


    Zeke wears a gray tracksuit like the others, but his hoodie is tied around his waist, leaving his chest exposed for all to see. | can¡¯t


    see his number, possibly because his hoodie is soaked in blood, and he¡¯s chosen to tie it around his waist. instead of wearing it.


    His face is streaked with stters of blood, and his eyes. gleam with a manic bloodlust.


    The blood on his face seems too fresh to be his own.


    Zeke forcefully pins me to the ground, his weight pressing down on my stomach. | can already feel my chest tightening, my


    breaths bingbored. He raises the machete, its sharp de glinting menacingly in the light, and takes aim at me. But |


    react swiftly, evading it with a quick move to the side. The machete sinks to the ground with a thud, barely missing my head, and


    | can¡¯t help but let out a surprised burst ofughter.


    Atingling sensation runs down my spine, my body responding with pure enjoyment. It adores the presence of a captivating,


    dominant Hunter above her. If it weren''t for this extreme insanity, Zeke would have been an ideal mate.


    He possesses both striking looks and an aura of strength, a formidable. contender for the Alpha position. Literally, what else


    could a Hider possibly desire?


    Being this close to him, | can clearly see the jagged scars etched across his face and chest. Sca ttered across his chest are


    countless scars, while his face bears a few cuts and bruises. The fresh scars on his face stand out, while the ones on his


    0


    177


    16:27 Wed, 6 Mar 6


    Fear


    chest appear aged.


    As he tries to kill me, | can¡¯t help but check him out.


    | must be out of my mind too.


    Suddenly, hees to a halt, raising his head and inhaling deeply, his eyes. transforming into a deep shade of hazel. Then, with


    a firm grip on my chin, he forces. me to meet his intense gaze, while | remain trapped beneath him.


    me.¡±


    ¡°You having fun, Hider?¡±


    My face fills with a manic smirk, revealing my excitement. ¡°I don¡¯t know, you tell


    ¡°Are you actually into this?¡±


    Zeke chuckles, the disbelief evident in his tone. | choose not to reply, as | find myself at a loss for words because, to be honest, |


    don¡¯t have the answer. | don¡¯t think I¡¯m into this, | don¡¯t really know what kind of s hit I¡¯m into. My reaction¡¯s purely fueled by the


    fumes lingering in the air and the surge of adrenaline pulsating through my veins.


    As he tightens his grip around my chin, | let out a stifled giggle, escaping through my lips.


    Zeke looks at me again, his eyes widening as if I¡¯ve grown a second head.


    ¡°Are you losing it, Hider?¡±


    It suddenly dawns on me that he¡¯s not gripping my arms tightly, so | instinctively clutch onto his wrist. He looks at me with wide-


    eyed disbelief, his gaze fixated on my hands as they make contact with him. He remainspletely still, not even flinching as |


    involuntarily begin to purr beneath him.


    ¡°Just so you know, | do have a name.¡± | whisper, feeling the warmth of my breath against his skin, as my hands move from his


    wrist to his muscr arms. | let out another contented purr, and my tongue darts out to moisten my lips. ¡°Seriously,


    2/7


    Fear


    wed, b Mar


    why do you keep using that name for me?¡±


    Zeke¡¯s motionless, but his gaze doesn¡¯t fixate on me like the previous Hunter did. The feeling of shame and annoyance fills me,


    creating a heavy weight in my chest. It¡¯s annoying to see him looking bored.


    ¡°| have no idea who you are.¡±


    His words hit me like a p, causing me to flinch. | scowl at him, digging my nails into his skin. Even though he hisses in pain, he


    refuses to back away from me.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    ¡°Yes, you do.¡±


    ¡°No, | don¡¯t.¡± Zeke repeats, his voice filled with frustration as he pushes my hands away. | scowl, but my resistance weakens as


    he lowers his head, his nose grazing my neck, causing a whimper to escape me. ¡°I came here because you! smell like Victor


    Craft. Hider, tell me, where¡¯s that motherf ucker hiding?¡±


    As quickly as it came, the feeling of arousal dissipates, leaving me with a sense of disappointment. My brows furrow, and a low,


    guttural growl escapes from my throat. It¡¯s surprising how Zeke suddenly springs into action at that moment. His intense gaze


    lingers on me, studying my expression as if searching for answers to my peculiar behavior.


    As | remain silent, his face contorts into a frown, and his hand rises threateningly towards my cheek. ¡°Hider, I''m waiting for an


    answer. Where''s that ba st ard at?¡±


    ¡°| told you.¡± With a disgusted expression, | spat forcefully, directing my re at him. | start twisting under his weight, longing to


    stand up and forcefully shove him aside. The thought of Victor¡¯s actions ruining my chance of having fun at the Mating Run is


    something | want to forget. ¡°I have a name! It¡¯s Alina! Alina Mockett!¡±


    Zeke¡¯s face slowly lights up with understanding. He sneers at me, his eyes. narrowing as he lowers his head to re. ¡°I knew |


    caught a whiff of that f ucker¡¯s scent on your nasty one. You''re his little bit ch, right? Howe you''re here all by yourself? Is he


    dead? Who took him out?¡±


    3/7


    Fear


    Irritation boils within me, causing me to smack and push his head away. With a grunt, he drops the machete to his side, and |


    unleash a barrage of punches, striking anything within my reach. My punchesnd, but they seem to have little effect on him.


    ¡°| don''t stink!¡±


    | let out a piercing scream as | thrash my legs, causing him to stumble right off me and lose his bnce. Seizing the opportunity,


    | swiftly drive my knee into his stomach. The sound of Zeke¡¯s grunt fills the air as he clutches his stomach, his face losing color.


    | roll onto my stomach, the forest floor¡¯s rough texture scraping against my skin, preparing to crawl away. But before | can move,


    a strong handtches onto my ankle, yanking me back.


    Astartled scream escapes my lips, echoing through the air. Pinned to the ground, Zeke¡¯s weight feels as heavy as a boulder


    pressing onto me. An intense, fiery rage consumes me from within. | squirm and wriggle, desperate to break free from his


    suffocating grasp.


    He¡¯s so close, impossibly close. The machete lies just out of my reach, taunting me on the ground.


    ¡°Get off me, you ba st ard!¡± yell, my voice cra ck ling with fury and frustration. Being on the ground makes me feelpletely


    powerless and enraged.


    ¡°You think you can just bark orders at me, Hider?¡± Zeke sneers, his e


    filled with a deep, disdainful darkness. His grip tightens around my arms, keeping me pinned to the ground. Every muscle strains


    as | fight against him, but he¡¯s unmovable.


    ¡°G od! Hunters just have to ruin everything! | just wanted to go on a simple Mating Run and find a safe hiding spot where only the


    best Hunter can find me. | don¡¯t wanna be fighting with any of you bloodthirsty maniacs!¡± | scream, my voice resonating with


    exasperation.


    Zeke¡¯sughter is humorless, grating on my already worn-out nerves.


    [e)


    Fear


    ¡°Maniacs? You think you can have a love fest without us Hunters spi cing things up? Sorry, sweetheart, not happening.¡±


    The realization that he¡¯s here to stir chaos ignites a surge of anger in me. ¡°Why are Hunters always so determined to mess


    everything up? Can¡¯t you just stay away from hurting anyone? You''re supposed to find us, not kill us!¡±


    Zeke¡¯s eyes burn with anger, reflecting my own intensity. ¡°We''re called Hunters, not Finders.¡±


    Frustration consumes me, a relentless fire burning within. | wriggle and convulse, hands iling wildly in a desperate attempt to


    break free. My arm stretches out, reaching for the mocking machete just out of reach.


    The fight wears me down, draining my strength, and kindles a zing anger. But Zeke remains stubbornly unyielding.


    ¡°Get the hell off me!¡± | snarl, a raw, primal emotion in my voice.


    Zeke¡¯s face twists in anger, his gaze venomous. ¡°You think I¡¯m just going to let a Hider like you have your way?¡±


    The thought of Zeke tra mpling my anticipated joy infuriates me. | spit in his face, and with an arrogant smirk, he brushes it away.


    ¡°F uck you!¡±


    Emotions swirl within me like a turbulent tornado. Anger consumes me, frustration builds, and | struggle against Zeke¡¯s


    unyielding grip. It feels like being trapped in the eye of a storm, relentlessly thrashing but making no progress.


    My rage is a tempest, roaring with the fury of a thousand storms. The relentless frustration of not finding a moment of peace


    amidst the pandemonium gnaws at my


    core.


    It''s a fight that extends beyond the physical, a sh of determination and longing, and it¡¯s consuming me with its overwhelming


    intensity. Yet, no matter how hard | try, this ongoing fight continues to chip away at my sanity.


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    Fear


    Wed, Mar


    Each agonizing second under Zeke¡¯s weight feels like an eternity, stretching the minutes into hours. No matter how hard |


    struggle, scream, or fight, | am still held down, the machete mocking me from a painfully close yet unreachable distance.


    Zeke turns abruptly, his eyes locking onto the same sight that has captured my attention. He throws his head back, hisughter


    filling the air, as he sna tches the machete from the ground, never once breaking eye contact with me.


    Panic seizes my chest, and | taste the metallic ta ng of fear at the back of my throat. Zeke¡¯s fingers coil tightly around the handle


    of the machete, causing his knuckles to pale, and | involuntarily loosen my grip, feeling the cold metal slip from my fingers. In the


    moonlight, the glint of the de creates an eerie reflection, casting a foreboding shadow across my face.


    With each beat, my heart pounds furiously, a constant reminder of the fear and urgency that grips me.


    ¡°Zeke, wait! No!¡±


    My desperate plea slips from my lips, but it¡¯s immediately engulfed by the turbulent undercurrent of chaos and frenzy. Zeke¡¯s


    seething anger is written all over his body, each muscle flexed in anticipation, as the machete draws nearer, its presence casting


    an ominous shadow,


    ¡°Can you f ucking shut your mouth?¡± Zeke¡¯s sudden outburst makes me freeze, his hand immediately mping over my mouth. I


    try blinking away the tears that slip past my eyes, but they stubbornly cling to myshes. ¡°Cut it out with the screaming, just die


    already!¡±


    The machete hovers above me, its sharp edge directed menacingly towards my throat, regardless of my desperate attempts to


    evade it. | can see some cameras discreetly positioned on the branches of the trees, and | can¡¯t help but question why nobody is


    taking action to stop this.


    | thought they were trying to avoid a repeat ofst year¡¯s situation?


    Everything around me seems to freeze in anticipation, as if time is suspended, holding its breath before the impending impact.


    6/7


    [e)


    Fear


    Zeke¡¯s prating stare remains locked on me, his resolute determination. eclipsing everything, his mouth forming a firm,


    unwavering line. In that split second, | catch a glimpse of the veins protruding from his neck, a silent warning of the imminent


    danger that awaits me.


    ¡°No! Don''t-P


    Just as he¡¯s about to bring it down on me, a ring siren pierces through the air, bringing everything to a sudden halt.

 Chapter 13

    Chapter 13


    Hope


    ¡°What''s that all about?¡±


    Zeke¡¯s eyes narrow, fixated elsewhere, his attention tuned to the ring siren. The forest falls into a hushed silence, and


    although my heart pounds furiously, he remains focused, refusing to release my wrist. The siren res louder, his grip tightening,


    making it hard to breathe.


    Amidst the ring sirens, a robotic voice suddenly starts reciting numbers. My head darts around, seeking signs of an impending


    threat, but the numbers aren''t orderly; they''re chaotic, randomly announced.


    ¡°What is that?¡± | ask Zeke again, noting the serious expression etched on his face. ¡°Hey! What on earth is that?¡±


    ¡°Deaths,¡± Zeke responds, his voice emotionless. ¡°They¡¯re talking about the numbers of people who died. Are you paying


    attention? How many numbers have they said?¡±


    But I¡¯m not listening. The words fade into the background. Frozen, | fixate on the robotic voice as it echoes the numbers. The


    number 72 strikes a chord in my


    ear.


    72.


    The Hunter | just left behind. He¡¯s truly dead.


    [killed him.


    My eyes lock onto a camera lens, and | let out a surprised chuckle, tears welling in my eyes. It¡¯s a sight that won¡¯t go unnoticed. |


    took hisst breath. They''ll whisper behind my back; their judgment will seep into my existence.


    Deaths during the Mating Run aremon. Waivers are signed before the event, acknowledging this likelihood. The staff, PR


    team, and Alpha aimed to avoid


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    16:27 Wed, 6 Mar


    Hope


    Hope


    68%


    ¡°What''s that all about?¡±


    Zeke¡¯s eyes narrow, fixated elsewhere, his attention tuned to the ring siren. The forest falls into a hushed silence, and


    although my heart pounds furiously, he remains focused, refusing to release my wrist. The siren res louder, his grip tightening,


    making it hard to breathe.


    Amidst the ring sirens, a robotic voice suddenly starts reciting numbers. My head darts around, seeking signs of an impending


    threat, but the numbers aren¡¯t orderly; they¡¯re chaotic, randomly announced.


    ¡°What is that?¡± | ask Zeke again, noting the serious expression etched on hist face. ¡°Hey! What on earth is that?¡±


    ¡°Deaths,¡± Zeke responds, his voice emotionless. ¡°They¡¯re talking about the numbers of people who died. Are you paying


    attention? How many numbers have they said?¡±


    But I¡¯m not listening. The words fade into the background. Frozen, | fixate on the robotic voice as it echoes the numbers. The


    number 72 strikes a chord in my


    ear.


    72.


    The Hunter | just left behind. He¡¯s truly dead.


    [killed him.


    My eyes lock onto a camera lens, and | let out a surprised chuckle, tears welling in my eyes. It¡¯s a sight that won¡¯t go unnoticed. |


    took hisst breath. They''ll whisper behind my back; their judgment will seep into my existence.


    Deaths during the Mating Run aremon. Waivers are signed before the event, acknowledging this likelihood. The staff, PR


    team, and Alpha aimed to avoid


    [e)


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    such incidents but failed.


    Hunters typicallymit the killings. Their bloodlust fuels aggression toward fellow Hunters and sometimes even Hiders. When


    a Hider causes death, it¡¯s rare and heavily condemned.


    | know everyone witnessing this will turn their backs on me. No sponsors, no chance of survival. The eyes around me, especially


    after my outrageous act, weigh heavily.


    If Miles saw what | did to the Hunter, he¡¯d be in tears.


    But before | can even think of anything else, Zeke suddenly grunts loudly, startling me. | feel his hand slip away from mine, and


    in an instant, | push him away forcefully, but he remains resolute. With a pensive expression, he rubs his chin thoughtfully and


    runs his fingers through his hair. | can¡¯t tear my eyes away from the menacing machete he brandishes and the gruesome blood


    stters that adorn his face.


    ¡°More Hiders died, dam n. You know what that means, right?¡±


    Zeke asks in a hypothetical manner, making it clear that he doesn¡¯t actually want an answer from me. Once again, he forcefully


    grabs my chin, making me meet his intense gaze. | shoot him a fierce re, my nails digging into his wrist with each passing


    second.


    ¡°It means the other Hunters will get way more aggressive. So, let me ask you again, and | really don¡¯t wanna ask a second time.


    Where the f uck is Victor? | can tell you¡¯ve been with him, you¡¯re definitely his b itch. Answer me if you don¡¯t want the other


    Hunters to take you out.¡±


    ¡°Seriously, I¡¯ve already told you, how many times do | have to say it?¡± | let out at scream, my frustration bing too much to


    handle. ¡°I don¡¯t have a da mn clue


    where that motherfucker is!¡±


    And it must be with the way my voice quivers as | scream, must be the tears of frustration streaming down my face, it must be


    those things that make Zeke finally believe me. Just when | anticipate his release, he unexpectedly tightens his grip. As


    70


    he raises his machete over his head again, a stent scream escapes from my


    ¡°| suppose there¡¯s no point in keeping you alive, hurt?¡± He mutters under his breath, his fingers grazing the fabric of my poke are


    reaches for the number on 1. ¡°Dont see it, I''ll make sure they put your name on a coffin, 2¡±


    Med his heavy weight pressing me into the ground, his foul breath burning against my face, and his hand gripping the gleaming


    machete, ready to strike. Panic surges through my veins, urging me to fight for my survival.


    In a state of panic, | thankfully find the strength to wrench myself to the side, my heart pounding in my ears. With a surge of


    sheer will, | manage to slip from under him, the swest on my brow mixing with the dirt and grime.


    But his fingers tightly wrap around my ankle, pulling me back with an unyielding force.


    ¡°Where do you think you''re going, 9?¡±


    His voice rumbles like a feral beast, stripped of any trace of humanity, revealing only a twisted sense of purpose. My heart


    thumps so loudly in my ears that | can barely hear anything else as | twist and squirm.


    ¡°Let go, you ba star d!¡±


    There is no sign of hesitation in him; his eyes are filled with a madness that sends shivers down my spine. The sharp edge of the


    de catches the light, creating a glint that seems to inch closer, intensifying the sense of impending danger. With a sudden


    burst of desperation, | duck and slip past under him, my body moving with a desperate agility, my entire being focused on one


    thing:


    survival.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare run, 9¡±


    His angry voice drives me forward, sending a surge of fear and energy coursing through my veins. In the distance, theke


    glistens like a shimmering oasis, beckoning with the promise of escape, | sprint towards it, my legs aching, my


    0


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    69%


    breathing in regged gesps, my focus solely on reaching the water, on finding safety.


    ¡°You can¡¯t escape me!¡±


    From behind me, Zeke¡¯s voice resonates with a bone-chilling determination.


    Each step through the gravel feels heavy andbored, as if carrying the weight of impending doom. The water draws nearer, its


    rhythmic waves crashing against the shore, offering sce in this nightmare. Summoning every ounce of strength, |unch


    myself into the chilling waters of theke, where the icy embrace sends


    shivers down my spine.


    Or at least that¡¯s my n, but before | can take a step, Zeke¡¯s hand grabs the back of my cor and forcefully pulls me back. | let


    out a piercing scream, losing my bnce and copsing onto the ground.


    Just when | think all hope is lost, a glimmer catches my eye from afar.


    Under a shrub, a small robot with a screen disying my name remains


    unnoticed.


    For Alina ¡ª #9.¡±


    Amidst the chaos, a surge of hope spreads through me like a wildfire.


    Why is this thing here? And how does it know my name, anyway?


    It suddenly clicks ¡ª the surprise package is a special offering from a sponsor.


    In a split second, Zeke¡¯s grip falters, creating a brief opportunity for me to take advantage of. With the opportunity in front of me, |


    swiftly grab a rock from the ground, my hand closing around it. | gather all my strength and swing it towards his head, the force of


    the impact momentarily disorienting him. With a grunt, he sta gg ers and loses his bnce.


    ¡°F uck off and leave me alone!¡±


    417


    16:27 Wed, 6 Mar


    Hope


    | shout, my voice filled with a desperate fury, as | forcefully pull myself away


    from him.


    68%


    The brief respite he¡¯s granted me is all | need. With no hesitation, | dash towards the peculiar robot, the sound of my racing


    heartbeat filling my ears. | reach it, my hands trembling with excitement, as | search for a way to unlock it and reveal its hidden


    contents.


    My frantic attempts finally yield to the device, and as it opens, a rush of curiosity and confusion floods my senses. Inside, a


    screen disys intricate information, apanied by a faint hum of electricity. It¡¯s as if this device has been designed


    specifically to assist me, to steer me away from this nightmarish ordeal.


    As | navigate through the options, my fingers tremble with anticipation, unsure of what this enigmatic machine holds in store.


    Is it a rescue device? A tracking device? How did it know my name?


    ¡°Come on,e on,¡±


    | mutter to myself, my voice filled with a palpable sense of urgency, as if time is


    slipping away.


    The screen lights up with a series ofmands and options, blinking and beckoning me towards a lifeline, a way out. It seems to


    be some sort of distress. beacon, emitting a faint, desperate signal. Hope washes over me like a powerful wave, blending with


    the raw fear and unwavering determination that propel me forward.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    My mind spins with endless possibilities and unanswered questions, but there¡¯s no time to seek answers. The urgent need to


    survive pushes me onward, my heart pounding in my chest. With trembling fingers, | carefully enter the required details, hoping


    to unlock the potential of this enigmatic device.


    Finally, it asks for the number on my tracksuit,


    Without hesitation, | press the number nine on the keyboard. With a click, the robot''spartments slide apart, resembling the


    opening of a box.


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    16:27 Wed, 6 Mar U


    Hope


    68%


    My attention is instantly drawn to the note. With trembling hands, | reach for it, carefully reading every word.


    ¡°Watch out for those Hunters, 9. Do whatever you can to protect yourself.¡±


    Without a name to attribute gratitude to, | find myself at a loss as to whom | should express my thanks. Still, | look around, my


    eyes widening at the sight of the nearest camera, capturing every moment. | whisper a silent stream of thanks, my lips forming


    the words without making a sound, before shifting my attention back to


    the robot.


    Inside, there is more than just a note; there is also a chillingly sharp knife.


    Suddenly, Zeke appears out of nowhere, his hand gripping the back of my cor, forcefully pulling me back with a brutal strength


    that could shatter my


    determination.


    ¡°Thought you could escape, did you?¡± His voice, filled with venom, sends a chilling sensation down my back, a constant


    reminder of the peril | face.


    | refuse to give in, no matter the circumstances. With a surge of primal instinct, my hand darts to the knife, its cold metal pressing


    against my palm.


    With no time to think, | forcefully twist the de and watch as it prates his ankles, the sound of his pained scream filling the


    air. His piercing scream tears through the air, a cacophony of agony that sends shivers down my spine, yet somehow brings a


    strange sense of relief as his grip loosens, setting me free.


    Zeke st aggers back, his face contorted in agony, but he refuses to fall. Fueled by his twisted determination, he seeks vengeance


    and strives to regain power. As he twists, desperately trying to regain his bnce, the unforgiving ground gives way beneath him.


    As his feet tangle, he desperately tries to regain his footing, but ultimately falls backwards with a sickening thud, the sound


    echoing through the


    silent forest.


    My lips release a sharp gasp as he crumples, his body going limp, the sound echoing through the air. The silence that follows is


    so quiet it feels suffocating, interrupted only by the sound of mybored breathing. As | hold onto the knife, my


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    Hope


    hand trembles uncontrobly, a blend of relief and fear washing over me.


    ¡°Holy sh it.¡± Linhale sharply, scuttling towards him with urgency. | fling the knife away from me, stealing a quick nce at the


    cameras positioned closest to us. ¡°Holy sh it, not again!¡±


    In that moment, my senses are overwhelmed as my mind battles between the relief of temporary safety and the chilling sight of


    the fallen figure. My breathse. in rapid bursts, a constant reminder of my presence and determination to keep fighting.


    With caution, | touch my finger to his neck, seeking the reassuring throb of a pulse. After a few seconds, | feel a faint pulse and


    copse onto my back, overwhelmed with exhaustion but relieved that the b asta rd is still alive. | groan in frustration, feeling the


    sweat trickling down my forehead, and I¡¯m just about to rise to my feet.


    Only, a heavy guilt infiltrates my every thought. | turn my head, and my eyes meet Zeke¡¯s crumpled figure on the ground, his


    body motionless.


    Now what do | do about him?

 Chapter 14

    Chapter 14


    Truce


    268%


    mine.


    Zeke¡¯s bag contains apletely different assortment of itemspared to


    Having knocked him outpletely, | swiftly sn atch his bag and ruthlessly dump everything onto the ground. While he has the


    basic survival necessities, his bag holds some extra items that |ck. One thing that stands out is the plentiful supply of


    weapons. Among the items are utility knives, real knives, and a mysterious small packet filled with an unknown white substance.


    | don¡¯t bother figuring it out, but the only thing | know is that | want to rid myself of it.


    The thought of stealing doesn¡¯t sit well with me, considering the potential for bad karma, but | find myself without any other


    choice after leaving my own bag behind. With a lump in my throat, | meticulously return everything to the bag.


    Whoever they are, they¡¯re truly a savior in disguise.


    | can¡¯t understand why they decide to sponsor me instead of someone else, especially considering my recent actions.


    But then again, when you''re desperate, you can¡¯t afford to be picky, can you?


    Zeke¡¯s bag is sorge that | have to tighten the straps to prevent it from slipping off my shoulders. Just when | think | can turn


    around, Zeke¡¯s groan sends a shiver down my spine, freezing me in my tracks. Fearing the worst, | hesitate to face the other


    direction, envisioning a scenario where he''ll awaken and swiftly plunge a knife into my throat.


    | nce behind me and feel a sense of relief wash over me when | realize


    there¡¯s none of that.


    Zeke¡¯s body remains slumped on the floor, his groans echoing through the silence. It takes a moment for me to register that the


    knife my sponsor hast


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    68%


    entrusted me with is still wedged in his ankle. Quietly muttering curses, | cautiously approach him, taking slow and deliberate


    steps to avoid making any noise that could wake him up.


    | cautiously crouch down beside his ankle, my heart pounding. | tightly grip the knife, feeling the cold metal against my skin, while


    Zeke lets out another agonized groan, the sound echoing in the air. Bile rises to my throat, and | quickly cover my mouth,


    overwhelmed by a strong sense of disgust.


    squeeze my eyes shut, | count to ten, determined to give it another try, this time with maximum speed. With a firm hold on the


    knife, | apply pressure and pull with all my might.


    Like a zombie, Zeke pushes himself up with a groan and lets out a piercing scream. Scrambling back, | scream too, gripping my


    knife tightly in case he decides to do something foolish. As Zeke¡¯s eyes meet mine, they appear distant and unseeing, quickly


    flickering down to his injured ankle. Then, as if he hadn''t even stirred from his sleep, he unleashes a piercing scream and a


    guttural groan before copsing unconscious, sprawling onto the ground.


    ¡°Holy s hit.¡±


    And just like that, minutester, | find myself in the oddest of ces. As | kneel beside an unconscious Zeke, the man who has


    been my pursuer, | can feel the weight of my actions as | gaze upon the wound I¡¯ve inflicted. The guilt sits heavily in my chest,


    like a weight made of lead. While | reluctantly bandage his ankle, my mind is overwhelmed with a tumultuous storm of emotions.


    ¡°Seriously, Zeke.¡±


    Through gritted teeth, | mutter curses under my breath, his name lingering on my lips.


    ¡°I''m seriously doing this, can¡¯t believe it. Just ¡®cause | stabbed you doesn¡¯t mean | gotta save your sorry as s. Ugh, why couldn¡¯t


    you have been a little less of an


    as s?¡±


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    16:28 Wed, 6 Mar G


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    Tending to the injury, my fingers move with both hesitation and expertise, carefully addressing the wound. ording to one of


    the pamphlets we received, there might be a situation where we have to administer first aid. In my mind, | had only considered


    the possibility of administering first aid to myself, and not someone else.


    Most especially not someone who just tried to kill me, their hands still stained


    with blood.


    ¡°If you weren''t such a massive jerk, you might''ve been somewhat tolerable. Your look kinda cute with that rugged look, thedies


    in our pack must have thought so too. And then you had to go and ruin everything by opening your mouth and acting


    like a fool.¡±


    | mutter under my breath, unable to suppress the smirk that tugs at the corner


    of my lips.


    As | finish the bandaging, a mischievous grin spreads across my face. The urge is too strong for me to ignore.


    | lightly pinch his nose, his eyes scrunching up in response, before | reach down. and grab a handful of dirt from the ground. With


    a mischievous smile, | smudge a


    little dirt on his cheek.


    ¡°A little something to make you feel beautiful. You¡¯re wee.¡±


    Amidst the chaos, a giggle bubbles up from within me, surprising even myself with its levity.


    The absurdity of the situation strikes me-I¡¯m in the bizarre position of patching up the guy who was once hunting me down,


    engaging in this strange conversation with an unconscious Hunter.


    ncing around, | half-expect someone to leap out from the bushes and witness this absurd spectacle. It¡¯s ironic that I¡¯m


    patching up someone who has been tirelessly pursuing me. In the midst of chaos and tension, a touch of humor emerges, almost


    comically.


    978


    1628 Wed 6 Mar


    ¡°Here¡¯s hoping you wake up with a crick in your neck¡±


    Thalf-heartedly gather my things, my murmured goodbye barely audible. This moment is so absurd, with a strangebination


    of resentment and an unexpected hint of care, that it leaves me feeling slightly dizzy.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong, | don¡¯t like you, okay?¡±


    I say to the unconscious Zeke, my words hanging in the air, unanswered,


    ¡°| mean, it¡¯s just the right thing to do.¡±


    The forest feels hushed, the only sound being the asional rustle of leaves and distant animal calls, adding to the surreal


    atmosphere of my dilemma.


    Having aplished my mission of sna tching Zeke¡¯s bag, | begrudgingly tend to the injured ankle. But just as | turn to leave,


    ready to put distance between us, | hear another groan escape from him, even in his unconscious state,


    As the sound reaches my ears, an unseen forcepels me to stay rooted in ce, as if my feet are shackled,


    ¡°Oh,e on! Seriously?¡±


    As if the universe is ying some cosmic joke on me, | throw my hands up in exasperation, the room filled with a sense of


    disbelief. The weight of quilt tightens around my chest, making the thought of leaving him behind an insufferable burden.


    | pace back and forth, my footsteps echoing in the silence, my exasperation pouring out through groans and curses. | gaze


    upwards, hoping the Moon Goddess. will reveal some answers.


    ¡°What do you want me to do? I¡¯ve done what | had to dol¡±


    But the only response is the gentle rustle of the trees and the echo of my own voice bouncing back at me.


    And then, as if controlled by invisible strings, | find myself back by Zeke¡¯s side,


    Trock


    questioning the insanity that has taken hold of me.


    ¡°You''re not gonna wake up, are you?¡± | scoff, rolling my eyes at the sight of him lying there, oblivious. ¡°Looks like I¡¯m stuck here


    ying nurse for you.¡±


    | take a deep breath, preparing myself for this ridiculous task ahead, Gripping the straps of his bag tightly around my shoulders, |


    make sure it¡¯s secure and won''t slip off. Then, | roll up the sleeves of my track suit before gently grasping his legs, mindful of his


    injured ankle.


    ¡°Man, you''re like a ton of bricks, you know that?¡± | huff, feeling the strain as | try to pull him, but he remains uncooperative.


    ¡°Great. Just great. Stop being an as shole and make this easier.


    The hoodie around his waist dangles loosely, threatening toe undone, prompting a sigh to escape my lips before | approach


    him. | untangle the hoodie. from his waist and tenderly slip it over him, making sure each arm is in ce. | make a m ental note


    of the bold number on his tracksuit, trying tomit it to memory.


    99.


    With a blend of frustration and determination, | muster the strength to continue dragging him along again.


    ¡°Why am | talking to you? You can¡¯t hear me,¡± | mutter under my breath, the whole situation feeling like a scene from a ridiculous


    comedy. ¡°If anyone sees this, I¡¯ll never live it down.¡±


    it.


    Let me tell you, the forest floor is far from being a red carpet.


    ¡°They better give me a medal for this ¡®cause | ain¡¯t doing it again.¡±


    | grumble, feeling like I¡¯m trapped in a ridiculousedy with no one to witness


    And then, as if guided by fate, my eyesnd on a mysterious cave. There is no time for contemtion, only swift, instinctual


    responses. Dragging him Inside is a struggle, and | huff with the effort, feeling my breath grow heavier.


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    ¡°Out of everything that could happen today, this... this takes the cake. Who the heck does this kind of thing? Yeah, it¡¯s just me,


    the resident idiot.¡±


    I


    | lean back against the wall, feeling its rough texture against my back, as | take in the strange scene before me.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    ¡°You better make it up to me after this, you jerk. I¡¯m not doing this out of the goodness of my heart, just so we¡¯re clear.¡±


    scan the cave with my eyes, and as predicted, | discover a camera. Driven by adrenaline, | crawl towards Zeke, my hand waving


    and thumb pointing in his direction.


    ¡°I''m doing this for you all, so you have something fun to watch. | have a strong urge to sleep right now, so if he murders me, can


    you all take care of it? Sorry about everything, Miles. And | just want to say a huge thanks to my sponsor, you''re a total lifesaver.


    | could¡¯ve died, like seriously, out there, you know? And here | am, being a du mbas s, looking after the person who tried to kill


    me just because | thought they were attractive. Oh my g od, I¡¯m going crazy.¡±


    | chuckle, the sound echoing with weariness and incredulity. The absurdity of it all, the surreal twist of circumstances, fills me with


    a mixture of disbelief and reluctant amusement that leaves me shaking my head.


    ¡°Go d, | better have a good night¡¯s sleep. Or an entire month to rx. Whatever


    comes first.¡±


    av eyes fl


    The moment open, I¡¯m weed by the gentle, filtered light that fills the cave. The rock beneath me feels jagged and


    unforgiving, making it difficult to find afortable position.


    ¡°Note to self: invest in a better camping setup.¡±


    | mutter quietly, my voice barely audible as | attempt to alleviate the stiffness in my spine.


    Ill


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    16:28 Wed, 6 Mar


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    Suddenly, a groan breaks the silence of the night, catching me off guard. Turning around, | hope to find a harmless creature or


    convince myself that it''s just my mind ying tricks. But there it is again, the unmistakable groan, and it¡¯s noting from the


    forest outside.


    It''s Zeke.


    Ablend of curiosity and concern propels me forward, urging me to get closer to


    him.


    ¡°You better not be ying mind games to get me to make you a midnight


    snack.¡±


    As | crawl towards him, my movements are cautious and slow, not wanting to surprise him if he¡¯s awake.


    ¡°Zeke?¡±


    In a hushed tone, | call out, cautiously approaching. The absence of a reply hung in the air, leaving a void of sound. | reach out,


    hesitantly brushing my fingers against his forehead, feeling the warmth of his skin. It''s warm, hotter than it should be. | feel panic


    welling up inside me, like bubbles in my chest.


    ¡°Oh, no. Seriously, don¡¯t tell me you''re sick, you idiot.¡±


    As my mind races, | strain to recall any useful resources | may have.


    ¡°This is insane. | didn¡¯t sign up to be a nurse!¡± | grumble, checking his pulse, unsure of what I¡¯m actually looking for. ¡°And here |


    am ying Florence Nightingale to my least favorite person on the.¡±


    Sitting there, my face contorts with a blend of concern and annoyance, mirroring the storm brewing in my mind. While deaths


    caused by Hunters and Hiders are worth considering, the forest conceals the most lethal danger of all.


    The majority of deaths ur due to natural causes.


    And inside our survival bags, there won''t be any medicine.

 Chapter 15

    Chapter 15


    Survival


    E


    #


    Having a moment to myself, even if it¡¯s all fabricated, brings a sense of relief, considering I¡¯m likely being recorded on-screen


    right now.


    In the stillness, broken only by Zeke¡¯s intermittent snoring, my mind wanders to Victor and Ettie. Most specifically Ettie, because


    I''m still pretty furious with Victor. If ¡¯''m being honest with myself, | hope he sprains his ankle somewhere and learns a


    lesson.


    I


    Ettie¡¯s strength exceeds my expectations, but | can¡¯t shake the memory of her groaning in difort after walking a few extra


    minutes.


    No matter what her hospital findings say, Ettie is not ustomed to the sights


    and sounds of the outdoors. She¡¯s more ustomed to thefort of indoor spaces, where the hum of air conditioning soothes


    her. The beach is her least favorite ce, so she never ventures out of her house during the scorching noon. sun. Whenever she


    wants to hang out, it¡¯s usually at her ce, where we can find


    sce in the shared silence.


    Victor and Ettie areplete opposites, not to mention he often takes jokes to an extreme. If he ever encounters a Hunter like


    number 72 or Zeke, | shudder to think what might befall him. But then again, I¡¯m sure that if he ever needs something, he''ll just


    wave at a nearby camera and his father and other aplices will obediently fulfill his every request.


    | realize that my hopes of him teaming up with me werepletely futile. Right from the beginning, it was clear that every


    participant shouldplete the Mating Run alone. By the end of the run, any loyalties or teams that might have formed will be


    completely wiped out.


    As the day grows older, the siren¡¯s ring numbers be more pronounced, piercing through thete afternoon calm. A small


    part of me is relieved by the absence of Victor''s number, but another part of me is filled with fear because | don¡¯t know Ettie¡¯s


    number either. Among the deaths are Hunters, and the mere thought


    that it might be Ettle causes a small piece of my heart to break.


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    But she¡¯s a fighter, | can sense it in the way she carries herself with confidence. No matter what, she''ll always remain resilient


    against anything like this. We promised we''d see each other at the Mating Run. And Ettie never breaks a promise, her words


    laced with sincerity, echoing in my ears.


    | slump down further against the wall, my muscles aching from fatigue.


    My stomach¡¯s already growling, a reminder of how hungry | am, and from the looks of it, Zeke¡¯s fever won¡¯t go down anytime


    soon, as his forehead remains flushed and sweaty. Zeke¡¯s bag was disappointingly empty, void of biscuits or any kind of food. It


    made sense though, as Hunters were required to hunt for their own sustenance. We still don¡¯t have any medicine, and it¡¯s not as


    easy for me as it is for Victor to simply ask and receive it effortlessly.


    | be aware of the parched sensation in my throat and the dryness in my mouth, as well as the cr acks in my lips. After a day


    of non-stop movement, | can feel the exhaustion in every fiber of my being. I¡¯ve been sweating buckets due to the intense heat. |


    look down and notice dried blood stains on my clothes. On just the second day of the run, all | can think about is ending this and


    copsing into my cozy bed.


    Once again, my stomach emits a loud rumble, causing me to groan and instinctively rub it.


    With a sigh, | cautiously extend my hand to touch Zeke¡¯s forehead, and as | expected, his fever has worsened. Although there¡¯s


    no medicine, a steaming bowl of soup might help him naturally alleviate his fever. Outside the forest, | spot a cluster of herbs that


    could potentially be used. If | boil some water, | might be able to


    create a drink for him.


    | could use the water bottle to boil some water. Zeke¡¯s got matches, so I¡¯ll probably need some wood.


    S$ hit. | turn to Zeke, his unconscious body lying still, and shoot him a piercing


    re.


    ¡°Make sure this is worth it, you as shole.¡±


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    16:28 Wed, 6 Mar


    Survival


    | answer the call of the forest, but not without a grumble and a heavy breath, irritated by the challenges it presents. As | search


    for suitable branches, the cool air sends shivers down my spine.


    ¡°Ugh, this is so dam n annoying. Why the hell am | even doing this?¡±


    Mumbling to myself, | hastily gather a handful of twigs and tuck them under my arm. As | gather supplies, my gaze naturally


    gravitates towards the underbrush, where | discover a cluster of valuable herbs. And it¡¯s just what | need to make Zeke


    a ¡®get well soon¡¯ tea or something.


    ncing back at the cave, | see Zeke lying there motionless.


    Unconscious, feverish, andpletely at the mercy of my questionable


    wilderness skills.


    With a bunch of herbs in tow, | tiptoe a few more feet away from the cave, spotting a small stream trickling through the rocks. |


    crouch down and feel the cool, damp earth beneath my fingers as | fill my water bottle.


    With water secured, | turn my attention to the small pile of firewood, feeling its rough texture in my hands. | quickly nce at the


    assortment, questioning whether I¡¯ve collected an adequate amount. With a shrug, | turn around and head back to the cave,


    giving Zeke¡¯s stomach a gentle kick.


    ¡°This should do, right?¡±


    || direct my question to Zeke, momentarily forgetting that he is unable to respond. Pleased with what | have gathered, | get down


    to business and start building a fire pit. | quickly sn atch his bag, feeling the smooth texture of the material, and rummage


    through it to find the matches. As | ignite the twigs, the mes flicker to life, casting dancing shadows around me.


    And now, the amazing Chef Alina is here to save the day. You¡¯re wee, your jerk.


    [e)


    377


    ¡°28 Wed, 6 Mar (


    Survival


    With a theatrical flourish, | dere, my wordsced with dripping sarcasm. As | add the herbs to the water bottle, | can¡¯t help but


    feel a surge of pride in my resourcefulness as an amateur chef.


    As the concoction starts to simmer over the fire, the scent of herbs wafts.


    towards me.


    ¡°Never thought I''d be a five-star chef in the Mating Run, huh?¡±


    | chuckle, yfully prodding Zeke¡¯s cheek with a twig.


    ¡°Wish you could see who¡¯s looking after you now.¡±


    In the air, theforting scent of my makeshift soup fills the space as it bubbles away. Despite the absurdity of the situation, a


    wave of pride and satisfaction ovees me. Perhaps the survivalist lifestyle isn¡¯t for me, but | can still handle cooking a basic


    meal over a cra ckling campfire.


    ¡°Alright, champ, it¡¯s time for you to prove yourself.¡±


    | grumble, silently cursing the peacefulness of his slumbering form. The realization of having to move him hits me, and | crouch


    beside him, feeling the warmth of his body against mine as ¡®wrap my arms around him. As | start lifting, a grunt involuntarily


    escapes me, and | instantly feel the weight of his body.


    ¡°If | strain something, you''re on the h ook for the bill.¡±


    Through gritted teeth, | mutter as | forcefully m him against the cave wall. It requires a Herculean effort, leaving me panting


    and unexpectedly getting a workout in the middle of nowhere.


    However, my responsibility remains unfinished. | nce at Zeke¡¯s flushed face, his cheeks rosy from the fever, and with a sigh, |


    reach for the water bottle and pour some water into my palm.


    ¡°You really know how to ruin a girl''s first-ever Mating Run, don¡¯t you? First, your


    [e)


    16:29 Wed, 6 Mar


    Survival


    try to kill me, now I¡¯m babysitting your sorry as s?¡±


    | quip, gently wiping the sweat off his forehead. Gently, | bring the water bottle. filled with herb-infused liquid to his lips, hoping to


    awaken him.


    ¡°Hey, Sleeping Beauty, let''s get your medicine over with.¡±


    With a yful tease, he lets out a groan and stirs, briefly before falling back into unconsciousness.


    | sit back, rubbing my temples.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s progress, | guess.¡±


    sipping his drink.


    | mutter under my breath, carefully analyzing the situation. The cra ckling fire fills the cave with warmth and illuminates the walls


    with flickering shadows, as | ponder my next move. The makeshift soup is a quick fix, but we need a more substantial and


    satisfying option.


    me.¡±


    ¡°Going through all this sh it for someone who probably wouldn''t do the same for


    Grumbling under my breath, | cast a quick, irritated nce at Zeke, my expression a mixture of annoyance and concern. Yet,


    despite my sarcastic remarks, there¡¯s a lingering sense of responsibility that | can¡¯t seem to shake off.


    With a determined breath, | rise, hearing the distant call of birds and the rustling of leaves, ready to venture back into the wild.


    ¡°Don''t you dare die on me, Zeke. I¡¯m not dragging your dead body to the finish line.¡±


    With a half-serious, half-joking tone, | dere my statement. Without hesitation, | sn atch the knife from the sponsor and venture


    outside the cave once more.


    The first thing | do is get down on my knees and plead, desperately.


    Whoever sent me the knife, | could really use some food. Staring straight into


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    the camera, | say with unwavering confidence. I¡¯ve already gone around the forest, and there¡¯s nothing here. There aren¡¯t any


    rabbits or birds, or anything | can catch. It¡¯s only us, no one else. | ate all my biscuits and Zeke needs to eat or he won''t get


    better.


    Begging in front of a dozen audiences is slightly embarrassing, but | have no choice at the moment. It¡¯s a matter of utmost


    importance, a question of survival. And even if Miles is probably already shedding tears because of my embarrassing disy,


    then all the more reason to continue.


    He might be so ashamed of me that he ends my suffering by personally sponsoring me. Some of the PR people find it


    eptable to support their candidates through secretive means. Everyone at the Mating Run knows it, but it¡¯s a secret they all


    share.


    I''ve read the rules thoroughly, and there doesn¡¯t seem to be any prohibition on pleading with the camera. | persistently try,


    presenting persuasive arguments for why they should sponsor me. | think | stay still for a couple of minutes, hoping to hear the


    whir of another robot with my name on it, but there¡¯s nothing.


    With an empty stomach, | stay in the forest, grumbling and longing for something to eat.


    An empty stomachbined with exhaustion is truly a bad mix. Although we could nibble on some of the herbs, they won¡¯t


    sustain us throughout the entire day. | have no intention of sumbing to starvation, amon cause of death in such


    situations.


    With a heavy heart, | tighten my grip on the knife, feeling its cold metal against my palm.


    | might have to resort to rummaging through the bags of the deceased in search of food. It¡¯s not ideal, but given the


    circumstances, it¡¯s the only food source thates to mind. And I¡¯m sure that I¡¯m not the only one that¡¯s missing food; the scent


    of desperation would surely draw others that | have to fight off.


    Despite my reluctance, the persistent grumbling of my stomach forces me to set aside my moralpass. Before proceeding


    into the forest, | take a quick,


    [e)


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    16:29 Wed, 6 Mar O U


    Survival


    reassuring look at Zeke, who is expertly hidden under a pile of foliage and


    branches. The thought of someone discovering him and taking his life weighs heavily on me, so | hope he survives until |e


    back. | don¡¯t want all my hard work to go to waste.


    Inhaling deeply, | set off in search of food, my rumbling stomach urging me forward.


    Really, I''d be fortunate to stumble upon an unattended bag.


    111


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 Chapter 16

    Chapter 16


    Friend


    967%


    The trees, with their spindly trunks, provide little cover. As | walk, the sound of my footsteps is muf fled by theyer of dry leaves


    on the ground, hindering my ability to track others who might lead me to a source of food. I¡¯m still making my way downhill,


    descending into a forest that stretches out endlessly. Armed with my trusty knife, | set to work on the tree, meticulously slicing off


    the outer bark and gathering a substantial amount of the smooth inner bark.


    ¡°Bleh, this shi t tastes disgusting.¡±


    I let out an annoyed hiss, forcefully spitting the bark out of my mouth and hastily wiping my tongue with the sleeve of my


    tracksuit. I¡¯ve seen some of the survivalists on reality TV desperately munching on tree bark to suppress their hunger, but they


    never raved about its vor.


    ¡°Da mn, that¡¯s nasty. Why the heck did | do that?¡±


    Ignoring my rumbling stomach, | continue my search, determined to find something. I¡¯ve stumbled upon a minimum of two bags,


    but the majority of them had already been ransacked. Thankfully, the staff of the Mating Run discreetly disposed of the bodies.


    Despite everything, | could still make out the dent they had made on the ground and the fresh blood stters. As | think about it,


    a shiver runs up my spine, making me uneasy, and | quickly try to find a distraction.


    I''ve done the usual morning jogs with Ettie, but I¡¯ve never really felt the wilderness surrounding me like this. ording to the


    High Council Elders and the Alpha, participating in the annual Mating Run is an experience like no other. And I¡¯ve always


    believed it, because really, | never considered the possible consequences.


    In the Mating Run, every step forward holds the promise of a reward.


    New experiences. New fame. New mate.


    At the Mating Run, you can expect nothing but goodness.


    1/7


    17:01 Wed, 6 Mar


    Friend


    67%Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    It was no secret to me that there were some sinister secrets lurking behind the Mating Run. The undeniable truth is right in front


    of me, and it would be a shame to deny it, considering I¡¯m living it. But still, everyone holds it with high regard, perhaps due to


    tradition, but truly, | believe it¡¯s because everyone has a slight thirst for blood every now and then.


    The rumbling in my stomach grows louder, reverberating through the quiet forest, a hungry symphony that would not go


    unnoticed by anyone nearby.


    ¡°Seriously, stomach, you''re driving me crazy. I¡¯m working on it!¡±


    | mutter under my breath, my hand instinctively going to my belly, trying to soothe itsints. The reality of my situation is


    hard to ignore I¡¯m in the middle of a dense forest, where the air is thick with the earthy scent of moss and decaying bodies. |


    can¡¯t help but recognize the irony of my predicament. Being the one hunted, | now find myself in the role of the predator,


    scanning the surroundings for a


    meal.


    A determined grimace settles on my face as | men tally prepare myself.


    ¡°Pull yourself together, Alina. You¡¯ve dealt with worse than being hungry.¡±


    | cling to the words like a mantra, desperately trying to divert my thoughts from the looming fear.


    Each step | take on the forest floor is a delicate dance on a mosaic of leaves and twigs, carefully navigating the uneven terrain.


    With my eyes, | carefully survey the surroundings, desperately searching for any indication of edible vegetation.


    ¡°There¡¯s gotta be something around here. Berries, nuts, or... | don¡¯t know, a magical pizza tree?¡±


    As | weave through the trees, the growls of my hunger be an unwavering soundtrack, fueling my determination.


    As | walk through the forest, the sunlight filters through the dense canopy, creating a beautiful dappled effect on the ground. In


    one of these patches of light, | spot it ¡ª a backpack hanging from a low branch, swaying gently in the breeze like a


    2/7


    Friend


    Wed, 6 Mar ¡ª


    mischievous prank by Mother Nature herself.


    The corners of my lips curl up into a yful grin, impossible to contain.


    ¡°Jackpot,¡± | whisper to myself, my eyes narrowing as | assess the height of the branch, my fingers tingling with anticipation.


    Although I¡¯m not skilled at climbing trees, desperation empowers me to muster the courage to give it a try. ¡°My hunger. might


    make me do some amazing things.¡±


    approach the tree, studying it with the intensity of a determined squirrel eyeing the highest branch of the nut-bearing oak. As |


    take a deep breath, my ascent begins, my fingertips seeking traction on the rugged bark.


    ¡°Just like climbing the corporatedder, Alina. One branch at a time,¡±


    | quip, my own joke earning a small chuckle that escapes my lips. | extend my arm confidently, grabbing the backpack that is


    conveniently within reach, and sh a triumphant grin.


    ¡°What do we have here?¡±


    | eagerly murmur, unzipping it with anticipation, eager to see what''s inside. The contents of the bag were an interesting mix - a


    crunchy gran bar and a tin of beans. My heart pounds in my chest as | hastily reach for the gran bar, tearing open the


    wrapper and taking a big bite. Zeke can have the beans; | never cared for their taste.


    Acontented moan escapes my lips, and | quickly stifle it, pressing against the tree to relish the vor.


    Like a snack-seeking ninja, | sit on the branch, concealed by the rustling leaves, and open the gran bar wider with a


    mischievous smile. The crinkling of the wrapper drowns out the soft whispers of the forest, but | am unfazed. A delicious smell of


    oats and honey hangs in the air, making my stomach betray me with hunger.


    ¡°Sorry, stomach, we can¡¯t rush perfection,¡± Breaking off a piece, | savor the sweet vor, letting it melt on my tongue. With each


    bite of the gran, a whirlwind


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    of vors dances on the taste buds, providing a momentary escape from the hardships of the wilderness. ¡°Who knew a tree-


    climbing escapade could lead to such gourmet dining?¡±


    Perched in my leafy sanctuary, | observe the sprawling forest beneath me, its foge acting as a protective barrier. Being hidden,


    even if just fora moment, fills. me with a whimsical sense of safety, like being wrapped in a cozy nket.


    Taking a moment for myself, | lean back against the tree trunk, letting the solitude wash over me. Each bite of the gran bar


    bes a vorful journey, a small celebration of rainco


    My mind wanders back to the chaos of the Mating Run as | take small bites. Once a battleground for desperate contenders, the


    forest below has transformed into a serene sanctuary.


    ¡°This is definitely not what | signed up for,¡± My thoughts spill out, spoken aloud. as if the trees are my trusted listeners. ¡°I thought


    it''d be a jog in the park, not al survivalist nightmare.¡±


    | am struck by the contrast ¡ª perched in a tree, munching on a gran bar, while the vibrant Mating Run unfolds beneath me.


    ¡°| mean, who ns these things? ¡®Let''s throw a bunch of people in a forest, see who survives, and maybe they''ll find love along


    the way.¡¯ Romantic, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    | couldn''t help but smirk and shake my head at thepletely ridiculous premise. | know there might be cameras trained on me,


    capturing every word | say, and there might already be critics ready to pounce on my every statement, but I can¡¯t hold back.


    ¡°Maybe there¡¯s more to this than meets the eye,¡± | muse, my tone


    contemtive. ¡°Surviving, discovering, finding unexpected snacks in trees ¡ª It¡¯s like a twisted version of self-discovery.¡±


    With a satisfied sigh, | finish the gran bar and gather my belongings, preparing to leave my leafy refuge.


    Ill


    [e)


    AIF


    Friend


    wed, 6M


    ¡°Alright, Mr. Tree, you¡¯ve been a good host, but duty calls.¡±


    | announce to the branches, their leaves rustling in response, as if they''ve been mypanions all along.


    With a final nce at the lush forest below, | am just about to descend the tree. when a faint rustling catches my attention. The


    air is filled with a cacophony of voices, blending together into a symphony of sound. | freeze instantly, feeling the weight of the


    bag against my chest and the cold metal of the knife in my hand.


    Straining to see through the foliage, | catch glimpses of sunlight filtering through the leaves, creating a dappled effect.


    From the shadows, a group of contenders emerges, theirughter and conversation reverberating through the silent forest like


    foreboding footsteps. My stomach churns as | catch snippets of their conversation-graphic tales of conquests, both in the realm


    of violence and intimacy. Their words create a repulsive symphony that churns my stomach in disgust.


    ¡°You should''ve seen the look on his face when | gutted him. Pure gold!¡±


    A burst ofughter erupts from one of them, a grotesque symphony that makes my stomach twist.


    Another a voice that sounds like a grating rasp, chimes in with


    contender with a sa distic chuckle. ¡°And what about that boy? He was practically on his knees, begging for his life. Pathetic. |


    messed with him for the fun of it.¡±


    | press my hand to my mouth, trying to muf fle the gasp that threatens to escape, as their brutal recounting unfolds before me


    like a twisted performance. Malevolence hangs in the air, polluting it with a putrid stench, while their voices sh in a discordant


    cacophony of cruelty. My chest tightens with fear as they casually mention the names of those they''ve killed, sending shivers


    down my spine.


    Their conversation takes a dark twist as they approach each other, delving into the realm of twisted triumphs and vile conquests.


    ¡°| grabbed everything he had his bag, his gear. The dumbas s never saw it


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    coming.¡±


    One of them boasts, his voice oozing with nauseating pride.


    ¡°What happened with that girl, did you f uck her?¡±


    ¡°Hell yeah, she¡¯s loose as well. Must have been a f ucking sl ut before registering at the Mating Run.¡±


    me.


    Huddled among the damp, decaying leaves, a wave of repulsion washes over


    ¡°Sick bas ar ds.¡±


    | mutter under my breath, the sound barely audible over the rustling of leaves. These contenders are a physical representation of


    the darkest aspects of human nature, theirughter echoing through the forest like a chilling symphony.


    Their loudughter and yful banter make me feel uneasy. The instant | see them, | loathe them for their callousness, which


    sends shivers down my spine. The notion that they''ve teamed up, united by themon goal of theft and betrayal, paints a


    bleak picture of the Mating Run¡¯s twisted dynamics.


    ¡°Let''s take it all. Whatever bags, supplies, or whatever we can find!¡±


    With a cruel chuckle, one of them deres while the others nod in agreement. As | be aware of my surroundings, my heart


    pounds in my chest, a relentless drumbeat, as | find myself amidst a pack of predators I''ve been tirelessly trying to steer clear of.


    | can feel the toxic stream of hatred coursing through me, silently cursing their names. These are the creatures camouged in


    in sight, reveling in the chaos of the Mating Run to fulfill their sa distic cravings.


    | brace myself against the tree, feeling the adrenaline coursing through my veins. | could sense the forest¡¯s awareness of the


    impending danger as the leaves. seem to hold their breath. | find myself trapped in a relentless battle for survival, surrounded by


    their malicious intentions.


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    Wed, 6 Mar


    The contenders draw near, their boisterousughter resonating through the air like a sharp de. Hidden among the foliage, |


    brace myself for the imminent storm, my seething anger illuminated by the darkness.


    Just as I¡¯m about to flee, another sound catches my attention.


    Avoice, so familiar it sends shivers down my spine. In a state of disbelief, | shake my head and carefully peer through the gaps


    of the leaves once more, desperately hoping that my mind is deceiving me.


    tree.


    But it¡¯s not. | nearly lose my bnce and teeter on the edge of falling out of the


    It''s Ettie who¡¯s talking.


    Ettie. My Ettie.


    [e)

 Chapter 17

    Chapter 17


    Changes


    It is under the most peculiar circumstances that Ettie and | firste face to


    It''s in my first week of working part-time at a convenience store. The night shift. is my preferred choice for work as it attracts a


    diverse range of customers, including an elderly man with a thirst for alcohol and teenagers seeking to purchase condoms. Most


    of the time, | don¡¯t really care because my only focus is getting only focus is getting through my shift and finally getting some


    sleep.


    The first day passes without any unusual urrences, leading me to believe the week will end just as uneventfully. However, |


    am sorely mistaken.


    On a Monday, there are five customers at the convenience store. Two of them. arrive together, inebriated and seeking snacks.


    There is an olddy in search of an umbre. A man in histe fifties wants to purchase a cigarette. The fifth person is wearing a


    large hoodie and a face mask. Initially, | don¡¯t pay much attention to them, but | recently notice they always purchase the same


    item.


    Apill to help you sleep.


    It seems contradictory to me that they would purchase a sleeping pill in the dead of night. If they had bought it in the afternoon,


    they could have enjoyed at peaceful night¡¯s rest..


    Nevertheless, being someone who simply sells things, | don¡¯t feelpelled to question the reason for it. Small talk doesn¡¯t


    interest me at the moment. My motto is clear: | have no intention of making friends; | am solely focused on earning enough


    money to pay the bills.


    Each day, from Tuesday to Thursday, feels like a repetitive loop.


    | have a steady stream of regr customers, each with unique and unpredictable requests. Right before closing the store,


    without fail, someone wearing a hoodie and mask knocks on the door and Inquires about sleeping pills.


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    17:02 Wed, 6 Mar


    Changes


    It is on a Friday when the seemingly endless loop finally ceases. Just as | have anticipated, customers steadily arrive throughout


    the night. The sound of the door opening with a ding catches my attention, and | turn to see if the person in the hoodie will buy


    the sleeping pill once more. Just as | am about to grab the pre-packed sleeping pill, | lift my head and notice the absence of


    anyone wearing a


    hoodie or a mask.


    However, my gaze is drawn to a breathtakingly beautiful girl, her face etched with a frown of irritation. Bags under her eyes


    reveal her exhaustion, while her entire aura emanates with anger. For some reason, even if it is the first time | see her face, there


    is a sense of familiarity that washes over me. | can¡¯t take my eyes off her as she stops right in front of me and confidently ces


    a paper bill on the


    counter.


    | don¡¯t know why | don¡¯t just give her the medicine.


    | don¡¯t know why | actually speak..


    ¡°What happened to your hoodie?¡±


    She seems taken aback by my question, perhaps because it is unexpected for someone to approach her. | can tell she is going


    to ignore me by the way she casually shrugs. With an awkward nod, | reluctantly ept her money and pass her the sleeping


    pill. Right before | can hand her the change, she surprises me by finally opening her mouth.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You''re in a talkative mood today, huh?¡±


    Immediately, my cheeks turn red with embarrassment. ¡°Sorry.¡±


    ¡°No worries, it¡¯s all good.¡± She tells me, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth as she chuckles. She really is pretty. ¡°I just


    can¡¯t handle this heat.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    And | think that will be the end of it, but | am wrong. She makes a point to ditch. her hoodie whenever she goes to the


    convenience store after that day. Instead, she enters the store wearing rumpled pajamas and a deep frown, urgently requesting


    a


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    17:02 Wed, 6 Mar


    Changes


    sleeping pill.


    67%


    It takes me about three weeks to build up the courage to ask her about it, after she has bought it.


    ¡°Are you having a hard time sleeping?¡±


    Her snort of contempt is followed by sharp, cutting remarks, but they bounce off me without leaving a mark. ¡°Tell me, smarty


    pants, what do you think?¡±


    ¡°| think maybe the sleeping pills you keep buying don¡¯t actually work.¡± | tell her nonchntly, shrugging as | slide the sleeping pill


    into a paper bag and hand her back her change. ¡°Maybe you should try doing something else to help you sleep.¡±


    ¡°Got any suggestions?¡±


    | tilt my head to the side, deep in thought.


    ¡°What do you think about going for a run?¡±


    She gives me a bewildered look, as if | have lost my mind. She quickly sn atches the paper bag and heads towards the store¡¯s


    exit. | shrug, turning my attention to the shelves, only to realize that the door hasn¡¯t mmed shut, suggesting that she is still


    there. As confusion washes over me, | quickly nce behind me, only to find her gaze fixed upon me, mirroring my own


    befuddlement.


    ¡°My name¡¯s Ettie.¡±


    As she tells me, | can¡¯t help but notice how her name rolls off the tongue, just as lovely as she is. It is undeniably unfair how


    some individuals are blessed with both physical attractiveness and names that exude charm.


    ¡°I''m not really into running, but if it gets the job done, then why not? When are we going to go for a jog?¡±


    When | suggest going for a run, what | really mean is for her to do it alone. The girl introduces herself to me, but | remain


    completely oblivious to her identity. We barely know each other, and she, a customer, and me, a mere part-time worker at


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    17.02 Wed, 6 Mar


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    the convenience store.


    Agreeing and going with her would bepletely crazy.


    But that¡¯s what | do. Surprising myself, the words spill out of my mouth, and | tell her:


    ¡°Im almost done with my shift. Nothingpares to a morning jog. If you wait for me, I¡¯m down to run with you.¡±


    ¡°Cool.¡±


    Ettie nods, her hand reaching out to grasp the doorknob. With her hand firmly on the handle and one foot already outside, | can¡¯t


    resist speaking up once more. In an instant, she freezes, her gaze fixed ahead, deliberately avoiding any eye contact with me.


    ¡°You can call me Alina.¡±


    ¡°Alina.¡±


    She softly whispers my name under her breath, as if trying to etch it into her


    memory.


    ¡°Your name is really pretty.¡±


    | know Ettie like | know myself.


    We are inseparable, always doing everything together.


    It might be strange how our paths cross, and even now, | still can¡¯t fathom why she struggles with sleep. She ims that it¡¯s


    solely her character, but deep down, | remain skeptical. It sounds bad, as friends have to trust each other, but sometimes | just


    sense that Ettie is keeping secrets from me.


    Despite everything, when my eyes meet hers, and | witness the blood dripping


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    3] 67%1


    from her mouth and hands, I¡¯m filled with uncertainty about how well | truly know


    her.


    From my vantage point high up in the tree sanctuary, | watch with anticipation as Ettie and her group pass below. The moonlight


    filters through the leaves, creating eerie patterns of shadow on the forest floor. With every step they take, my heart pounds in my


    chest, creating a symphony of pulsating beats.


    Ettie, my best friend, the person with whom I share countless secrets andughter, walks with the group, her once familiar


    presence now distant and unfamiliar. Her silhouette is barely visible, camouged in the darkness, causing me to narrow my


    eyes in concentration. Every time she moves, a predatory grace apanies her, creating a malevolent aura that sends shivers


    down my spine.


    ¡°on 2025


    The forest used to be so peaceful, but now it¡¯s like a maze of dangerous stuff. Ettie¡¯s gaze,


    mid of warmth and filled with an ominous intensity, uncovers a


    hidden darkness lurking within her. As the moonlight hits her eyes, they seem to shimmer like stars in the night sky.


    I can hear the group¡¯s voices floating up to me, fragments ofughter and conversation that give me an unsettling sensation. The


    contrast between their camaraderie and the twisted reality of the Mating Run makes the scene super


    surreal.


    As Ettie walks, an unsettling sensation washes over me, as if I¡¯m witnessing a predator in its element. As she surveys the


    surroundings, her eyes darting with cold determination, it¡¯s like looking at a reflection of the hunter that attacked me earlier. My


    mind races, trying to reconcile the familiar Ettie | knew with this chilling. transformation, like two puzzle pieces that no longer fit


    together.


    My forehead is covered in a thin veil of sweat as | tightly grip the branch beneath me. As the leaves rustle in response, | freeze,


    my heart pounding in my chest, hoping | haven¡¯t given away my hidden vantage point. The fear of discovery hangs heavy in the


    air, mixing with the overwhelming dread of witnessing my best friend¡¯s inexplicable descent.


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    Changes


    67%


    As | grasp the hilt of my knife, | feel its cool metal against my palm, causing my fingers to tighten. It''s as if the space separating


    us is simultaneously vast and excruciatingly tight. Ettie¡¯sughter, once aforting melody, now sends an eerie shiver down


    the spine when it rings hollow in the night.


    As they move away, the forest exhales a collective breath, the cool breeze brushing against my skin. | keep my gaze fixed on


    Ettie¡¯s figure until it gradually blends into the darkness. I¡¯m freaked out ¡ª the hunter and Ettie, tied together by something really


    bad, a darkness that¡¯s impossible to understand.


    Coming down from the tree is like a choreographed dance, with limbs moving in sync with the shadows. Every sound is


    amplified, as if my senses are on high alert, capturing the faintest echoes ofughter in the forest. Every step | take is haunted


    by the long, chilling shadow of Ettie¡¯s transformation, urging me to move faster.


    As my boots meet the forest floor, the earthy scent of moss and fallen leaves. fills my nostrils as | break into a sprint. The path to


    the cave calls out like a lifeline, promising refuge from the sinister presence that taints the darkness. The branches above allow


    slivers of moonlight to dance across the uneven ground below. Driven by urgency, | push myself forward, desperate to reach


    Zeke and escape the encroaching darkness.


    As | hurry through the forest, the branches reach out to snag my clothing.


    As | hurry, the sound of twigs snapping beneath my feet echoes through the oppressively silent air, creating a symphony of


    trepidation. As | follow the path, it unfolds like a twisted ribbon, beckoning me to return to the cave and the feverish


    Zeke.


    Ettie¡¯s group¡¯sughter fades into the distance, drowned out by the haunting orchestra of the night. As | draw closer to Zeke, my


    breaths be more ragged, reflecting the mounting anticipation. My vision is toyed with by shifting shadows, twisting the path


    into a perplexing maze.


    And then, a glimmer of hope catches my eye a patch of ripe, juicy berries.


    Like sca ttered jewels, the small, vibrant orbs call out for attention on the forest floor. A glimmer of reli¨¦f flickers inside me,


    offering a momentary break from the


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    17:02 Wed, 6 Mar


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    overwhelming sense of dread. Perhaps, just perhaps, nature has provided a momentary reprieve with the gift of sustenance.


    I skid to a stop, feeling my heart pounding in my chest, and quickly kneel beside the juicy berries. Bathed in moonlight, they


    appear innocent, yet there is an underlying sinister aura to this forest. A moment of hesitation flickers within me, torn between the


    cautious voice in my head and the growling hunger in my stomach.


    Ignoring my fear, | give in to the gnawing hunger and start picking the berries. with fervent determination.


    As | pick, the soft petals brush against my fingertips, offering a tactile semnce of normalcy. As | walk, the rhythmic rustling of


    leaves acts as a calming symphony, counteracting the haunting memories that linger within me.


    Perhaps this is the action | should take right from the beginning.


    | should just ignore everything and let my instinct take over.


    6/7


    [e)

 Chapter 18

    Chapter 18


    Touch


    Like a foreboding gateway to an uncertain refuge, the cave¡¯s entrance looms ahead. With a blend of relief and nervousness, |


    venture into its refreshing and damp interior. Clutching the can of beans and the bunch of berries in my hands, | feel like a


    desperate survivor in this unforgiving forest.


    Stepping inside, | am greeted by the weing embrace of the musty scent of damp earth and the soft glow emanating from the


    small fire pit. However, thefort quickly fades away. The flickering shadows on the cavernous walls seem toe alive,


    making my nerves tingle with unease. Gripped by the fear of the unknown, | frantically nce around, my eyes desperately


    searching for Zeke¡¯s motionless body.


    And there he is, no longer sprawled on the floor, but now leaning against the cave wall, his gaze fixated on the dark void of his


    own mind. As the fire flickers, eerie shadows dance across his face, intensifying the hollow gaze that meets mine. My stomach


    tightens with fear as my mind races to make sense of the scene unfolding before me.


    ¡°Zeke?¡±


    Cautiously, | call out and hear the echo of my own voice bouncing off the walls. in the confined space. His eyes, once fierce with


    aggression, now reflect an eerie vacancy that sends a chill down my spine. As | hold the knife, its weight offers little reassurance


    against the uncertainty that lies ahead.


    Not a word escapes his lips as his stare remains fixated on the cave floor, as though caught in the grip of a terrifying daydream.


    Tension thickens the air, making each step a delicate dance with the tightening grip of fear in my chest.


    ¡°Zeke, it''s me, Alina.¡±


    I say, my voice quivering despite my efforts to project confidence. The memory of his earlier aggression loomsrge in my


    thoughts, casting a palpable sense of fear over every interaction.


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    Touch


    67%0


    Touch


    Like a foreboding gateway to an uncertain refuge, the cave¡¯s entrance looms ahead. With a blend of relief and nervousness, |


    venture into its refreshing and damp interior. Clutching the can of beans and the bunch of berries in my hands, | feel like a


    desperate survivor in this unforgiving forest.


    Stepping inside, | am greeted by the weing embrace of the musty scent of damp earth and the soft glow emanating from the


    small fire pit. However, thefort quickly fades away. The flickering shadows on the cavernous walls seem toe alive,


    making my nerves tingle with unease. Gripped by the fear of the unknown, | frantically nce around, my eyes desperately


    searching for Zeke¡¯s motionless body.


    And there he is, no longer sprawled on the floor, but now leaning against the cave wall, his gaze fixated on the dark void of his


    own mind. As the fire flickers, eerie shadows dance across his face, intensifying the hollow gaze that meets mine. My stomach


    tightens with fear as my mind races to make sense of the scene unfolding before me.


    ¡°Zeke?¡±


    Cautiously, | call out and hear the echo of my own voice bouncing off the walls in the confined space. His eyes, once fierce with


    aggression, now reflect an eerie vacancy that sends a chill down my spine. As | hold the knife, its weight offers little reassurance


    against the uncertainty that lies ahead.


    Not a word escapes his lips as his stare remains fixated on the cave floor, as though caught in the grip of a terrifying daydream.


    Tension thickens the air, making each step a delicate dance with the tightening grip of fear in my chest.


    ¡°Zeke, it''s me, Alina.¡±


    I


    I say, my voice quivering despite my efforts to project confidence. The memory of his earlier aggression loomsrge in my


    thoughts, casting a palpable sense of fear over every interaction.


    [e)


    17:03 Wed, 6 Mar


    Touch


    In the dimly lit cave, the flickering firelight casts intriguing shadows on the walls, adding an element of mystery as | approach him


    with caution. As | grip the knife tightly, its metallic surface glimmers, offering a frail reassurance amidst the haunting uncertainty.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    ask, and the words hover in the air, suspended like a delicate thread.


    His gaze flickers, briefly acknowledging my presence, but there¡¯s a distant emptiness that renders my words iprehensible.


    As | remember our earlier confrontation, a shiver runs down my spine, recalling the feral intent in his eyes.


    ¡°So, | went out to get some food.¡±


    Holding out the can of beans and the berries, | cautiously extend them as a peace offering. | catch a glimpse of recognition in his


    eyes, but it disappears as quickly as a flickering me, leaving me with a haunting fear that he could betray


    me once more.


    The unnerving silence hangs in the air as | cautiously take another step, desperately trying to decipher his intentions.


    ¡°Zeke, say something to me. Are you okay?¡±


    | press, my voice trembling with a desperate plea for understanding.


    His eyes, filled with a haunted intensity, finally meet mine as he looks up. The vacant look in his eyes fills me with an instinctual


    dread, a sign that the forest''s malice has scarred him. The knife quivers in my grasp, a feeble attempt to shield myself from the


    tempestuous turmoil brewing inside him.


    ¡°Zeke, how are you feeling?¡±


    l_ask, my voice filled with a delicate concern. | watch as he blinks, the fever-induced fog lifting from his eyes. A raspy whisper


    escapes as his lips slowly part, uttering a single word.


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    17 03 Wed, 6 Mar


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    ¡°Weird.¡±


    ¡°Weird?¡±


    Achuckle escapes my lips, and with it, my worry melts away into a softughter.


    ¡°Weird is an improvement from what you were before.¡±


    67%2


    The tension in the cave lifted slightly, and a faint breeze whispered through the narrow passages. | knelt beside him, and his


    intense gaze never wavered, momentarily forgetting about the can of beans and bunch of berries.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    ¡°It''s because you''re sick, dork.¡± With a mischievous smile, | teased him while my fingers grazed his forehead. His skin felt


    scorching hot under my touch, causing me to involuntarily wince. ¡°Zeke, you''re like a living furnace.¡±


    ¡°Dork?¡±


    His words echoed through the empty cave, his voice sounding h oa rse and strained.


    | nodded, a mischievous grin spreading across my face. ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re such a dork. You''d have to be a total dork to get a fever


    during the Mating Run.¡±


    He managed a weak smile, his lips trembling slightly at the corners. He furrowed his brow, his disoriented mind grappling with


    the fog of illness as he tried to make sense of the situation. | froze at that, not really knowing that he could even smile in the first


    ce. His unexpected grin caught me off guard.


    But now that he was smiling, | couldn¡¯t help but notice how strange it looked. If he had been nicer and not a total jerk, he would


    have been an amazing potential mate.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    He mumbled, his eyes still reflecting a trace of confusion.


    [e)


    2/8


    Touch


    ¡°So, you fell and cracked your head open, and this could be your body¡¯s way of fighting an infection. You¡¯re most likely starving


    and running on just a few hours of sleep. That''s gonna get you sick, and well, here we are.¡±


    | replied, my toneced with a gentle yet genuine concern.


    ¡°But no worries, Nurse Alina is here to save the day.¡±


    ¡°Nurse Alina?¡±


    ¡°Let''s be honest, you can¡¯t do anything on your own, can you?¡±


    | brandished the knife with a yful grin, feeling its weight in my hand, knowing it would serve as my makeshift can opener in this


    culinary adventure. With a satisfying pop, the metallic edges of the can yielded, and a small surge of triumph washed over me.


    ¡°Behold, the culinary prowess of Nurse Alina!¡±


    | dered triumphantly, holding the opened can aloft like a prized possession.


    Zeke, still half asleep but entertained, observed the spectacle unfold.


    ¡°Wow.¡±


    With a hint of amusement in his voice, he mumbles his words. In response, | let out a chuckle, determined to make the best of


    this unpleasant situation.


    ¡°Get ready, nerd. Time to dig into some grub.¡±


    | announce, the sharp scent of beans filling the air as | dip the knife into the can. As | scoop a spoonful, | feel the awkwardness of


    using my fingers instead of proper utensils. Improvisation is key, and | extend my hand toward Zeke, the spoonful trembling on


    its delicate bnce.


    ¡°Say ¡®ahhh,¡¯ Mr. Gourmet.¡±


    Opening his mouth wide, he eagerly awaits as | delicately ce the beans onto


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    his tongue. | can¡¯t help but burst intoughter, the sound echoing through the room, as he looks incredibly foolish. | really hope


    that after all this, | could gather every single picture of Zeke andpile them into my own album so | can have a goodugh.


    ¡°Fine dining at its best, right?¡±


    Zeke grins, his eyes lighting up with a renewed sparkle.


    ¡°Hmmmhmm.¡±


    Between bites, he replies, and | find myself entertained by the sight of him ¡ª his messy hair, his flushed face, and his voracious


    appetite as he devours the beans.


    ¡°Now, for the pi¨¦ce de r¨¦sistance!¡±


    With a dramatic gesture, | present the berries, their vibrant colors catching everyone¡¯s attention. Without any utensils in sight, |


    have to think outside the box. | pluck a juicy berry from the bunch and hold it up, its vibrant red color glistening in the sunlight.


    ¡°Presenting the airborne berry delivery system. Open wide, dork.¡±


    With a foolish smile stered on his face, he ys along while | skillfully toss the berry into the air. Zeke skillfully tilts his head


    and catches it in his mouth, a victorious smile lighting up his face.


    ¡°Bravo, bravo!¡±


    | let out a cheer, my handsing together in a mocking apuse.


    As our impromptu dinner continues, the aroma of simmering beans fills the air, apanied by the sound of joyfulughter and


    friendly banter. Despite the dire circumstances, the cave reverberates withughter and the sound of shared absurdity.


    Zeke¡¯s hunger proves insatiable, and | can¡¯t help but notice the way he devours his food, barely pausing to breathe.


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    ¡°Hey, can you slow down? You''re not in a food-eating contest, dumbas s.¡±


    I can¡¯t help butugh as | shake my head in disbelief at his insatiable hunger. He shoots me a sheepish grin, his mouth still full of


    beans, and | can¡¯t help but appreciate the raw authenticity of the moment.


    Between bites andughter, | can taste the refreshing blend of herbs as | reach for the water bottle | had prepared earlier.


    ¡°Time for a pte cleanser.¡±


    | dere, presenting the drink to Zeke, inviting him to take a sip. He eagerly quenches his thirst with the cool water, which serves


    as a refreshing counterpoint


    to the unique vors of our meal.


    Zeke, now adorned with remnants of our makeshift feast, is a charming mess- his hair tousled, a hint of berries adding a touch of


    whimsy to his flushed cheeks. In his disoriented state, there is a delicate vulnerability that resonates with me, intensifying the


    tenderness we share.


    Unable to contain my amusement, a chuckle escapes my lips as | behold the


    comical sight in front of me.


    ¡°You, sir, are a masterpiece.¡±


    | proim with a grandiose gesture, drawing attention to the colorful smudges on his face, a living testament to our culinary


    escapade. A faint grin tugs at Zeke¡¯s lips, as his feverish eyes dance with a blend of amusement and disorientation.


    ¡°Masterpiece.¡±


    The word hangs in the air, echoing, as he draws it out in a single, breathy syble, his voice a mix of exhaustion and yfulness.


    With mischief sparkling in my eyes, | cautiously approach, my fingertips ready to sweep away the traces of our meal from his


    cheek. As my fingertips softly caress his skin, a quiet energy fills the air between us, cra ckling with anticipation.


    [e)


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    ¡°There, looking less dorky now.¡±


    With a mischievous tone, | tease, myughter mingling with theforting cra ckle of the fire. Despite the fever-induced haze,


    his gaze locks with mine, revealing an undeniable intimacy in his willingness to let me in.


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    Involuntary yawns escape me, each one a reminder of the exhaustion that weighs heavily on both Zeke and me. | can barely


    keep my eyes open, and Zeke looks just as exhausted.


    In the midst of this shared fatigue, Zeke¡¯s request breaks the silence like a whisper in the wind. ¡°Can I...sleep on yourp?¡±


    He asks, his voice a gentle murmur that seems to carry a weight of vulnerability and unspoken emotions. A tender smile graces


    my lips, as if it had a life of its own. With a chuckle, | give a light pat to my knees and roll my eyes in jest.


    ¡°Come here.¡±


    I reply, shifting my position to create a makeshift pillow for him, adjusting myself to provide somefort. As Zeke snuggles up


    beside me, his head finds a soft resting ce on myp, his warm breath tickling my skin.


    The cave embraces us in a cocoon of tranquility, the fire¡¯s glow casting a soft radiance on Zeke¡¯s features. As he lies there, a


    hush falls over the surroundings, and my heart fills with a gentle warmth.


    In the stillness, Zeke¡¯s voice breaks the silence, resonating through the air with an unexpected sweetness.


    ¡°You smell nice.¡±


    He murmurs softly, his warm breath gently caressing my skin.


    As his words reach my ears, a blush creeps across my cheeks, revealing my embarrassment.


    6.9


    1/01 Wed, 6 Mai (


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you mention that | smelled bad back then?¡±


    My voice carries a yful tone as | tease, genuinely curious about the answer.


    His chuckle fills the cave with a soft and affectionate resonance,


    ¡°Lied.¡±


    His admission holds a certain weight, as if it contains unspoken truths that resonate beyond mere words.


    Before | can delve into the meaning behind his words, | hear the gentle sound of his rhythmic breathing, signaling that sleep has


    imed him. With Zeke nestled in the warmth of myp, | can feel his gentle breaths as he surrenders to the embrace of


    dreams, leaving my unspoken questions lingering in the stillness of the night air,


    While looking at his peaceful slumber, a whirlwind of emotions stirs inside me. The cave, once filled with echoes of shared


    laughter, now exudes an atmosphere of vulnerability and unspoken confessions. As the fire dwindles, it still manages to cast a


    soft glow, illuminating the contours of Zake¡¯s face and highlighting the trust that has bloomed between us.


    I


    With a gentle touch, | brush a strand of hair away from his forehead, feeling its softness against my fingertips.


    718

 Chapter 19

    Chapter 19


    Gift


    @ 67%


    Startled from sleep, | heard the ring sirens pierce through the silence.


    My eyes flutter open, and | immediately feel a cool breeze brush against my face. Confusion and sleep clouded my senses as |


    strained to make sense of the ring announcement, each number a grim reminder of lives lost. With sweat. dripping down my


    neck, | anxiously scanned my surroundings, my heart beating rapidly for no apparent reason.


    | looked around and realized | was the only person there. Feeling the coldness on myp, | realized that Zeke must have left


    hours ago.


    ¡°Zeke?¡±


    I called out, and the echo in the empty cave magnified the trembling anxiety in my voice. The silence hung in the air, with no


    reply to be heard. The deafening silence of the cave intensified my panic as | frantically searched for any trace of him.


    Fear clenched my stomach as | cautiously surveyed the shadows, half-expecting him to appear with that mischievous grin, yet


    the cave remained


    devoid of sound.


    But then, another thought sneaks its way into my mind.


    The bag. Did he ditch me? Did he steal back what | took?


    Struggling to find my way in the dim light, my fingers finally connected with the bag, and a brief sense of relief washed over me.


    As | unzipped the bag, a wave of anxiety washed over me, my fingers trembling in response.


    Opening the bag, | was surprised by what | found inside, catching me off guard.


    My anxious eyes were greeted by a mouthwatering disy of food.


    More food. More berries. A rabbit carcas s.


    ml


    [e)


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    Zeke hadn¡¯t taken, instead, he had generously given.


    67%


    Confusion melted away, reced by a medley of thankfulness and amazement.


    ¡°Zeke?¡±


    | called again, my voice quieter than before, tinged with a sense of both gratitude and wonder. No response. Within the cave, a


    profound silence enveloped me, entuated only by the dancing shadows cast by the flickering firelight.


    Asmile tugged at my lips, a whirlwind of emotions battling for dominance.


    He cared. He cared, in a twisted sort of way.


    My lips curled into a small smile as | plucked a few berries, savoring the taste of my unexpected breakfast in this tranquil oasis.


    As | pop some of them into my mouth, | can¡¯t help but hum in delight at their delectable sweetness.


    As | turned around, ready to face whatever was out there, | saw the wall.


    My breath hitched as | read the words written on the wall of the cave.


    ¡®Now, we''re even.


    As | looked at the rabbit carcas s/again, | couldn¡¯t help but wish that the words were written with the natural pigments of berries,


    instead of the chilling reminder of blood. Nevertheless, the thought didn¡¯t deter the smile that tugged at my lips and the inner


    warmth that blossomed.


    Zeke¡¯s way of settling scores was kinda funny.


    At that moment, in the middle of all the uncertainty at the Mating Run, | unexpectedly started to really like Zeke. Cradling the


    berries in my hands, their vibrant colors and juicy feel brought an immediate smile to my face, a silent thank you to Zeke. A shift


    urred, and unexpectedly, | felt a warm fondness growing inside me.


    ¡°Even.¡±


    [e)


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    17.03 Wed, 6 Mar


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    | muttered to myself, a soft chuckle escaping my lips, my smile lingering.


    67%


    Sitting there, enjoying the taste of the berries, | couldn¡¯t help but notice the distant sound of sirens, as if they were miles away.


    The numbers were nothingpared to the message on the cave wall.


    ¡°Alright, we¡¯re even, | guess.¡±


    | repeated the word, hoping that its sound could ground the fleeting emotions swirling inside me.


    Satiated by the berries, my eyes fixate on the rabbit carc as s lying in front of me, a tempting feast awaiting my consumption.


    | examine it closely, my eyes filled with abination of determination and uncertainty, as my fingertips gently trace its curves.


    The cr ackling fire in the corner of the cave fills the air with warmth and casts mesmerizing shadows on the walls.


    ¡°Okay, little rabbit, let¡¯s see what we can do.¡±


    As | search the cave, |e across some smooth stones that | can use as makeshift utensils, their weightforting in my


    hands. The twigs sca ttered around feel rough and splintered against my fingertips as | begin assembling a rudimentary


    contraption. The culinary experiment is raw and daring, and a sense of amusement begins to bubble up within me.


    With a few stones carefully ced, | position the twigs over the fire, creating a makeshift grill that emits a tantalizing aroma. As |


    ce the rabbit on my primitive cooking apparatus, | can hear the cra ckling of the mes and smell the aroma of the sizzling


    meat.


    Thankfully, the animal has already been skinned and cleaned, sparing me from the gruesome task. If it hadn¡¯t been stripped of its


    skin, | would have been clueless about what to do.


    As the delicious scent of roasting rabbit permeates the cave, my stomach can¡¯t help but rumble in anticipation. It is no longer


    solely focused on survival; it has be about optimizing the use of our avable resources.


    [e)


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    ¡°Here goes nothing!¡±


    | mutter under my breath, using the crude utensil | have fashioned to carefully flip the rabbit. The mes flicker and sway, casting


    a warm glow that makes the surroundings feel strangelyforting.


    As the rabbit cooks, it emits a mouthwatering sizzle and a tantalizing aroma that makes my mouth water.


    ¡°Looks like I¡¯m having a feast tonight, Mr. Rabbit.¡±


    With a wide grin, | speak, my words resonating within the cave¡¯s enclosed walls. | sit mesmerized by the flickering firelight, its


    warm glow casting aforting aura around me.


    ¡°Bon app¨¦tit, Mr. Rabbit.¡±


    shing a yful grin, | speak with lightheartedness, acknowledging the gastronomic journey about to unfold. Gripping my


    makeshift utensils tightly, | eagerly dig into the sulent meat, savoring the burst of vors with the first bite.


    As | take a bite, the vor explodes on my taste buds, creating a symphony of warmth and tenderness that makes me hum with


    satisfaction. With my eyes closed, | can taste the explosion of vors in every bite of the well-cooked meal.


    ¡°Mmm, not bad at all.¡±


    Between bites, | mumble, the words barely escaping my lips.


    My taste buds dance with delight as | indulge in the rabbit, all the while pondering the sheer absurdity of it all. Amidst the chaos


    of the Mating Run, | take a moment to enjoy a meal prepared over a makeshift fire in a cave. A carefree chuckle bubbles up


    inside me, breaking the silence with its joyful resonance.


    ¡°You and me, Mr. Rabbit, making the best out of a crazy situation!¡±


    With each word | utter, the satisfying crunch of roasted meat resonates in the background.


    Ill


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    17:03 Wed, 6 Mar


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    Each savory bite brings me a profound sense of happiness and peace. The cr ackling fire casts dancing shadows on the cave


    walls, as the rabbit vanishes into nothingness, leaving only a trail of bones behind.


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Rabbit.¡±


    With thest morsel of rabbit gone, | sink back against the cave wall, relishing in the taste still lingering on my tongue.


    Within the cave, days blend together into a hushed and monotonous rhythm.


    The berries be my steadfastpanions, their sweet taste providingfort amidst the uncertainty of the Mating Run.


    Their simple vors provide me with sce, and | savor each one as if it embodies the essence of survival.


    Lounging against the cave wall, | relish the taste of the juicy berries, savoring each bite. Inside my newfound sanctuary, the


    chaos of the outside world feels. distant, like a fading echo.


    As time goes on, the cave transforms into my personal refuge. As | sit by the fire, the flickering mes create a cozy ambiance,


    filling the air with aforting warmth. | embrace the solitude, relishing the peacefulness it provides as a break from the


    ceaseless chase of the Mating Run.


    One day, a sudden impulse seizes me, urging me to take action.


    ¡°Why not a bath?¡±


    ncing towards the entrance of the cave, | muse aloud, making sure no one is watching. The forest outside whispers tales of


    danger, its rustling leaves and distant howls creating an eerie ambiance.


    With a deep breath, | gather my courage and approach the cool waters of a nearby stream, feeling the refreshing mist on my


    face. The water against my skin sends shivers down my spine, simultaneously invigorating and calming me.


    4/7


    17.03 Wed, 6 Mar C


    67%


    With my hair dripping and energy renewed, | return to the cave and resume my spot by the cra ckling fire. The borries beckon to


    me, their vibrant colors and sweet scont luring me closer.


    As | indulge in my berry feasts and moments of solitude, | can feel a growing sense of vitality permeating through my body. The


    cave, once a ce of sce, has transformed into an imprable fortress of strength. Each day brings a renewed sense of


    hope and a reminder that survival means more than just avoiding danger- it means cherishing moments of tranquility and self-


    nurturing.


    As | stir from my sleep one morning, | hear the cave¡¯s shadows rustling on the walls, just like always. | grab the rest of the


    berries, my breakfast in this lonely ce.


    The berries, my sweet saviors of the day, are about to satisfy my hunger when a noise interrupts the silence.


    Footsteps. Right outside the cave.


    Like icy fingers, panic tightens its grip on me, causing me to freeze with the berries held motionless in my hand.


    Each breath | take hitches, creating a symphony of fear in my chest. The cave, once a sanctuary, now echoes with the eerie


    sounds of dripping water and distant echoes. With each step, the sound of the approaching footsteps reverberates ominously


    against the rocky walls. | strain my ears, desperately hoping that the faint whispers are just a figment of my anxious imagination.


    Like a sudden storm, reality crashes in with an overwhelming force.


    Beyond the cave¡¯s mouth, | can make out the silhouette of someone, their figure barely visible in the dim light. As the berries slip


    from my grasp, their luscious sweetness fills the air, momentarily forgotten in the face of imminent danger. My heart races, its


    frantic beats echoing through my chest.


    My mind is filled with a whirlwind of a million different scenarios. They are likely


    ¡ã


    5/7


    967%


    17:03 Wed, 6 Mar


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    Hunters, their keen senses attuned to the scent of my fear. The cave, once


    peaceful, now reverberates with the taunting echoes, reminding me of the unknown intruder¡¯s proximity.


    ¡°No, no, no.¡±


    | whisper to myself, hoping it will scare away the danger. The cave¡¯s shadows used to be my quiet buddies, but now they''re


    turning into creepy ghosts that remind me of being vulnerable.


    My throat suddenly feels tight, and the cave, once a ce to hide, now feels ustrophobic. Each step bes a louder


    reminder that my sanctuary is nothing but a fantasy. | rush further into the cave, my breathing in quick gasps.


    | can¡¯t look away from the cave¡¯s entrance. The footsteps stop, and the cave bes deadly silent, making me terrified.


    Am | remotely knowledgeable about defending myself? Not really. But will summon all my strength and courage to protect


    myself? Absolutely. Plus, I¡¯ve already outsmarted two Hunters, and I¡¯m confident the next one won''t fare any better.


    Gripping the stone tighter, | can¡¯t help but notice my bag sitting nearby, beckoning me. With only a handful of berries and a few


    biscuits remaining, | begin to see this as a fortunate turn of events. Sooner orter, | have to venture out of the cave and face


    what awaits me. Hiding indoors won¡¯t benefit me, especially since | still need to find a mate to finish the Mating Run.


    The sound of footsteps grows louder and closer with each passing moment.


    Trying to keep calm, | quickly reach for a nearby stone, ready to defend myself if necessary.


    [e)

 Chapter 20

    Chapter 20


    Safe


    67%1


    With every stumble they make inside the cave, my eyes widen, and the darkness seems to grow thicker, suffocating the lingering


    fear.


    Instead of a Hunter, a disheveled figure with wild hair stumbles into the cave, looking lost.


    AHider. Like me.


    The sight of her tear-stained face and trembling limbs creates an eerie atmosphere in the cave.


    ¡°Whoa, slow down, calm down!¡±


    My voice trembles as | stammer, its echoes bouncing off the cave walls like a hesitant symphony. Without hesitation, | make my


    presence known, instinctively guiding her to prevent a potential fall.


    As our eyes meet, | see a desperate plea swimming within the depths of the Hider¡¯s gaze. The tracksuit she wears is in tatters,


    with bloodstains marring the fabric and blending together into an unrecognizable blur. | don¡¯t see a number to identify her with,


    and her trembling hands suggest she might not even remember her own name.


    She remains frozen, shaking uncontrobly, as |e closer to her. Her pants are bing increasingly wet as fear takes hold


    of her, a clear indication that she has peed herself out of the belief that | am a Hunter.


    | raise my hands up in defense, trying to ease her concerns and showing her that | pose no threat. ¡°What happened?¡±


    | ask, my voice trailing off and creating an uneasy silence. The Hider¡¯s breaths are ragged, sounding like a desperate melody


    that emphasizes the seriousness of her ordeal. She speaks in hesitant, broken sentences, her words a jumbled mix of fear and


    urgency.


    1/20


    1701 West, 6 Mar C)


    Sale


    ¡°Monsters, they... they got my friend-,¡±


    With a shaky whisper, she mumbles, her voice piercing through the silence,


    unsettling me to the core. As tears stream down the Hider¡¯s face, she can feel the cool touch of despair on her cheeks.


    ¡°|-Iran, but they¡¯re relentless. | don¡¯t know how many are left... | just... | need a


    moment.


    14


    Clutching the sides of her tattered tracksuit, her trembling hands betray her shatteredposure. My eyes dart around the


    entrance of the cave, a tingling sensation running down my spine as | anticipate the appearance of the monsters she warned me


    about, their dark shapes elongated by the waning daylight.


    ¡°Just calm down and breathe. Come on, you can do it!¡±


    l urge, but my words seem to dissolve into the air, unable to provide anyfort in the face of the unfolding nightmare. As the


    Hider sinks to the cave floor, the sound of her ragged breaths roverberates through the darkness.


    The Hider, a disheveled specter of terror, hositates for a moment, her rapid. breaths filling the air with a sense of unease as her


    eyes lock onto mine, desperate for safety.


    Maintaining a cautious distance, | observe the Hider¡¯s trombling frame, a somber testament to the indelible trauma they have


    endured. The cave feels heavy and suffocating, as if the darkness has seeped into its very essence.


    ¡°Don''t worry, you can take your time, no one will harm you in here.¡±


    | murmur, my voice barely audible, offering a gentle reassurance amidst the unyielding uncertainty. Haunted by what she has


    seen, the Hider¡¯s eyes flicker with a mix of gratitude and desperation.


    I can see the Hider¡¯s eyes, a mosaic of fear and gratitude, searching forfort in my gaze. And so | nod again, reiterating the


    exact words | just uttered.


    ¡°You can trust me, you''re safe.¡±


    17.03 Wed, 6 Mar


    Safe


    With cautious steps, | retrieve a handful of plump, ripe berries from my dwindling supply and a small container of refreshing


    water. When the Hider sees the meager food | am giving her, her eyes, still haunted by the horrors she has faced, widen with


    surprise.


    ¡°Grab a bite and have a drink. It¡¯s not a lot, but it''ll make a difference.¡±


    I say, my voice barely above a whisper, a gentle murmur.


    With trembling hands, she eagerly reaches for the berries and water, her body craving sustenance as if it has been deprived for


    days. And maybe, just maybe, she hasn''t at all. The cave¡¯s shadows twist and turn, creating elongated silhouettes that seem to


    mimic the fragility of her spirit.


    The Hider, her cheeks stained with tears, gobbles up the berries recklessly, her hunger overpowering any sense of self-control.


    | observe silently, witnessing the heaviness of her predicament with each desperate bite. Her faint s obs intertwine with the


    reverberating echoes, filling the confined space with a mncholic melody.


    While she chews, the mixture of desperation and starvation clings to her every bite, her tears intermingling with the berries. The


    Hider has faced horrors that | can¡¯t even fathom, and yet she eagerly devours the meager offerings before her.


    ¡°You might wanna take it easy, you might choke.¡±


    | suggest, my voice filled with a soft plea for consideration.


    The Hider¡¯s hunger consumes her, leaving her oblivious to everything else around her. With a gentle push, | offer her more


    berries, hoping that the shared act of indulging in their juiciness will bring our divergent worlds closer together,


    | watch, my eyes fixed on the heart-wrenching scene unfolding in front of me, unable to look away. The sound of the Hider¡¯s so


    bs, muf fled by the berries in her mouth, fills the air, resonating with the echoes of her recent ordeal.


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    17.03 Wed, 6 Mar


    Safe


    But she pays little heed, her insatiable hunger driving her to abandon any notion of propriety. The cave¡¯s shadows wrap around


    her like ghostly figures, emphasizing the despair etched onto her face.


    ¡°They... They got hold of my friend. | thought she was finally going to find at mate, but he just had sex with her and took her life. |


    have no idea how he pulled that off, with all the cameras and stuff. It wasn¡¯t as crazyst year. That¡¯s why me and my friend


    decided to join. If only | had known it would be this bad, | never would have registered.¡±


    Gasping for breath, she finally manages to articte her words, each one piercing the air with a chilling revtion.


    The weight of her confession lingers in the cave, a heavy silence that magnifies. the brutality of the Mating Run. | can¡¯t


    comprehend the depths of her grief, but the tears that mix with the berries paint a vivid picture.


    As the Hider finishes eating thest of the berries, a solemn understanding passes between us, casting a somber mood.


    ¡°| have no idea what to say, sorry.¡±


    My murmured words hang delicately in the air, adding to the weight of the moment. The Hider looks up, her tear-streaked face


    illuminated by the faint light, and in that fleeting moment, our eyes connect in a wordless understanding.


    reach out, offering a silent gesture of solidarity, and feel her trembling shoulder beneath my hand. As the Hider chews thest


    remnants of the berries, their eyes meet mine, filled with a blend of thankfulness and sorrow.


    With trembling hands, she ces the empty water bottle on the ground after she¡¯s done with it, and as | shift my gaze from the


    stains to her battered figure, a


    gasp escapes me


    The bruises on her body resemble morbid tattoos, with each one appearing bloodier and more vivid than thest. It hasn¡¯t


    urred to me how dreadful they are until | catch a whiff of the putrid, sickly smell emanating from some of them.


    67%


    17:03 Wed, 6 Mar O


    Safe


    ¡°Holy cr ap, what happened to you?¡±


    In a hushed whisper, | let the words escape, heavy with the weight of unanswered questions. Her eyes lock onto the tattered


    remnants of her clothes, clinging desperately to her, as she looks down. Unaware of the severity of her wounds, she blinks, her


    expression unchanged.


    ¡°|... [don¡¯t even know.¡±


    Her response is soft, almost trembling, revealing her fragile state.


    Without another word, | reach for Zeke¡¯s bag. As | reach into the bag, my hands fumble clumsily, struggling to find what I¡¯m


    looking for. My hands clumsily search through the bag, feeling the familiar shape of the bandages, a glimmer of hope as | realize


    there are still some left. | have no idea how he got them, but I¡¯m not about to question his generosity.


    $9.¡±


    ¡°Hey, what¡¯s your number? Mine¡¯s 9.¡±


    Wanting to divert her, | speak firmly, my voice carrying determination. The Hider takes a deep breath, then reluctantly discloses


    the digits etched on her tracksuit, her voice barely above a whisper.


    ¡°57


    With eachyer of fabric | peel away, the sight of her injuries unfolds before me, painting a gruesome picture in my mind. As she


    rolls up her sleeve, a ghastly sight greets me ¡ª her entire arm is marred by bruises, welts, and cuts.


    | try my hardest to keep myself from retching.


    The Hider winces in difort as | carefully wrap the bandages, the air filled with a symphony of muted pain.


    The bandages, barely clinging to her battered body, provide little relief to the physical wounds that mirror the deep emotional


    scars etched into her soul.


    As | secure thest bandage, the Hider¡¯s smile radiates genuine appreciation.


    Ill


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    17:03 Wed, 6 Mar


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    ¡°Thanks, | don¡¯t even know what would¡¯ve happened if | hadn¡¯t made it here.¡±


    With a subtle nod, | acknowledge that | know the answer, but | keep it to myself.


    If she hadn¡¯t stumbled upon this ce, she would¡¯ve been done for.


    Nothing else but that.


    Just as | am about to slip away, ensuring the Hider can finally rest, a sh of red. catches my attention. As my gaze falls upon


    the Hider, my eyes widen in horror at the sight of blood streaming down the side of their forehead. Swift and unyielding panic


    consumes me, my heart pounding in my chest as | hurry towards her, my footsteps reverberating through the cave.


    ¡°Did you take a hit to the head?¡±


    | blurt out, my words tumbling out of my mouth in a desperate plea for her to notice. She appears confused by my outburst, and it


    takes her a moment to gather her thoughts and respond. Frustration wells up inside me, causing me to click my tongue. | reach


    out and touch the side of her head, carefully swiping at the blood and revealing it to her.


    ¡°You''re bleeding. Did someone hit you?¡±


    The Hider, still caught in the mire of her own ordeal, touches her head, her fingers stained with the crimson testimony of her


    injuries.


    | don¡¯t remember. She tells me, shaking her head even as more blood trickles down her forehead. Frustration surges through me


    as | curse, my hand instinctively reaching for the bandages once more. | have no idea the extent of her wounds, but | should


    have noticed the bloodstains on her clothes before anything else. The only wounds | discovered were on her arms, but it¡¯s


    possible she has more on her legs.


    However, | need to prioritize her head for now.


    ¡°Hey,e on, give me an answer. Remember what happened before you got here?¡±


    [e)


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    17:03 Wed, 6 Mar O


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    D


    Repeating myself, | tear a few pieces of the bandage from the roll, as | swiftly dampen a clean cloth with water. If she has been


    here for a few hours, her untreated wound would have surely worsened in that time.


    | begin to suspect that it is deeper than what | thought. | need her to continue talking, the urgency growing. If she allows the


    gaping, bleeding wound to go untreated, there will be dire consequences.


    ¡°| was running when they tackled my friend, and then they stabbed her.¡±


    The Hider mutters, blinking as if trying to stay awake. | watch in horror as more blood slowly drips down her forehead. | let out


    another curse, closing the distance. between us as swiftly as possible.


    ¡°One of them had a hammer, maybe he hit me with it...¡±


    She muses, herughter spilling out of her like a bubbling brook.


    ¡°| suppose that¡¯s why | was feeling a bit off.¡±Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Her eyes roll to the back of her head, and she slumps to the ground, fainting in front of me. She falls to the cave floor, her body


    folding like a ragdoll.


    ml

 Chapter 21

    Chapter 21


    Inevitable


    Not once in my entire existence am | tasked with the weighty responsibility of rescuing another person. Ettie once tells me that


    when faced with a dire situation, where both my life and someone else¡¯s are in jeopardy, | typically prioritize my own. safety. The


    realization that my own concerns take precedence over others haunts. me, especially when ites to the possibility of


    someone losing their life.


    Far from denying Ettie¡¯s words, | actually find them to be quite shrewd. How challenging would it be to rescue oneself from


    trouble without relying on someone like me?


    Despite everything, Ettie and | have to attend a brief first aid course in preparation for the Mating Run. That¡¯s where | gain


    knowledge on the art of using ointments and applying bandages effectively. Honestly, in my mind, | would only utilize them once


    throughout the entire run. | can¡¯t keep track of how many times | have to resort to that now; it has be a routine.


    All | want now is for everything toe to an end.


    | reach out with trembling hands, my fingers grazing the blood-stained hair of the Hider, sending shivers down my spine. As | pull


    apart the strands, a tingling of fear brushes against the edges of my awareness, revealing a scene that seems like a hopeless


    challenge to survive.


    In her skull, there is a gaping hole, a chilling sight.


    | let out a piercing scream as | scramble backward, my whole body shaking uncontrobly. Crawling back toward her takes a few


    more seconds, but instead of fear, | am now filled with concern and a flicker of hope, as | see her chest moving up and down.


    ¡°No, no, no!¡±


    | mutter incoherently, my words a jumbled mess, filled with desperation.


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    17:04 Wed, 6 Mar


    Inevitable


    With a heart racing like a galloping horse, | plunge into action.


    In the midst of the chaos, my limited knowledge of first aid provides a glimmer of hope. With a frenzied determination, | push my


    hands against the Hider¡¯s chest, feeling the rhythmic thumping of her heart. It is getting weaker and weaker.


    ¡°C¡¯mon, breathe!¡±


    My voice quivers as | plead, barely audible as a whisper. Tears blur my vision as | desperately pump life into the Hider¡¯s


    motionless body, eachpression an anguished plea for her survival.


    Her pulse, feeble but unyielding, is the tenuous link that binds her to the edge of reality. As each second ticks away, the air grows


    heavy with an undeniable sense of fear, battling against the flickering ember of hope within me.


    | can¡¯t determine the extent of the wound on her head or how long it has been there. Looking back, | wish | had been more


    attentive; maybe then we wouldn''t be in this mess.


    ¡°Stay with me.¡± Urgently, my voice carries a mix of despair and determination as | urge. ¡°You can¡¯t let them win,e on!¡±


    And as the seconds go by, the pulse gets weaker, like a dying fire slowly disappearing. Panic is squeezing my chest, trying to put


    out the tiny me of hope that is still flickering.


    Just when it seems like there is no sound at all, a ring siren shatters the silence.


    The sound of its wail reverberates through the cave, creating a haunting atmosphere that sends shivers down my spine. The


    Hider¡¯s pulse, the rhythm that has been my lifeline, fades away into the inevitable.


    The Hider is dead.


    | never even got to know her name.


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    67%


    Copsing beside the Hider¡¯s lifeless form, | am ovee with uncontroble so bs that fill the cave¡¯s hollow chambers with


    echoes.


    | never really liked funerals.


    | just didn¡¯t get why they were necessary. If an individual held importance to me, why would | choose to wait until their death to


    prioritize spending time with them, as | pondered in my thoughts?


    Funerals were like gatherings of memories lost and futures unrealized. | stood there, the echoes of sadness reverberating


    through the air, my pretense of concern crumbling under the weight of my apathy.


    It was a masquerade, a performance of insincere mourners hiding behind sorrowful facades.


    When that person who passed away was alive, did anyone ever take a moment to sit with them, to share augh or listen to their


    stories?


    It was surreal, pretending that those memories flooding back meant anything, while standing in front of a coffin. They did carry


    significance, but it was because we disregarded them when they could have been shared.


    Funerals were the culmination of a tragic story of neglect.


    | couldn''t bear the hypocrisy, which was why | chose not to attend funerals. | wouldn¡¯t pretend that the person mattered to me in


    death, for they were nothing more than a fleeting presence in the backdrop of my life¡¯s drama. Funerals served as a way for the


    living to find sce and ease their guilt, rather than benefiting the departed.


    So, I''d rather remember them in my own way, with bittersweet nostalgia and genuine connections. I¡¯d silently carry the weight of


    my regret, sparing myself from an orchestrated farewell,


    In the end, attending a funeral felt like a cruel parody of the vibrant life that


    [e)


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    wed, 6 Mar


    Inevitable


    once thrived, and | refused to partake in such a charade.


    967%


    As the earth yields beneath my hands, | can¡¯t help but repeat the haunting words inside my head. While | have a strong dislike


    for funerals, my hate of death surpasses it. With trembling hands, | dig a makeshift hole, each handful of soil. symbolizing the


    heavy burden borne by the fallen, cascading into it.


    The burial site is adorned with berries, a small and humble offering amidst the dance of mortality, their vibrant colors standing out


    against the somber scene of grief.


    My tears fall uncontrobly, their silent descent blending with the soil beneath me, as | grapple with the abrupt conclusion of a life


    intimately connected to my


    own.


    With each pat of the soil, | can feel the weight of my grief bear down upon me, threatening to crush the flickering embers of hope


    within.


    Carefully arranged, a pile of freshly turned earth is adorned with a disy of luscious berries. Plucked from the deste beauty


    of our surroundings, leaves and flowers are ced on the makeshift grave.


    As | bow my head in a silent prayer, a chill runs down my spine as | feel the presence of unseen eyes in the deepening shadows


    of the cave.


    The Hider, now one with the soil that gently cradled her remains. Since | don¡¯t even know her name, | can¡¯t even give her burial


    ce a properbel. I¡¯m not even sure if | should have buried her in the first ce. | wonder if the staff of the run woulde


    here and retrieve her body.


    lam unsure of my next move, but | can¡¯t bear to leave her lifeless form behind in the cave. The burial brings a heavy cloak of


    finality that settles around my shoulders. Yet, as the final handful of soilnds, a zing fury erupts inside me.


    My face, streaked with tears, twists into an angry re as | lock eyes with the


    camera.


    ¡°Are you having fun watching this f ucking show?¡±


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    17:04 Wed. 6 Mar


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    Frustration consumes me, and my voice emerges as a grating rasp.


    67%


    Standing by the makeshift grave, | feel the cold silence of the forest, offering no


    comfort.


    | realize that dealing with grief is not something thates naturally to me. Sure, there are tears, but they¡¯re not the graceful,


    shimmering kind that one might see in movies. No, mine are usually mixed up with frustration, a feeling that twists. your stomach


    and fills you with an overwhelming urge to let out a scream of frustration.


    Crying isn¡¯t something | enjoy. To me, they seem like a trap, a space designed to manipte your emotions, but my innermost


    sentiments don¡¯t conform to those conventions. When someone¡¯s gone, the sadness hits like a heavy weight on the chest, but so


    does this anger, a burning fire that refuses to be extinguished, fueled by the stubborn refusal to ept their absence.


    It''s strange because, yeah, tears stream down my face. | mean, | don¡¯t even know the Hider; | barely met her, but her presence


    has me shedding tears and feeling anger on her behalf. | think the tears aren¡¯t because I¡¯m sad they died, but rather because I¡¯m


    frustrated with them for allowing this entire endeavor to seed.


    As if they had any say in the situation. It¡¯s unfortunate, but fairness is a rare urrence in life.


    The weight of anger can burden the heart and cloud one¡¯s judgment. It¡¯s like an unpredictable energy that surprises you when


    you least anticipate it. One moment you''re fine, and the next, I¡¯m sprinting through the forest, the sound of my ws scraping


    against the rough bark echoing in the air.


    Maybe it¡¯s because she was just my age, but her untimely death leaves a lingering sense of disbelief. It¡¯s like banging my head


    against a wall. The void within me grows, a constant reminder of what could¡¯ve been, the nagging feeling that | could¡¯ve saved


    her had | been more observant.


    [e)


    4/7


    67%)


    17:04 Wed, 6 Mar


    Inevitable:


    It''s frustrating to feel powerless in the face of the uncontroble. Death, it¡¯s the ultimate culmination of life. | scream, my voice


    piercing the air, but the cameras. remain fixed on me, unmoved by my desperation. And that fills me with frustration.


    Filled with anger, | direct my frustration towards the universe, the people who left, and asionally, even myself for not taking


    more action.


    As | enter the cave, the sound of my sob s echoes off the walls. It feels like a sanctuary where | can freely express my frustration


    without any criticism. And then there¡¯s this guilt that slowly seeps into her conscience. | couldn¡¯t escape the guilt that weighed on


    me for feeling anger instead of grief. The guilt weighs on me for not conforming to societal expectations of expressing my


    innermost thoughts. It¡¯s a perpetual struggle between the emotions | ought to have and the emotions | truly experience.


    Inside the cave, the air is thick and oppressive, while the walls echo with the constant gaze of the cameras.


    | reach my limit-the overpowering smell of sweat and fear, a constant reminder that we are nothing but pawns in this sick


    gameshow. When | registered, | expected somethingpletely different. They all assure us that it won¡¯t get this intense, this


    horrible, but the reality is far worse. Each and every one of them cannot be trusted, as they are all known to be dishonest.


    Looking back, | should have had the foresight to know better.


    Fueled by a desperate need, | lunge toward the closest camera, anger boiling within me like a fierce storm.


    The sound of my nails scraping against the sturdy casing echoes in the air as my hands w at it, searching for any opening.


    However, it is relentless, taunting my feeble efforts to break away from its unrelenting stare. | grab a nearby stick, its rough bark


    scraping against my palm as | swing it like a weapon.


    The camera, however, stands resolute, its lens fixed on the scene before it.


    ¡°Come on!¡±


    | unleash a scream of pure frustration at the camera, my voice reverberating.


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    17:04 Wed, 6 Mar


    Inevitable


    ¡°You think this is a dam n show? Is that what you want, huh?¡±


    2.67%Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Desperation guides my actions as | turn to the stones, my fingers trembling as | reach out. Each impact echoes through the


    cave, creating a sense of unease, but the camera stands undisturbed, serving as a symbol of the absurdity of our


    sas situation.


    ¡°Why won''t you break?¡± | mutter, my voice emerging as a raspy whisper. ¡°Just let us be.¡±


    My eyes fill with tears, a potent blend of fury and vulnerability bubbling over. Inside the cave, | feel the walls closing in on me, the


    weight of the cameras bing more suffocating with each futile attempt to break their unwavering gaze.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t ad amn game! We''re real, d amn it!¡±


    And yet, the only response | receive is an eerie silence.


    6/7

 Chapter 22

    Chapter 22


    Hunger


    Each day seems to blend into the next, an endless expanse of time devoid of purpose.


    Berries, firewood, water.


    | drag myself through the motions, my body feeling heavy and sluggish. The sound of my footstops is creepy, reminding me that |


    am all by myself in this empty. cave. The air is heavy with unspokon sadness, sticking to me like a thick nket.


    | don¡¯t even know why | feal unmotivated; there¡¯s no rational exnation for the sadness that consumes mo when the Hider


    passes away. The fact that | barely know her adds an element of confusion to the situation.


    At this moment, everything feels futile, as if all hope has evaporated.


    No matter how much I cry and scream, there¡¯s a lingering fear inside of me that everything wille crashing down, just like it


    did with her. | can¡¯t shake the thought that someday there will be an empty hole in my skull, and someone else will have to bury


    me. Throughout the entire time, the cameras will keep rolling, capturing our every move, as if we''re characters in a film.


    ¡°Berries again.¡±


    feeble


    With ack of enthusiasm, | mutter the words, barely audible. They are recement for the nourishment | long for not for my


    physical self, but for the depths of my weary soul burdened with grief.


    The feeble warmth of the cra ckling fire in the corner offers a glimmer offort but can¡¯t quite chase away the cold that has


    settled within me. As | stare into the mes, | am captivated by the flickering shadows that gracefully dance across the cave


    walls. The flickering chaos offers a sense offort, a wee distraction from the monotonous routine that consumes me.


    Outside, the world continues its relentless march, the sounds of birds chirping


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    17:04 Wed, 6 Mar


    Hunger


    and leaves rustling in the wind. As the wind dances through the trees, | can¡¯t help but feel a pang of jealousy for the freedom it


    possesses. | long for dreams, but my solitude keeps me firmly grounded in the harsh truth.


    | have to admit that it¡¯s my fault from the start. | should have taken Ettie¡¯s words. to heart ¡ª she is right about this being trouble.


    Regret floods over me as | realize the true gravity of this Mating Run, and | wish | had never registered.


    With each drop of water entering the makeshift container, the echoing sound resonates from the nearby stream. The same


    sound over and over again, just like my dull life. Each raindrop echoes the emptiness in my heart, a constant reminder of the life


    | have lost.


    ¡°Why am | even wasting my time on this?¡±


    | mutter, the words slipping out of my mouth like a soft exhale. The air is charged with the weight of the unspoken truth. Why


    bother when every breath is filled with the bitter taste of despair? Why bother when my voice echoes off the cave walls,


    disappearing into silence?


    As night falls, the cave plunges intoplete darkness. The feeble glow of the fire flickers, offering only a dim source of sce.


    Despite my desperate need for sleep, it evades me, leaving me trapped in the never-ending nightmare of wakefulness. The walls


    close in further, their presence pressing down on me, suffocating my weary soul.


    The world beyond the cave appears like a fading memory, a realm exclusively meant for the living. | find myself suspended in a


    void, a lone silhouette caught between the haunting echoes of the past and the enigmatic uncertainty of the future.


    | long for an end to the monotonous routine, to the suffocating numbness that wraps around me like a shroud.


    Within the cave, every day is a grueling fight, a desperate attempt to discover significance in the pointlessness. As the fire


    dwindles to a mere ember, | feel its fading light mirror my own diminishing spirit.


    177


    Hunger


    fed.


    Wed, 6 Mar


    Eventually, a hunger grows inside me, like a relentless beast demanding to be


    | nce at the empty spot next to me, where a meager stash of berries had once sat, now reduced to a hollow reminder of my


    depleting provisions. | let out a sigh, a soft acknowledgment of my surrender to an insatiable hunger.


    To my dismay, the water source has also proven untrustworthy. The stream, once a gentle flow, now trickles feebly, transforming


    the once-abundant waterway into a deste expanse of parched stones. | stand at the edge, my fingers tracing the smooth


    surface of the empty water bottle, a tangible reminder of my desperation.


    Grudgingly, |e to terms with the inescapable reality.


    With a heavy heart, | step out of the cave and into the vast unknown, driven by the need to find nourishment. As | feel the knot


    tighten in my stomach, | can¡¯t help but notice the parallel between my apprehension, desperation, and the hunger that


    consumes me.


    Stepping outside, | am met with the scorching sun, its unforgiving rays searing into my tired body. Clenching my fists, | can feel


    the fear dissipating as determination takes its ce.


    The trees tower above, their branches stretching out like bony fingers, casting an eerie shadow over the deste realm. My eyes


    quickly scan the surroundings, hoping to find any indication of something to eat. The forest, however, holds its secrets close, its


    dense foliage concealing any signs of life from the desperate wanderer.


    In the quiet woods, the rumbling of my stomach creates a primal sound that seems to reverberate.


    With each passing moment, the hunger grows stronger, an insatiable force that craves appeasement. My search persists, my


    footsteps echoing with a sense of urgency as the emptiness inside me threatens to consume.


    The realization crashes into me like a s ucker punch-I suddenly feel the weight


    17:04 Wed, 6 Mar


    Hunger


    of my aloneness, vulnerability, and the apathy of the world around me. The frustration within me grows as | mutter curses under


    my breath, the sounds of the forest failing to offer any sce. | fear that any moment now, a Hunter wille charging towards


    me, wielding an ax with murderous intent.


    As | venture into the forest, | feel its embrace, the verdant foliage and flickering shadows captivating my senses.


    Leaning against the rough bark of a tree, | be one with the surroundings, my presence hidden like a ghost among the


    foliage. The hunger within me has be an insatiable beast, driving me to uncover the mysteries thaty hidden in the heart of


    the wilderness.


    With each careful step, | make my way through the maze of trees and tangled vegetation, my senses on high alert for any rustle


    or whisper carried by the wind. Life pulses through the forest, its mysteries veiled beneath a canopy of leaves and interwoven


    branches. With each step taken deliberately, searching for food in the gentle rays of dappled sunlight.


    The tension in the air is palpable, my heartbeat matching the uncertain rhythm like a drum.


    |e to a sudden stop at the edge of a clearing, my eyes widening in awe at what lies in front of me.


    Nestled in the heart of the wilderness, a pristineke reflects the cerulean sky above. The realization crashes over me like a


    wave, flooding my senses with excitement | can practically smell the fish in the air!


    | can¡¯t tear my eyes away from the shimmering surface, where mysterious shadows dance, revealing glimpses of the hidden


    aquatic world. The hunger within me roars louder, overpowering the gentle rustling of leaves and the faint calls of unseen


    creatures.


    | can practically taste the delicious fish as | set out to catch them.


    My resolve grows stronger as desperation courses through me, searching the surroundings for anything that could serve as a


    makeshift fishing tool.


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    17:04 Wed, 6 Mar


    Hunger


    My gaze is drawn to a fallen branch, its end jagged and splintered, lying on the ground. Seizing it, | feel the rough bark beneath


    my fingers, and a renewed me of hope surges within me. Clutching a pointed stick, | feel a surge of determination to fight the


    hunger that has consumed me.


    | go to theke, mindful of every step so as not to disrupt the peaceful ambiance. | take the precaution of rolling up my track


    pants and hoodie sleeves to keep them from getting wet. Crouched at the water¡¯s edge, my hands tremble as | grip the makeshift


    fishing spear, its rough surface rubbing against my palms.


    The fish are like shadows, darting around and making fun of me for not catching them.


    ¡°Come on, just a little closer...¡± | mumble, barely heard over the forest noise. | am so hungry that my focus gets razor-sharp, and


    | can sense every movement below the surface. | make a quick motion with the spear, hoping to catch something to eat.


    | can¡¯t catch the fish, it¡¯s like they¡¯re disappearing in the water.


    | am so frustrated, | think | might explode. | try again and again, each time more intense. | feel this intense hunger that drives me


    to the edge. The stick is like a joke, mocking my feeble efforts.


    Time just keeps dragging on, full of ups and downs.


    The sun goes down and makes long shadows on theke. My stomach is making all sorts of noise because | am starving.


    Copsing at the water¡¯s edge, | feel the gritty sand beneath me and watch as the pointed stick slips from my grasp.


    Exhausted and filled with despair, tears well in my eyes.


    | am thinking if this is the end ¡ª a slow surrender to the wilderness that has be my prison.


    And then, the quiet is interrupted by the start of a ticking noise.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    The metallic cadence pierces the heavy silence, causing me to stop suddenly.


    4/7


    67%


    17:04 Wed, 6 Mar


    Hunger


    | strain to discern the source of the familiar sound, my ears pri cking up with anticipation. The sound of ticking echoes in my


    mind, bringing back memories from the depths of my consciousness.


    Then | spot it, a small robot hidden under a shrub, its blinking lights catching my attention.


    Aspark of hope ignites within me, a me that bravely pushes back against the encroaching darkness.


    Without a second thought, | race towards the robot, feeling the strain in my chest as | propel myself forward. As the screen on


    the robot''s surface flickers, | can¡¯t help but notice my name shing in bold letters.


    Alina.


    This time, there is no letter waiting for me.


    Instead, the screen blinks with a stark prompt: ¡°Enter your tracksuit number,¡± apanied by a loud beep.


    With unwavering resolve, | type Number 9, my fingers dancing across the keyboard as a tempest brews inside.


    As if unlocking a secret code, the robot starts to open, revealing its intricate metallic joints unfolding with precision. As | stand in


    the forest, the palpable suspense creates a moment suspended between revtion and uncertainty.


    It is clear that the giftes from a sponsor, but | am clueless about their identity. Nevertheless, a nagging voice in my head


    suggests that the robot''s origin is tied to the sponsor who provided me with the knife. As | look around, my eyes search for any


    sign of a camera tucked away in the trees. Spotting a camera pointed directly at me, | instinctively ce a hand over my heart


    and silently mouth my gratitude.


    With every passing second, the robot¡¯s hidden contents be more apparent.


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    17:04 Wed, 6 Mar


    Hunger


    My breath catches in my throat, and a gasp slips from my lips, surprising even myself. As the metallic lid parts, a blinding burst of


    light spills forth, instantly illuminating the forest and creating a mesmerizing y of shadows on the ground.


    My veins pulse with adrenaline as | lock eyes on what lies before me. With nothing else on my mind, | can only feel my heart


    beating as | delicately trace the lines on it, my eyes widening and a smile curving my lips.


    Inside the robot, there is a map.

 Chapter 23

    Chapter 23


    Direction


    67%2


    #


    As | stare


    at the holographic map emanating from the robot, | can hear the soft hum of the data processing, blending with the faint whirring


    of the machine. Luminescent pathways reveal themselves in the forest, guiding me through its mysterious depths.


    As the holographic disy flickers to life, it meticulously depicts the expansive forest, showcasing its every nook and cranny.


    With their peaks concealed by mist, the mountains exude an air of mystique, while the waterfalls cascade with a captivating


    rhythm, each droplet seemingly frozen in the hologram. The flora andkes, colored in shades of green and blue, dance


    gracefully in response to the artificial breeze from the map.


    Against the natural backdrop, numbers appear, and | can¡¯t help but stare at them with wide eyes. The numbers are alive, shifting


    and morphing before my eyes, leaving no doubt that they are other contenders.


    ones.


    As | scan the map, my eyes dart across the page, searching for any familiar


    The first thing that catches my eye is Victor¡¯s number. He is near some mountains. The data surrounding his icon suggests an


    abundance of resources, possibly indicating a strategic advantage for him.


    Then, | spot Zeke¡¯s number. He is just wandering around near the rocks by a waterfall.


    It frustrates me that I¡¯m unaware of Ettie¡¯s number. | just hope that it is still here on the holographic map, flickering with


    movement.


    With determination, | navigate the holographic map, my eyes fixed on the coordinates leading me towards a small cluster of


    persimmons. The digital pathways on the map guide my footsteps through the dense foge, the sounds of birds chirping in the


    distance.


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    17:06 Wed, 6 Mar


    Direction


    As | embark on my ascent, the once serene surroundings transform into a daunting array of boulders, testing my dexterity and


    Judgment. Climbing turns into a total muscle and mind game.


    As | trudge through the rocky terrain, | start feeling all sorts of emotions about everything.


    | have to be cautious of the lurking Hunters, waiting for the opportune moment. to strike. Navigating through the rocks and


    foge, | roly on the holographic map,


    | which asionally reveals their numbers. | am grateful for my ability to move silently when the situation demands it.


    The moment | set foot on the boulder-strewn path, the persimmon grove. unveils itself, filling the air with the sweet aroma of


    ripened fruit. As soon as | see them, my mouth starts watering uncontrobly. | don¡¯t bother waiting anymore. Carefully, | fold the


    map and tuck it securely into my pocket, then eagerly begin. plucking juicy persimmons, greedily stuffing my mouth.


    | settle down against a sturdy boulder, Indulging in the juicy sweetness of persimmons, a pile of them within arm¡¯s reach. Each


    bite is a burst of sweetness. that twirls and tantalizes my taste buds. | close my eyes and deeply breathe in, allowing the aroma


    of my surroundings to engulf me.


    This is exactly how | imagine the Mating run would be. Just me lounging. around, waiting for a Hunter to be my mate. All | crave


    is the pure bliss thates from this, nothing more. But oh well, | made a mistake, and now | have to deal with. the fallout.


    As | devour the fruits without a care in the world, the juice continues to dribble down my fingers.


    With a quick swipe of my hand on my tracksuit, | retrieve the map from my pocket and give it another thorough look. The map¡¯s


    surface is a jumble of numbers and coordinates, making me tilt my head in an attempt to decipher them. Tracing the map with


    my fingertips, | can sense a surge of purpose building within me.


    | have to figure out a n. | can¡¯t stay out here for eternity.


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    17:06 Wed, 6 Mar


    Direction


    €67%


    Surrounded by the vibrant foliage, the holographic map illuminates my face with a soft, ethereal glow.


    After careful consideration, | settle on three options.


    First, a towering tree, its branches extending upward as if reaching for the heavens, seems like a perfect spot. From high above,


    | can visualize the forest below, contemting the possibility of hunters and hiders amidst the lush greenery. On the downside,


    there is the risk of being seen by curious onlookers and the difficulty of navigating through a tangle of branches. Climbing has


    never been my strong suit.


    ¡°It''s a good spot with a good view, but climbing?¡±


    | mutter to myself, my words barely audible over the sound of my fingers scratching my head. I¡¯m starting to wonder when was


    thest time | treated myself to a refreshing shower.


    And then there, nestled in the mountains, is a cave. Nestled against the rugged slopes, it promises both refuge and privacy,


    making it an excellent choice for a hiding spot. While it offers some concealment, there are still a few downsides to consider. As |


    consider my next move,


    the limited exits and the potential echo of footsteps weigh heavily on my mind.


    ¡°It''s cozy and safe, but what about the echoes? Could potentially be a giveaway. | need some peace and quiet, but that¡¯s not


    possible with all the echoes.¡±


    I


    | muse, my eyes tracing the intricate patterns of the holographic terrain.


    And then, there is this secret spot hidden under some rocks, right by theke. With its concealed location within the rocky alcove,


    it is strategically positioned near water, providing a source of food and a possible route for escape. However, the need to


    navigate the treacherous rocky terrain and the ever-present risk of hypothermia can¡¯t be ignored.


    ¡°There¡¯s water close by and those boulders, they¡¯re tricky but maybe worth the


    trouble.¡±


    pec


    With a hushed voice, my whispered words float on the breeze, gently brushing


    gainst my cheek. The forest¡¯s melodic rustling leaves and distant birdcalls provide


    soundtrack as | weigh the pros and cons of each hiding spot.


    Tree Cave Boulder,


    With a final nce at the map, the soft hum of the hologram echoes in my ears. is | make my decision.


    First and foremost, the stench of my unwashed body is bing unbearable.


    My clothes have be unpleasantly sticky and grimy after wearing them for so long without washing. Guided by the map, | set


    off towards a shimmeringke.


    As | get closer to the shore, | can hear the soothing murmur of theke. With al cautious nce around to ensure no prying eyes


    bear witness, | settle near the water¡¯s edge, feeling the cool breeze brush against my skin. There is no point in trying to confirm


    the absence of cameras, as they are undoubtedly omnipresent. At this point, | simply ignore their presence, as if they had never


    been there.


    | hesitate for a brief moment before undressing, ensuring my tracksuit, Zeke¡¯s bag, and the holographic map are close by.


    ¡°Finally, a chance to take a bath. | stink.¡±


    | mutter under my breath as | awkwardly wriggle out of my trackpants.


    Gradually, | submerge my toes into theke, instantly feeling the icy water tingle against my skin. With a deep exhale, | plunge


    my entire body into the water, feeling the weightlessness surround me.


    | begin washing my hair, running my fingers through the strands and feeling the residue of the day¡¯s activities being washed


    away. | marvel at how the water doesn¡¯t turn ck, considering the amount of dirt and blood on my body. Carefully, | run my


    fingers over the scars and scratches on my body, ensuring I clean each one. thoroughly.


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    At first, | intend to take a brief, one-minute bath, but the water is so soothing that | lose track of time and don¡¯t want to leave in


    my dirty clothes. | think | stay for a few more minutes, relishing the gentle rocking motion of the water beneath me, my gaze


    fixated on the ethereal beauty of the sky above.


    As my thirst builds, | take slow steps away from my bathing spot, remaining submerged in the water. The thought of drinking


    directly from the same ce | just bathed in still seems too strange for me to even contemte.


    With my hands forming a makeshift cup, | scoop up the refreshing water from theke and bring it to my lips. As | drink the cool


    liquid, | can feel its refreshing touch as it slides down my throat. With each gulp, | can feel a surge of energy coursing through my


    veins.


    The sun, making patterns on the leaves, shows that time is going by. As | get ready to leave theke, | quickly nce at the


    water one more time. | take a deep breath, relishing in the refreshing feeling as | ssh water on my face for onest time.


    Emerging from the refreshingke, | shiver slightly as the cool breeze kisses my damp skin. My damp skin clings ufortably


    to the wet clothes, causing me to grumble as | reluctantly pull on the tracksuit.


    ¡°Seriously, it would be so nice to have someone do ourundry in this forest. This is so disgusting.¡±Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    | mutter, my eyes darting down to the muddy stains that now mar the once-pristine fabric. No matter how hard | try, the dirt clings


    stubbornly to my clothes, leaving behind persistent marks.


    With a sigh, | absentmindedly run my fingers over the intricate stitching of the number 9 on my tracksuit.


    | cast a longing look at theke, imagining the refreshing sensation of diving into its cool depths. Unfortunately, the demands of


    the Mating Run leave no time for a rxing bath or the luxury of clean clothes.


    As | fasten the tracksuit, memories of Zeke¡¯s bag flood my mind, bringing back


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    Direction


    a mix of emotions. | can¡¯t help but smile wryly ¡¯cause there were no clothes when | got it. If only there had been spare clothes, |


    wouldn''t have had to endure the disgust of wearing dirty garments.


    Well, Zeke, wherever you are, | hope you don¡¯t get stabbed in the ankle again.


    I can¡¯t help but chuckle, the sound bouncing off the trees and filling the quiet forest.


    As | take a deep breath, | can feel the dampness of my hair as | squeeze out the water. The bath does little to wake me up; if


    anything, it makes me even sleepier. The wind, carrying the scent of the approaching sunset, gently rustles through the forest,


    making me feel drowsy.


    As the sun vanishes beneath the h orizon, the sky is illuminated with a stunning palette of orange and pink..


    I settle by theke, feeling the cool breeze brush against my face as | listen to the soft whispers of the water. | force my heavy,


    exhausted eyes open, despite their protests. As the shadows of the forest deepen, exhaustion tugs at me, urging me to find a


    ce to rest.


    ¡°Maybe just a quick power nap, | think | totally deserve it.¡±


    | mumble to the quiet evening, the soothing chirping of crickets blending with my internal struggle between the allure of sleep and


    the necessity of staying alert. The path towards the nook by the boulders stretches out in the distance, a bit far from where | am.


    Without any sleep, | doubt I''ll have the energy to go very far if | make the journey. Before embarking on such a climb, | need to


    replenish my energy levels.


    With a reluctant sigh, | resign myself to the reality, pushing myself up to a stand and walking towards Zeke¡¯s bag. Reaching into


    my bag, | retrieve the holographic map, making sure to check for nearby Hunters before settling down for a nap.


    But as | reach out, my fingers find nothing but empty air.


    | am abruptly jolted awake by a surge of panic, a primal instinct that


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    overshadows my tiredness. | frantically pat myself down, desperately searching for the map that seems to have vanished into


    thin air.


    ¡°No, no, no!¡±


    And then, just a few feet away from me, | hear a sharp, piercing whistle.


    ¡°Holy s hit, 9, this sponsored gift is something else. Mind sharing it with me?¡±


    TIT

 Chapter 24

    Chapter 24


    Nature


    Nature


    67%


    Clutching the knife tightly, | feel its icy touch, a familiar sensation that anchors me in a moment poised between fear and fury.


    As the day wanes, | find myself frozen in ce, the Hunter¡¯s figure highlighted by the lingering light, unable to escape the


    intensity of my re. As she holds my map with her bl oody hands, a wave of freezing panic and fear washes over me.


    Swallowing nervously, my eyes dart around, relieved to find the Hunter doesn¡¯t work in groups.


    ¡°Just let it go, now.¡±


    My words, filled with demand, cut through the tense air like a knife. The Hunter¡¯s eyes dart back and forth between the knife and


    my face, a mischievous grin forming on her lips.


    My map seems to shimmer mockingly, as if taunting me, as it rests in the Hunter¡¯s hands.


    ¡°Please don''t


    to no use this.¡±


    Taking measured steps, | inch forward, the sharp de of the knife pointed towards them. Their eyes narrow with irritation as


    they finally lock their gaze with mine. The raw intensity of the moment causes my muscles to tense, my senses on high alert.


    I''m left guessing the Hunter¡¯s number, as they don¡¯t have their tracksuit on. It¡¯s against the rules, but then again, she¡¯s a Hunter,


    so | figure they have certain privileges. The rules, unfortunately, only apply to us Hiders, making it feel unfair.


    The atmosphere grows heavy as time seems to stand still, intensifying the weight of our confrontation.


    ¡°Put it down!¡±


    7


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    Nature


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    Hunter easily picks up on my fear, her eyes gleaming mischievously and augh obling up inside her. In the Hunter''s silence, my


    heartbeat thunders like a mpede, a relentless rhythm.


    | can¡¯t help but notice the Hunter¡¯s fingers, clenched tightly around the edges. the map. With fresh blood staining her lips, she


    wears a sly grin, and her eyes arkle with a blend of malice and amusement. The tank she wears has be a nvas for the


    blood of her victims, a haunting reminder of the violence she has ileashed.


    Gripping the knife tightly, | feel the coldness of its de reflecting the filtered. unlight. ¡°Are you stu pid? Can you hear me or


    what? | told you to put it down!¡±


    1 demand, but my voicees out way sharper than | meant. The Hunter¡¯s iugh is sharp and creepy, totally mocking.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Why would a tiny Hider like you bother with a map?¡± With a taunting tone, she eases while her eyes intensely scan the map, as


    if determined to engrave it in her nind. ¡°So wasteful, don¡¯t you think? It¡¯s better to give it to someone who knows ¡®ow to use it.¡±


    Frustration surges through me, intensifying with each passing moment. The map, given to me by my sponsor, is not something


    she has the right to take. It belongs to me! Is itmon for Hunters to take things that don¡¯t belong to them?


    ¡°| really don¡¯t give a da mn. Give it back!¡±


    l insist, my hand trembling as | grip the knife tightly. The Hunter¡¯s grin widens, her lips curling into a menacing smile, reveling in


    the power y. With each step she takes closer, the gap between us closes, and | watch as her fingers absentmindedly fiddle


    with the edge of the map. In that moment, fear courses through me like an electric shock, causing me to take a step back in


    rm.


    ¡°Or what? Are you gonna stab me or what?¡±


    With a twisted sort of delight, she goads and savors the taste of blood on her lips. | can feel the fury building up inside me, like a


    raging Inferno about to explode.


    NA


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    Despite the trembling in my hand, | hold onto the knife tightly, determined not to drop it, even as my arms grow sore.


    As we stand there, the forest seems to tighten its grip, the rustling leaves and distant sounds of wildlife adding to the eerie


    ambiance. | know | need that map without it, | would be lost and helpless. But the Hunter remains steadfast in her determination


    to withhold that vital lifeline from me.


    | take a deep breath, feeling the rush of cool air fill my lungs, as | try to calm my racing heart.


    ¡°| won''t hesitate.¡±


    | warn, my voice quivering with a blend of fear and determination. | feel the weight of the Hunter¡¯s stare, a wordless challenge


    that demands a response.


    As the Hunter toys with the map, her eyes flicker with a sinister curiosity, piercing into me, as if stripping away theyers of my


    existence. | feel a shiver crawl down my spine, and an intense blend of fear and rage surges through me, entwining like a


    venomous serpent. With a gleefulugh, she fixes her gaze on me, before her eyes wander to the map in her hands.


    ¡°How you managing on your own, Hider?¡± Her voice holds a predatory delight as she muses, the words oozing with malice. ¡°It''s


    gotta be the maps that keep you going, right? Something to help the weak get by.¡±


    The sound of her taunts seems to bounce off the trees, creating an eerie atmosphere of tension in the forest.


    As | hold the knife, my fingers clench around it, my knuckles bing pale. With each nce at the map, | feel a renewed


    sense of dread, knowing it¡¯s my only chance at finding a way out. The Hunter''s insinuations stoke the fire of my anger, swirling


    within me like a brewing tempest.


    As she takes a step closer, the distance between us narrows, and her eyes shine with wicked excitement.


    ¡°Right here, right now, | could stake my im on you.¡±


    Wed 6 Mar (3


    She purrs, savoring the difort that flickers in my expression. In an instant, my entire body freezes, and the fear coursing


    through me amplifies, bing ten times more intense, | can¡¯t help but feel a sense of disgust as | see the scratches on her


    shoulders and neck, as if | can smell the stale scent of blood.


    ¡°But you know, | can¡¯t resist the thrill of the chase. That''s what keeps me alive and kicking¡±


    Fear pulses through me, my heart pounding against my ribs, its rapid cadence echoing in my ears. Each word the Hunter speaks


    sends a wave of fear crashing over me. As | see myself reflected in her eyes, | feel a shiver run down my spine, knowing | am


    nothing but prey,


    | can¡¯t stand by and watch her im the map as her own. It¡¯s all | have-my quide, my protector-and I rely on it for every step |


    take. Stripped of it, | am defenseless and exposed, an easy prey for sa distic individuals like her. Desperation surges through


    me, causing profanities to burst forth from my lips uncontrobly.


    ¡°Let go of the da mn map and get the hell away from here!¡±


    My scream cuts through the stillness of the forest, its raw Intensity lingering in the air. The Hunter¡¯sughter erupts, dismissing


    everything | say as mere amusement. All the cameras in the vicinity swivel towards us, catching our every move. | can¡¯t stand the


    way they chose to broadcast this. It Infuriates me that they have gathered here solely to witness my weakness as an easy target.


    The Hunter circles me like a vulture, her eyes fixed on me with a predatory. intensity. As she moves with meticulous uracy,


    her eyes gleam with a twisted delight, never breaking contact with mine. The map, stained with blood, is tightly gripped in her


    hands, swaying back and forth like a cruel temptation.


    | can feel the weight of the knife in my trembling hand, its cold metal offering Rittlefort. Each step she takes reverberates


    through the stillness, a haunting reminder of the delicate bnce between hunter and hunted. My chest constricts with panic,


    leaving me gasping for air as | desperately try to maintain my focus on the Hunter.


    She yfully pretends to lunge at me, herughter echoing through the room.


    17:22 Wed, 6 Mar


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    Herughter rings out, a twisted melody of sa dism that makes me uneasy. | let out a piercing scream, a desperate plea for her


    to either end the torment or back away. But she revels in the power she holds-both as the one in control and the one. inflicting


    chaos.


    ¡°C¡¯mon, little Hider! Let''s see those speedy legs in action!¡±


    With a venomous melody, she taunts, her voice cutting through the silence.


    ¡°Or maybe you''d rather deal with my ws right here, right now?¡±


    core.


    The Hunter¡¯s words hit me like a powerful earthquake, shaking me to my very


    My mind races, like a whirlwind, trying to make sense of the impossible choice before me. With the map in her hands, she has


    the upper hand and | can¡¯t escape her grasp. | know for a fact that the knife in my hand feels cold and unfamiliar, a feeble


    defense against a seasoned predator like her.


    Then, with a sudden burst of speed, she lunges towards me, and | react by thrusting the knife in her direction, the metallic sound


    of the de slicing through the air. But with a quick sidestep, she leaves me stumbling and defenseless. No. matter how hard |


    stretch, the map remains just out of my reach, fueling my frustration.


    ¡°You sure know how to throw down, don¡¯t ya?¡±


    She muses, circling back and tracing her steps.


    ¡°But seriously, how much fight do you still have in you?¡±


    With every taunt she hurls, a wave of rage surges through me, fueling my resolve to stand strong and not be her prey. My


    volce cra cks with desperation as | scream obscenities into the darkness. The Hunter revels in my torment, savoring the


    cacophony of screams and shattered voices.


    In a sh, she lunges again, and this time, | swing the knife with all my strength, feeling the weight of It In my hand,


    17:22 Wed, 6 Mar C


    Nature


    67%


    Herughter rings out, a twisted melody of sa dism that makes me uneasy. | let out a piercing scream, a desperate plea for her


    to either end the torment or back. away. But she revels in the power she holds-both as the one in control and the one inflicting


    chaos.


    ¡°C¡¯mon, little Hider! Let''s see those speedy legs in action!¡±


    With a venomous melody, she taunts, her voice cutting through the silence.


    ¡°Or maybe you''d rather deal with my ws right here, right now?¡±


    core.


    The Hunter¡¯s words hit me like a powerful earthquake, shaking me to my very


    My mind races, like a whirlwind, trying to make sense of the impossible choice before me. With the map in her hands, she has


    the upper hand and | can¡¯t escape her grasp. | know for a fact that the knife in my hand feels cold and unfamiliar, a feeble


    defense against a seasoned predator like her.


    Then, with a sudden burst of speed, she lunges towards me, and | react by thrusting the knife in her direction, the metallic sound


    of the de slicing through the air. But with a quick sidestep, she leaves me stumbling and defenseless. No matter how hard |


    stretch, the map remains just out of my reach, fueling my frustration.


    ¡°You sure know how to throw down, don¡¯t ya?¡±


    She muses, circling back and tracing her steps.


    ¡°But seriously, how much fight do you still have in you?¡±


    With every taunt she hurls, a wave of rage surges through me, fueling my resolve to stand strong and not be her prey. My


    voice cra cks with desperation as | scream obscenities into the darkness. The Hunter revels in my torment, savoring the


    cacophony of screams and shattered voices.


    In a sh, she lunges again, and this time, | swing the knife with all my strength, feeling the weight of it in my hand.


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    Like a desperate plea for control, ittches onto her arm, its grip tightening with each passing second. Despite the hiss that


    escapes her lips, her eyes continue to shine with unwavering determination. With a twisted smile, she chuckles while blood


    oozes down her arm, seemingly relishing the macabre scene.


    With a guttural growl, the Hunter pounces on me, her ws moving through the air with a menacing swiftness. | stumble


    backward, the cold metal of the knife providing littlefort as | prepare to defend myself against the imminent attack.


    As her ws tear through fabric and skin, a searing pain erupts from the first swipe that grazes my shoulder. | clench my teeth,


    trying to suppress a scream, while my fingers tighten around the knife.


    ¡°Submit, little Hider,¡± Her snarl echoes through the air, while her eyes shine with a predatory glimmer. ¡°The fact that you resist


    only makes me more interested.¡±


    | can feel my shoulder throbbing in sync with my heartbeat, the pain intensifying as blood continues to seep from the fresh


    wound. The Hunter¡¯s feral grace is on full disy as she circles, taunting me with each calcted movement. As | tightly grip the


    knife, my knuckles turn white.


    ¡°Give in,¡± She purrs, her words dripping with malevolent sweetness. ¡°Take off those useless clothes, surrender to me, and I''ll


    handle the im quickly. It¡¯s a lot of fun, you''ll see.¡±


    With defiance burning within me, | spit on the forest floor, the wetness seeping into the earth right by her feet.


    ¡°F uck off,¡± | retort, my words sharp andced with venom. ¡°I don¡¯t want you touching me; you''re too dirty.¡±


    She lets out a sharp, menacingugh before lunging towards my arm. The world bes a whirlwind of evasion and


    desperation as | dash away, my feet barely touching the ground.


    ¡°You can¡¯t avoid me forever, 9. You¡¯re supposed to submit to us Hunters, Hiders like you. Nature is nature; you can¡¯t do anything


    about It.¡± She sneers, her eyes narrowing and taking on a deeper, more Intense hue. ¡°It¡¯s game over for you, little


    17:22 Wed, 6 Mar


    Nature


    Hider. The minute you registered for the Mating Run.¡±

 Chapter 25

    Chapter 25


    Savior


    SaviorExclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    2 67%a


    My teeth clench tightly as | stare at the knife, its de stained with blood.


    With a heavy heart, | fight back against her, driven by the need to reim control in the face of insurmountable challenges. The


    Hunter¡¯s next advance is met with a defiant thrust, the knife cutting through the air with a sharp swish. As it catches her arm, a


    scream of agony escapes her lips, and her furious gaze locks


    onto me.


    The Hunter, fueled by a twistedbination of bloodlust and sa distic pleasure, throws her head back, the sound of her maniacal


    laughter echoing through the air. Indifferent to the pain, she shrugs her shoulders as if the wound on her arm is of little


    consequence.


    ¡°You''re just dragging it out! Hider, are you trying to turn me on with this?¡± she spits, wincing as blood trickles down from her


    wounded arm.


    I catch a fleeting glimpse of a chance to break free in the midst of our struggle.


    With a burst of energy, | reach for Zeke¡¯s bag and sprint toward the nearby thicket, the sensation of the leaves brushing against


    my skin. Relentless, the Hunter pursues me, her heavy breathing filling the air, but | manage to evade her with desperate agility.


    Gasping for air and covered in bruises, | crumple against a sturdy tree trunk.


    After sprinting through the dense underbrush, my breathes in ragged gasps, and my heart pounds in my ears. With every


    step | take, the Hunter¡¯s relentless pursuit echoes behind me, like a haunting melody that sends shivers down my spine.


    Each rustle of leaves and snap of a twig seems to amplify the fear pulsing through my veins.


    I can feel her presence looming over me, her wed hands poised to sna tch me


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    our deadly game unfolds. With each step, my legs scream in agony, the burning nsation spreading through my muscles.


    Bncing precariously on the verge of rrender, the Hunter¡¯s snarls close in, until a jarring twang pierces the air, breaking


    e suspense.


    Asharp whistle fills the air as an arrow narrowly misses my ear, its feathers azing my skin.


    In a moment of panic, | stumble and immediately spin around to confront the oise. In a seamless transition, the Hunter¡¯s


    predatory growls morph into a visceral urgle, forming a chilling symphony of demise.


    Timees to a halt as | pivot, and a sense of dread slowly morphs into utter lisbelief.


    With a thud, the once unstoppable Hunter copses onto the forest floor, a deadly arrow finding its mark between her eyes. Her


    face twists in fear, her mouth agape in a soundless shriek.


    end.


    I gasp, and my eyes widen as | take in the scene before me.


    An arrow pierces through her skull, leaving a trail of blood in its wake.


    The ring siren pierces the air, a signal that the Hunter¡¯s life hase to an


    My throat unleashes a piercing scream that cuts through the heavy, suffocating air, reverberating among the dense foliage. As


    fear consumes me, my limbs be entangled in a frenzied dance, and | stumble backward, finding sce against a gnarled


    tree trunk.


    My wide eyes fixate on the dead Hunter, their pale, unblinking gaze locked onto mine.


    The unsettling silence in the forest seems to magnify the rapid thumping of my heart.


    Panic engulfs me like a raging wildfire, obliterating all sense of logic and leaving


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    only the primal urge to survive. Clutching the blood-stained knife, my trembling fingers feel the icy chill of its metallic surface,


    grounding me in a reality teetering on the precipice of madness.


    My eyes dart from one hidden thicket to another, searching for any sign of movement from the archer who released the arrow.


    There is no one to be seen in that forest, yet | can¡¯t shake the feeling of being watched. The hairs on the back of my neck stand


    up, suggesting that someone has been lurking nearby, keeping an eye on me. Every rustle and whisper of the wind heightens


    the sense of impending danger.


    ¡°Who''s there?¡±


    I call out, my voice filled with desperation.


    In the silence, my words echo back to me, creating an eerie and haunting atmosphere. The archer remains elusive, disappearing


    into the shadows, leaving me alone to grapple with the sight of the dead Hunter. Fear and disbelief cause my body to tremble


    uncontrobly.


    Adrenaline surges through my veins, my heart pounding in my chest, torn between the urge to flee and the curiosity that holds


    me in ce.


    My eyes dart around, searching for any flicker of movement amidst the dense foliage, while my ears absorb the symphony of the


    forest, every note carrying an undercurrent of mysterious danger.


    In the distance, a twig snaps, its ominous cra ck echoing through the forest.


    Every nerve on edge, | hold my breath, trying to pinpoint the origin of the unsettling noise.


    ¡°Show yourself!¡±


    | shout, my voice filled with desperation, contradicting the false bravado | am trying to project.


    The air is shattered by a creaking sound, and then the rustle of leaves breaks


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    17:22 Wed, 6 Mar


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    the stillness, as if they have materialized out of thin air. With the knife clenched in my trembling hand, | spin around, my heart


    pounding, as a figure steps out from the shadows.


    Approaching with measured steps, a silhouette emerges from the shadows, their features hidden from view.


    And then, shees into the light, and | see her.


    As Ettie emerges from the shadows, her unfamiliar eyes lock onto mine, leaving me feeling like | am face to face with a stranger.


    Her hands grip the bow tightly, while a cluster of arrows stands at attention behind her. She has grown thin, her cheekbones


    jutting out prominently. She is wearing a tracksuit sttered with blood, the stains clinging to the fabric like a grotesque second


    skin. My gaze falls upon the number 46 disyed prominently on her tracksuit.


    Our


    ev


    lock, and in the silent expanse between us, the weight of unspoken histories hangs heavy.


    The forest, once bustling with the sounds of prey and predator, now echoes with an air of tension and mystery. Her piercing gaze


    bores into mine, revealing a feral intensity that hints at the untamed nature within.


    ¡°Alina.¡±


    She utters a raspy whisper that lingers in the air, carrying the weight of her silence from days past. And maybe that is the case,


    maybe that¡¯s why she has a pained expression on her face. We had promised to meet again, but | had never truly anticipated it


    happening. | long to see her after the mating run, when we are bothmitted to mates, and | won¡¯t have to witness her covered


    in blood anymore.


    As we stare at each other in silence, a tense heartbeat seems to linger in the air. | can feel her eyes studying my body, as if she


    is looking for any wounds, and it makes me realize my negligence in not doing the same for her. Fear overwhelms my thoughts


    as doubt creeps in, questioning whether this is truly Ettle or just a creation


    67%)


    Samo


    of my mind.


    Before me stands Ettie, a hunter whose presence exudes the lingering scent of blood and primal instinct.


    The image is so perplexing that it challenges the boundaries of myprehension. Alone and untethered, she strays from the


    brutal camaraderie of her fellow Hunters, deviating from the familiar script that has etched itself into my memories.


    The silence stretches, wrapping around us like a thick nket, making the weight of the unspoken almost suffocating.


    Hidden beneath the weariness and scars on Ettie¡¯s face, her gaze flickers with a whirlwind of emotions.


    Is she my savior or just a fake brought on by fate?


    ¡°Ettie.¡±


    | finally say something, breaking the awkward silence. Gripping the knife that had once been my protector, | feel its weight pulling


    me down as it hangs loosely at my side. It shows how unsure our fates are, like a surrender.


    Ettie¡¯s eyes flicker, showing a whirlwind of emotions for a moment. Her Inner turmoil, a kaleidoscope of emotions, slips through


    my fingers, leaving me unable to fullyprehend her recognition, remorse, or primal Instincts. The forest, with all its ancient


    secrets, sees two peoplee together again after a crazy past in the Mating Run.


    ¡°Alina, |-


    Ettle begins, her words stumbling and sca ttering like leaves caught in a relentless gust.


    The distant sound of footsteps shatters the fragile silence, a foreboding symphony of impending danger that pierces through our


    collective uncertainty. In Ettle¡¯s eyes, | catch a fleeting glimpse of vulnerability, silently urging me to trust the


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    mysterious figure she has evolved into.


    67%1


    ¡°Come with me,¡± Urging with her eyes, her silent plea speaks volumes. ¡°It¡¯s not safe here.¡±


    Ettie¡¯s hand hangs in the air, trembling like a delicate, unresolved chord. Her eyes, hardened by the brutality of the Mating Run,


    plead for a connection that time has frayed.


    | hesitate, unable to tear my gaze away from that outstretched hand. Ettie, once my friend, now carries the weight of a hunter¡¯s


    burden, her eyes holding a hardness that was not there before. Her tracksuit is sttered with blood, a permanent reminder of


    her role as both predator and prey in the never-ending cycle of hunting.


    The silence between us is so awkward, it feels like a huge void where all my doubts and fears just pour in. Doubt is hanging


    around before | make a decision.


    Can | count on this stranger who looks like my former friend?


    Did she offer her hand as a sign of peace or as a trap made from lies?


    | don¡¯t know, maybe | don¡¯t


    ven wanna know.


    Ettie¡¯s hand wavers, like a fragile butterfly dancing in the breeze, extending an uncertain invitation that speaks volumes about


    our intertwined past. When her fingers recoil, it just makes her look even more vulnerable, like a mirror showing the shattered


    past.


    ¡°What happened to you, Ettie?¡±


    The words juste out, like a desperate plea. The forest, a hushed confidant, bears witness to the unveiling of secrets etched


    upon Ettle¡¯s bloodstained canvas.


    As Ettle¡¯s gaze meets mine, | notice a glint of remorse In her eyes, a stark contrast to theughter they once held. Her silence


    speaks louder than words, a profound testimony to the darkness that haunts her. | walt for her to speak, hoping she will unravel


    the enigma that has turned our friendship Into animosity.


    17:22 Wed, 6 Mar


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    €67%


    The faint buzz of the forest echoes around us, enhancing the depth of our silentmunion. Ettie opens her mouth, but the


    words slip away like fleeting whispers in the wind. It¡¯s like she¡¯s unsure of what to say, stumbling over her words and lost in her


    memories.


    ¡°Alina, |-¡±


    Her voice, so delicate, stumbles as she looks at me. There¡¯s an unspoken sorry in the air, but the words are never said.


    | am feeling really unsure, and it''s obvious that things have changed between us. Ettie, who used to keep all our secrets and


    make meugh, is now aplete stranger, marked by the harsh realities of life.


    ¡°Where have you been?¡±


    | repeat it, emphasizing how important it is. | am desperate for answers, you know? The chaos is overwhelming and | need some


    rity.


    Ettie¡¯s eyes flicker, silently acknowledging the heaviness on her shoulders.


    ¡°Come with me, Alina,¡± Her imploring gaze locks onto mine, as if searching for a lifeline in the midst of the disarray that has


    be our reality. ¡°I''ll tell you everything. We''ll be safe there.¡±


    My head hesitantly nods, a silent agreement fueled by the innate need for survival. Yet, even in agreement, the weight of my bag


    clutched tightly in my hand feels like a lifeline, grounding me amidst the swirling uncertainties of alliances and betrayals.


    way.


    Ignoring the turmoil | feel, Ettle casually turns around and begins leading the


    | have no clue where we''re going, and honestly, | have no idea if I¡¯ll be safe with her either.

 Chapter 26

    Chapter 26


    Sponsors


    Ettie¡¯s back has been something that I¡¯m used to following all the years we¡¯ve been together. The only time that I¡¯m ever in front


    of Ettie is during our morning jogs, but that¡¯s because Ettie says that she¡¯s tired and worn out. Though judging from herb


    results, | knew that she was lying, probably just so that | could feel better about myself.


    And so as she leads the way, I¡¯m not surprised in the slightest. | grip the strap of Zeke¡¯s bag tighter around my shoulders,


    sneaking a nce to the corpse of the Hunter beneath my feet. Bending down, my hand instinctively snat ched the map clutched


    in the dead Hunter''s grip. The edges were now crumpled and stained with blood, but | ignore it, safely tucking the map away


    inside my pocket.


    For some reason, | stole a nce at Ettie, ensuring her gaze remained fixed ahead, unwavering. | didn¡¯t want her to see that |


    had a map to begin with.


    Where are we going?


    Somewhere safe.


    A few minutes after, | spot a makeshift hut looming ahead. My eyes widened with amazement at the sight, not expecting such a


    ce in the middle of the forest. Ettie led the way with an assurance that resonated with the familiarity of a ce that, despite its


    primal surroundings, echoed with the heartbeat of home. The logs. and intertwined branches formed a protective cocoon, a


    sanctuary, just what Ettie would have wanted.


    As we approached, Ettie¡¯s silhouette against the backdrop of the rustic dwelling embodied a semnce of normalcy, a stark


    contrast to the predatory chaos lurking beyond its wooden walls. The scent of damp earth and theforting musk of wood


    permeated the air, momentarily soothing the raw edges of apprehension etched upon my consciousness.


    Ettie, pushed a curtain of vines that served as a door to the side, urging me toe inside. Carefully, | walked through the vines,


    expecting more people but was


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    14:55 Fri, 8 Mar DG


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    surprised to see that we were alone. Ettle then unceremoniously dropped her arrows and quiver to the side, propped against the


    log wall.


    4


    ¡°Drop your bag there, Alina,¡± Ettie suggested, her voice a thread of vulnerability woven into the tapestry of the forest''s symphony.


    Her eyes, reflective pools mirroring the scars of our fractured history, held a fragile plea for trust.


    A fleeting hesitation gripped me, my fingers unwilling to relinquish the tether to security that my bag represented, | didn¡¯t think it


    was safe to be here empty. handed, and | didn¡¯t have it in me to trust Ettle, just yet. She looks more like a stranger than my friend


    as of the moment.


    Ettie, her eyes catching the flicker of hesitation and hurt, spoke with a measured eptance that carried the burden of


    understanding.


    ¡°It''s okay, Alina,¡± she said, a sigh traversing the divide between us. ¡°I get it. Trust isn¡¯t something that mends overnight, especially


    after everything.¡±


    The admission, hung in the air like an unspoken vow. Even | felt guilty, especially with how | can¡¯t even deny it, even though |


    knew that there¡¯s nothing to be guilty of. My bag, a repository of survival etched upon its frayed surface, remained tethered to my


    grasp-a silent testament to the jagged contours of our shared journey.


    The hut, a haven cloaked in the shadows of secrecy, beckoned us into its embrace. Ettie¡¯s invitation, a delicate dance between


    hospitality and the unspoken ache of redemption, echoed through the air.


    | chose a corner, my back to the wall, a calcted stance that mirrored the lingering specters of caution. Ettle, her movements


    fluid as a leaf carried by the wind, busied herself with tasks that spoke of a routine etched within the confines of our shared


    sanctuary.


    She cast a fleeting nce in my direction, a silent acknowledgment of the chasm yet to be bridged. The logs c rackled in the fire,


    their dance of shadows an intricate ballet that mirrored the tumultuous intery of emotions within the confines of my heart.


    55 Fri, 8 Mar


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    ¡°Are you hungry, Alina?¡± The words, imbued with a sense of hospitality, held the power to bridge the gap or deepen the fissures


    that lingered between us.


    Caught off guard, | was about to utter the customary denial-a well-practiced shield to conceal the gnawing emptiness within-


    when an involuntary rumble emanated from my stomach. Our eyes met, and, for a moment, the solemnity melted intoughter a


    shared acknowledgment of the universality of hunger, a reminder that, beneath our veils of animosity, we were, at our core,


    beings tethered by shared needs.


    Laughter, that age-old remedy for fractured connections, reverberated through the hut, momentarily suspending the weight of


    distrust that had be the silentpanion to our every interaction. The echo of shared mirth cast a flicker of familiarity upon


    the walls, like the fleeting warmth of a sunbeam breaking through storm clouds.


    Yet, asughter subsided, an awkward silence descended, an unspoken acknowledgment of the precipice we stood upon. Ettie,


    ever the resilient spirit, cleared her throat, her eyes now fixed on the fire, mes casting shadows upon the contours of her face.


    ¡°| have some meat,¡± she confessed, her voice a hesitant murmur seeking sce amidst the uncertainty. ¡°Even bacon.¡± The


    admission, spoken with the fragility of a secret unveiled, lingered in the air like a whispered plea for eptance.


    The revtion stilled the air between us, a shared breath suspended in the uncharted territories of reconciliation. The question


    hung, unspoken, in the space between our gazes-a question tethered to the origin of that elusive meat.


    ¡°Where did you get that?¡± | asked, the words slicing through the uneasy silence like a de seeking truth. Ettie, caught in the


    crossfire of honesty and vulnerability, blushed-a shade of vulnerability etched upon her features.


    ¡°A sponsor,¡± she confessed, a bit embaras sed. ¡°I¡¯ve gotten most of what helped me survive this long from sponsors. | guess they


    kind of like me.¡±


    The flickering fire painted the hut¡¯s walls in warm hues, shadows dancing in rhythm with the ebb and flow of our unspoken


    emotions. The cozy interior, a haven


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    crafted from the rugged simplicity of our surroundings, harbored secrets not born of the forest¡¯s generosity but whispered by


    unseen sponsors. My gaze, a curious intruder, sought clues amidst the hushed ambiance of our fragile camaraderie.


    Against the rough-hewn backdrop of logs and leaves, incongruent elements stood as silent testaments to a reality tainted by the


    unseen hands of benefactors. A fluffy nket, its softness an affront to the c oar se textures of the forest, adorned a makeshift


    bed. Pillows, plump and indulgent, gathered in a corner-a luxury. inconceivable in the wilderness | hade to know.


    A basket, not woven from forest vines but from some synthetic material foreign to our realm, cradled a trove of treasures. Fruits,


    pristine and untouched by the blemishes of nature,y nestled beside a loaf of bread-a bounty bestowed by ant unseen hand, a


    stark contrast to the scavenging existence that defined our days.


    As my eyes swept over this unintended disy of opulence, a disquietude simmered within-a dissonance that struck a chord of


    difort within the recesses of my consciousness. It was an unwee quest, an ugly emotion that gnawed at the edges of


    camaraderie-a jealous pang that wed at the bonds we sought to reforge.


    The dichotomy between gratitude and envy, once a foreign concept, now unfolded as a disconcerting truth-a revtion that


    mirrored theplexities. woven into the fabric of our newfound reality. Ettie, my friend andpatriot in the theatre of survival,


    stood at the intersection of fortune and misfortune. Her hut, a sanctuary veiled in borrowedforts, bore witness to the unseen


    forces that dictated the ebb and flow of our existence.


    In the silence that lingered, pregnant with unspoken sentiments, my gaze locked onto the basket-the embodiment of indulgences


    foreign to the calloused palms of forest dwellers. A surge of bitterness, a visceral reaction to the apparent disparity, wed at the


    fragile tapestry of understanding that threaded our friendship.


    The aroma of sizzling bacon, a fragrance so allen in our rustic abode, wafted through the air, awakening my senses from the


    deste slumber of our survival routine. Ettie, armed with a pot and pan from mysterious sponsors, orchestrated a culinary


    symphony amidst the echoes of the forest.


    14:55 Fri, 8 Mar DB


    SponsorsThis belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    ¡°Want a slice?¡± Her voice, a melodic invitation, cut through the ambient cr ckling of the fire. She wielded a spat with a dexterity


    that hinted at a familiarity with tools beyond the purview of our primal existence.


    | nodded, my stomach voicing its approval with an impatient growl. Ettie, bearing a te that seemed plucked from the realms of


    abundance, presented the bacon with a flourish-a mosaic of golden perfection that defied the frugality of our surroundings.


    As she ced a slice before me, the glistening fat beckoning like an ephemeral indulgence, | hesitated. The te, an emblem of


    opulence gifted by benevolent sponsors, reflected the paradoxes of our existence-a momentary escape from the grim clutches of


    scarcity.


    | epted the offering, my fingers trembling with a fusion of anticipation and apprehension. The bite, amunion with


    decadence, resonated through my senses a gustatory revtion that momentarily eclipsed the monotony of our survivalist fare.


    Ettie, mirroring my actions, savored the richness of the bacon in shared silence.


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    ¡°| had someone else with me.¡±


    Ettie starts, shifting her gaze elsewhere. | find myself on one end of the hut, while she upies the other, creating a clear divide


    between us. Instead of making eye contact with me, she¡¯s preupied with picking at her nails. Whenever she¡¯s anxious, it had


    be her habit to fidget with her fingers.


    Even after everything, it seemed like it never truly left her.


    ¡°| waspletely lost when the Mating Run began. Alina, you know I¡¯m not the type to do things like this. | thought we were


    gonna stick together, through it all. But that¡¯s not what actually happened. | was totally lost and freaking out, | seriously thought |


    was gonna die in those first few hours.¡±


    Ettie chuckles, her eyes betraying a hint of sadness despite the smile on her face. | have an urge to be there for her, to offer


    reassurance, but all | can do is sit across from her, leaning against the wall. It felt like she had be an entirely different


    person, and although tears slipped down her face, | couldn¡¯t bring myself to move closer and embrace her. If it had been like


    back then, | would have eagerly done it in a heartbeat.


    ¡°Those first few days were hard. | saw the start of the run, when only the Hiders were there, and it was already being shown on


    TV. They didn¡¯t show the Hider¡¯s hiding spots, but | assumed it would be the same for the Hunters. The Mating Run looked fun


    when the rest of you guys were searching for hiding spots. But | don¡¯t know what happened, when it was the Hunter''s turn to go


    into the forest, everything just went crazy.¡±


    My body shivers involuntarily, overwhelmed by a rush of fear and embarrassment that sends a cold wave through me. It felt like


    apletely different Mating Run when it was only Victor and me, with no one else around. No. lives were being taken, and no


    one was experiencing starvation.


    By the third day, | truly believed that everything woulde to an end. But


    [e)


    1/7


    Here we die,


    standstill.


    weeks have prouaviy direduy psed, did w Te Sul al d


    ¡°| know what you mean, the first few days were rough for me too.¡±


    | confess, feeling the difort, | absentmindedly rub my arm, desperately trying to find the right response. Ettie sniffles again,


    the sound echoing softly in the room, as she wipes a stray tear from her eye. | let out a sigh of resignation before mustering the


    energy to stand, crouching in front of her.


    ¡°Look, I¡¯m happy you''re alive and here. | wouldn¡¯t want it any different, Ettie.¡±


    Ettie¡¯s revtion ys out like a creepy melody, each word hitting on the terrifying Mating Run. She used to have a stoic


    expression, but now her eyes are brimming with tears, reflecting our shared despair.


    ¡°| passed by some others,¡± Ettie admits it, her voice barely audible in the dark hut. ¡°They... they had sumbed to the Blood


    lust. It was as if they forgot why we¡¯re here, Alina. They weren''t even trying to find mates anymore; it¡¯s like they want to murder


    people. Remember when | said it was super hot before we started running? The staff apparently let out these pheromone things


    to get the Hunters in the mood before the start of the run. They said it was supposed to make things more fun, but clearly it


    didn''t.¡±


    Her words, heavy with shared sorrow, hang in the air, showing how everything is falling apart in the fight to survive.


    Ettie¡¯s tears speak volumes about how we all mourn together, regardless of sides. Her so bs are so loud in the hut, and her


    words hit me hard.


    After that awkward silence, I¡¯m struggling to find the right words. How do you even react when things start getting so messed up?


    Ettie¡¯s vulnerability, just like mine, needs sce.


    Inplete silence, | close the distance between Ettie and myself, my actions. speaking volumes about our unspoken bond. |


    hold her close, feeling her shivers against my chest, offering sce in the midst of the turbulent tempest. The embrace is a


    tender connection, an unspokenmunion that conveys our shared


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    sorrows without the need for words.


    As Ettie cries into my clothes, | feel the heaviness of what we''ve been through


    together.


    Ettie, finding sce together, slowly regains herposure.


    Her crying fades away, and it gets super quiet.


    As we slowly pull away from the embrace, Ettie¡¯s eyes lock with mine, silently acknowledging the unspoken bond that connects


    us.


    ¡°His name''s Elijah.¡±


    Ettie¡¯s statement leaves me perplexed, causing me to tilt my head in confusion. | find a spot right next to her and make myself


    comfortable, leaning my head against her shoulder and feeling a sense of peace. When we watch sad movies, Ettie is always


    there to offerfort, and we often find ourselves seeking sce in her


    presence.


    ¡°He has no clue what''s going on, just like me, at the beginning of the Mating Run. He works as an ountant at City Hall, and he


    told me that the only thing he really knows about mates is how pricey they can get. But he says he¡¯d rather find one himself


    instead of letting the Elders choose for him.¡±


    ¡°Elijah, huh?¡± | smirk, trying to pronounce the name with uncertainty. ¡°Is he easy to get along with? What¡¯s his deal? Did he save


    you while wearing a cape and promising that nothing bad will ever happen to you?¡±


    Ettie knows I¡¯m teasing, but she wees any diversion to distract her from the sadness that lingers inside. Ettie, with her


    infectiousughter, is usually the one to brighten the mood between us, and | don¡¯t want to add to her sadness.


    Ettie chuckles, herughter echoing in the cramped space of our makeshift hut, providing a momentary respite from the


    suffocating reality outside.


    ¡°No cape, but he was really good at finding the tastiest berries. Quite the talent, | must say.¡±


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    sorrows without the need for words.


    As Ettie cries into my clothes, | feel the heaviness of what we''ve been through together.


    Ettie, finding sce together, slowly regains herposure.


    Her crying fades away, and it gets super quiet.


    As we slowly pull away from the embrace, Ettie¡¯s eyes lock with mine, silently acknowledging the unspoken bond that connects


    us.


    ¡°His name''s Elijah.¡±


    Ettie¡¯s statement leaves me perplexed, causing me to tilt my head in confusion. | find a spot right next to her and make myself


    comfortable, leaning my head against her shoulder and feeling a sense of peace. When we watch sad movies, Ettie is always


    there to offerfort, and we often find ourselves seeking sce in her presence.


    ¡°He has no clue what''s going on, just like me, at the beginning of the Mating Run. He works as an ountant at City Hall, and he


    told me that the only thing he really knows about mates is how pricey they can get. But he says he¡¯d rather find one himself


    instead of letting the Elders choose for him.¡±


    ¡°Elijah, huh?¡± | smirk, trying to pronounce the name with uncertainty. ¡°Is he easy to get along with? What¡¯s his deal? Did he save


    you while wearing a cape and promising that nothing bad will ever happen to you?¡±


    Ettie knows I¡¯m teasing, but she wees any diversion to distract her from the sadness that lingers inside. Ettie, with her


    infectiousughter, is usually the one to brighten the mood between us, and | don¡¯t want to add to her sadness


    Ettie chuckles, herughter echoing in the cramped space of our makeshift hut, providing a momentary respite from the


    suffocating reality outside.


    ¡°No cape, but he was really good at finding the tastiest berries. Quite the


    talent, | must say.¡±


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    Agrin spreads across my face as | imagine a Hunter meticulously searching the forest for berries, defying our typical roles.


    ¡°Someone who knows their berries. Well, that¡¯s something | never expected to see. | wish | had him with me when | was


    searching for berries.¡±


    Ettie¡¯s smile quickly fades from her lips.


    ¡°Did you run out of food?¡±


    In an instant, | shake my head, attempting to downy the seriousness of my situation. The main subject of this was supposed


    to be Ettie, not myself.


    ¡°No! Well, yeah, but | still had those biscuits left. | decided to go berry hunting ¡¯cause | couldn¡¯t stand those tasteless biscuits


    anymore. But let¡¯s shift the focus to Elijah, tell me more about him!¡±


    Ettie gives me a strange look, but then a chuckle escapes her lips, her eyes twi nkling with the shared absurdity of our exchange.


    ¡°| can¡¯t believe it either; it was just as weird for me. Hunters are meant to hunt, not pick berries. But Elijah... he¡¯s different.¡±


    The word ¡°different¡± hangs in the air, carrying a weight of unspoken meanings. In the Mating Run, where alliances are as fickle


    as the ever-changing winds, the idea of a Hunter bing an ally seems like a surreal departure from the usual.


    ¡°Different how?¡±


    Genuine curiosity seeps into my voice as | ask.


    He¡¯s different from the rest. Helped me get food and gave me survival tips. We even fought over the best way to cook those


    berries. Ettie exins, her lips curved upwards in a knowing smile. She must have noticed the teasing smirk on my face.


    because she immediately rolls her eyes and yfully flicks me on the forehead. | let out a low whine, gently rubbing the tender


    spot where she had just struck me.


    ¡°No lovey-dovey stuff, Alina. | can see that mischievous look in your eyes. It was


    Ally


    64%E


    #


    totally unexpected, but Elijah and | are just friends.¡±


    Friendship. The word resonates in our conversation, a stark contrast to the brutal nature of the world surrounding us. | haven''t


    heard about any new friendships made from this run, but it¡¯s a good switch-up.


    ¡°Well, isn¡¯t that heartwarming,¡±


    | quip, a yful smirk dancing on my lips as | conceal the intricateyers of our reality. ¡°Who would¡¯ve thought that Hunters have


    a soft spot for berries and friendly debates?¡±


    With a chuckle, Ettie¡¯s attention momentarily shifts to the h orizon, as if questioning the sheer absurdity of our predicament.


    ¡°In this chaos, I''ll take a berry-picking Hunter over a bloodthirsty one any day.¡±


    ¡°Well?¡±


    ¡°Well what?¡±


    | yfully roll my eyes, giving Ettie¡¯s shoulder a lighthearted nudge.


    ¡°When do | get to meet him?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s out grabbing some herbs. | had no idea I''d run into you today, so he¡¯s gonna be shocked when he arrives. | think it¡¯s better


    if | meet him before he freaks. out and blows our cover by seeing you here.¡±


    Suddenly, the vivid image of me seeing Ettie a few days ago shes through my thoughts. The thought crosses my mind to tell


    her, but | quickly dismiss it, shaking my head in agreement that now isn¡¯t the right time. | think it¡¯s better that | meet Ettie in this


    way too, with her saving me, and not me witnessing the sight of her


    bloodied.


    ¡°What''s he doing getting herbs? There¡¯s a ton of food here from your sponsors.¡±


    My eyebrow shoots up, my voice betraying a flicker of doubt.


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    Ally


    When Ettie meets my gaze, | can see the excitement shining in her eyes.


    ¡°Why settle for nd when we can have something that sticks with you? We deserve a break from all this chaos, don¡¯t you think?


    Elijah¡¯s a pretty good cook, just as good as he is with numbers.¡±


    | nod in agreement, temporarily setting aside my reservations as the thought of a culinary adventure excites me.


    ¡°So, I''ll go look for him, you stay here.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Right away, | tense up, my body unable to move, and my eyes widen with shock. ¡°You''re not gonna leave me here all by


    myself, right? You''re kidding!¡±


    Ettie gives me a bewildered look, as if I¡¯ve lost my mind.


    ¡°Alina, you''ve got nothing to worry about, you''ll be fine here. Besides, | won''t go too far.¡± Ettie reassures me, her unwavering


    confidence shining through her eyes as they meet mine. ¡°You''re in good hands here, nothing can happen to you. | swear. This


    ce is safe.¡±Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°But...¡±


    As the weight of solitude settles upon me, | can hear the distant echo of doubts gnawing at the edges of my resolve. As | gaze


    upon the hut, made of delicate leaves and sturdy logs, its vulnerability bes even more pronounced. The echoes of the


    Mating Run¡¯s chaos are a chilling reminder that safety is short-lived.


    Ettie¡¯s gaze meets mine, and she can sense my hesitation, her expression shifting to one of understanding.


    ¡°Alina, | get that it¡¯s tough. But we can¡¯t always be together, unfortunately. You said it yourself. Elijah¡¯s just around the corner and


    he won''t be much longer. | better give him a heads up about you before he loses it when he sees you. You can count


    on me.¡±


    Trust is hanging on by a thread, with the thought of being alone making it even more fragile. I¡¯m overwhelmed with all these


    emotions scared, vulnerable, and just


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    Ally


    wanting things to go back to normal.


    ¡°Okay. Promise you''lle back safe, alright?¡±


    ¡°You got it, Alina.¡±


    I give in, the word lingering in the air, silently asking for reassurance. | take onest look at Ettie before she steps outside, the


    sound of leaves rustling as the makeshift door swings shut behind her.


    Right after she walks away, | swiftly grab Zeke¡¯s bag and position it on myp. | shuffle closer to the corner of the hut, the sound


    of my own heartbeat drowning out all other noises. Taking precautions, | cautiously retrieve the map, ensuring it remains


    concealed from anyone else¡¯s view, and then tightly grasp the knife.


    | still trust Ettie, but not to the same extent as before.


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    64%


    my eyes on


    I snap a scream wing its way out of my throat.


    The sudden jolt, the disoriented panic-reality blurs into focus as my surroundings crystallize. I¡¯m back in the hut, but something is


    different. My heart races, and my gaze darts around, seeking the source of my rm.


    | hadn''t even realized that | had fallen asleep.


    Ettie is there, her eyes locked on mine, and beside her stands a figure | hadn''t expected a man, Elijah. His presence injects a


    surreal quality into the otherwise. familiar confines of our makeshift haven.


    ¡°He¡¯s not a threat, Alina. | promis


    Ettie¡¯s voice cuts through the lingering echoes of my scream, a lifeline tossed to a drowning soul.


    Elijah offers a gentle smile, his curly hair falling effortlessly around his face.


    There¡¯s an air of calmness about him, an aura that seems alien recently ace.


    His sses perch on the bridge of his nose, and freckles adorn his features, creating a stark contrast to the ruthless image that


    the word ¡°Hunter¡± has carved in my mind.


    ¡°Hey, Alina,¡± Elijah¡¯s voice is a soothing balm, a melodic contrast to the dissonance of the outside world. ¡°Ettie¡¯s been telling me


    about you.¡±


    The wariness clings to me, an invisible shroud woven from the threads of distrust and survival instincts.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you wake me up?¡±


    My words are sharper than | intended towards Ettie, a defensive reflex born from the brutal lessons the Mating Run has etched


    into my consciousness.


    Ettie steps forward, her eyes pleading for understanding.


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    14:56 Fri, 8 Mar DB


    Trust


    ¡°Alina, | told you, Elijah¡¯s not like the other Hunters. We''ve been helping each other survive. He¡¯s a friend. There¡¯s no need to be


    scared of him.¡±


    64%"


    Friend a word that resonates with an echo of something almost forgotten. The concept feels foreign, a relic from a time when


    alliances weren¡¯t measured by the ticking seconds of a deadly countdown.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Elijah extends a hand, a gesture meant to bridge the gap between the known and the unknown.


    ¡°| know it¡¯s hard to trust, but I¡¯m here to survive just like you. We''ve been sharing information, helping each other find supplies.


    We''re all just trying to get through this.¡±


    His words hang in the air, a delicate equilibrium threatened by the shadows of doubt that cling to the walls of our shelter. | nce


    between Ettie and Elijah, caught in the crossfire of conflicting emotions.


    ¡°Alina, please,¡± Ettie implores, her eyes mirroring a vulnerability that resonates with my own. ¡°We need allies in this, real allies.


    Elijah is one of the good ones.¡±


    Reluctantly, | extend my hand towards Elijah¡¯s, a gesture acknowledging a tenuous alliance forged in the crucible of our shared


    predicament.


    The scent of sizzling meat wafts through the air, a fragrant reminder of the world beyond the confines of our makeshift hut. Elijah,


    now positioned near a small fire, expertly tends to cuts of steak with a finesse that belies the harsh reality of the Mating Run. His


    movements are deliberate, each action a testament to a survival skill set | hadn¡¯t associated with Hunters.


    Ettie, perched beside me, watches Elijah with a warmth in her eyes that speaks. of camaraderie and shared survival. The


    anticipation heightens the atmosphere, the dance of mes casting shadows on the walls of our refuge.


    ¡°I''ve never seen a Hunter cook like this,¡± Ettie whispers, her voice a delicate murmur that barely traverses the space between us.


    It echoes my own thoughts-


    =


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    the incongruity of witnessing a Hunter, traditionally a symbol of danger, crafting a meal that speaks of a nuanced existence


    beyond the brutality of the Run.


    Elijah, as if sensing our gaze, turns towards us, a small smile ying on his lips. ¡°Survival tastes better with a touch of vor,¡± he


    remarks, the simplicity of the statement carrying a weight of truth that resonates with the primal instincts driving


    us all.


    He tes the steaks, arranging them with an artistic ir that feels out of ce. in the midst of our survivalist surroundings. The


    meat, seared to perfection, releases tendrils of aroma that tease our senses. A small pot simmers beside the steaks, emitting a


    sweet fragrance that hints at a berry sauce-a touch of luxury in a world dominated by the raw necessity of sustenance.


    us.¡±


    Ettie¡¯s eyes light up, and a soft chuckle escapes her lips. ¡°Elijah, you''re spoiling


    He shrugs, his gaze meeting mine briefly before returning to the culinary creation before him. ¡°Sometimes, a little spoiling helps


    us remember there¡¯s more to


    life than the Run.¡±


    As he serves the steaks, cing them before us with a gesture that holds a strange kind of reverence, | feel a twinge of


    something unfamiliar-an emotion that flirts with the boundaries of awe. The steak, a departure from the monotony of berries and


    the tasteless ration bars, embodies a rare indulgence, a culinary escape from the grim reality we face.


    | pick up my fork, slicing into the steak with deliberate slowness, savoring the momentary diversion from the relentless urgency of


    survival. The vors explode on my tongue-a symphony of richness and tenderness that transcends the pragmatic function of


    food.


    ¡°Good, isn¡¯t it?¡± Elijah observes, his eyes glinting with satisfaction born not only from culinary sess but from the subtle


    alteration of the narrative unfolding within the walls of our refuge.


    I nod, unable to articte theplexity of emotions that apany each bite. The steak, seemingly Inconsequential in the


    grand scheme of the Mating Run,


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    bes a conduit for a shared experience, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit even in the face of overwhelming


    odds.


    Ettie, beside me, mirrors my silent acknowledgment.


    64%8


    As we continue to eat, the atmosphere shifts. The mes flicker with an ethereal dance, casting shadows that seem to dance in


    tandem with the nuances of


    our shared meal.


    As Elijah¡¯s silhouette vanishes beyond the threshold of our haven, Ettie, with a grace that defies the harshness of our reality,


    unfolds a nket and arranges a cluster of pillows. A softness creeps into her eyes, a transient vulnerability that speaks of


    shared fears and unspoken assurances.


    ¡°Here,¡± she says, her voice a gentle murmur that seeks to counterbnce the looming threat outside our haven. ¡°Take these. Get


    some rest.¡±


    Gratitude swells within me as | ept the offering, fingers grazing the fabric of the nket-a simple gesture that resonates with a


    significance amplified by the stark simplicity of our surroundings.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± | whisper, the wordsden with an acknowledgment of the fragile. sanctuary Ettie and Elijah have created. In the


    solitude that defined my nights before, sleep had been an elusivepanion, a luxury sacrificed to the coaseless vignce


    demanded by the Mating Run.


    Ettle, ever perceptive, catches the tremor In my volce, a subtle manifestation of the vulnerability that lingers beneath the surface.


    ¡°Alina, we''re In this together now,¡± she reassures, her gaze unwavering. ¡°You don¡¯t have to endure this alone anymore.¡±


    The words, delivered with a sincerity that resonates beyond the immediate. context, etch a promise-amitment to shared


    survival amidst the tumultuousndscape of the Run. The nket, as It envelops me, bes a metaphorical shield, a tangible


    emblem of the newfound solidarity that transcends the inherent dichotomy of Hunter and Hider.


    As | settle against the pillows, their embrace a stark departure from the unforgiving hardness of the forest floor, Ettie lingers


    beside me. The silence.


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    Trust


    between us holds a gravity, punctuated only by the distant rustle of leaves-the ambient soundscape of a world ensnared in the


    throes of the Mating Run.


    ¡°When | was alone,¡± | begin, my voice a tentative admission to the vulnerabilities harbored in solitude, ¡°I slept on the floor. There


    wasn¡¯t much else.¡±


    Ettie¡¯s expression softens, an unspoken understanding passing between us. In the simplicity of that shared acknowledgment, the


    chasm between our respective journeys seems to narrow-a convergence of experiences that defies the istion. of the past.


    ¡°That changes now,¡± Ettie deres, her tone firm, eyes reflecting an unwavering resolve. ¡°Elijah and | are here for you. You won''t


    face this alone


    anymore.¡±


    The weight of those words, infused with amitment to mutual protection, resonates within the confines of our refuge. In the


    vulnerable space between waking and slumber, the promise of shared guardianship casts a tentative glow-a beacon of


    reassurance amidst the encroaching darkness of the Run.


    As | sumb to the embrace of the nket and pillows, the echo of Ettie¡¯s pledge lingers-a whispered assurance.


    | jerk awake, the tendrils of sleep torn away by the oppressive weight on my mouth. Panic, immediate and unbridled, seizes me


    as | find myself face to face with Elijah, his eyes veiled in a disconcerting haze. Hisbored breaths, heavy with an ominous.


    intensity, fog the air between us.


    In the ghostly glow of the room, | see a version of Elijah | never fathomed-an intruder within the supposed safety of our refuge.


    His face, normally familiar, is now etched with a crimson flush, a manifestation of something unsettling lurking beneath the


    surface. Droplets of sweat trickle down his forehead, merging with the fear that now slickens my own skin.


    Time hangs suspended in that breathless moment as Elijah, an apparition of malice, holds me captive with a frenzied gaze. His


    hand, mmy and oppressive,


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    mu ffles any sound that might escape my lips-a prelude to the terror that unfolds in agonizing silence. And then, | feel the cold


    steel of a knife pressing against the tender skin of my throat.


    ¡°Shhhh.¡±


    Elijah hisses, themand fraught with a malevolence that quivers in the air. The glinting de, a grim implement of coercion,


    reflects the malevolent dance of shadows in the room. His eyes, once familiar pools, now mirror a turbulent storm of madness


    and obscured intent.


    ¡°Keep your mouth shut if you know what¡¯s good for you.¡±


    Fear, a relentless torrent, surges through my veins, paralyzing my every instinct.


    | dare not move, dare not speak, as the cold reality of the de against my


    neck-


    His hot, rancid breath washes over me, and | recoil as Elijah¡¯s words slither into the air-a venomous blend of desire and malice.


    ¡°You''re so pretty.¡±


    Elijah mutters, a twistedpliment that echoes with ominous intent. His eyes, clouded with a sinister longing, bore into mine,


    stripping away any semnce of


    safety.


    ¡°Who knew a mate like you would juste walking right inside my door?¡±


    His words, a per verse invitation, drip with unsettling possessiveness. | feel the weight of his gaze, an oppressive force that


    seeks to im more than just my


    presence.


    ¡°Can | taste you, darling?¡± he leers, the question more a promation of dominance than a genuine inquiry. The knife, an


    extension of his ominous desire, presses harder against my neck, a cold reminder of the precarious bnce between


    survival and submission.


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    Tears well in my eyes as | shake my head, a feeble attempt to convey my refusal, my terror. Elijah¡¯s grin widens, a macabre


    expression that revels in my vulnerability.


    ¡°Make you mine...¡±


    Elijah murmurs, the words a chilling promise that reverberates through the ustrophobic space.


    64%


    cry, silent s obs that echo the desperation of a prey ensnared in the merciless clutches of its predator.


    | don¡¯t know why he¡¯s doing this to me. | don¡¯t know why | trusted him. | don¡¯t know why | even came with Ettie. | should have


    known better when | saw her from up the tree. When | saw the blood that covered her, when | saw that she looked like a full-


    fledged Hunter.


    I should have known better-that everything is different now.


    Ettie¡¯s not going to coddle me. I¡¯m not back home or in the safety of myfort zone. I¡¯m out here in the forest. And as | nce


    around, my eyes spotting the cameras, | realize that everyone from the pack will see me be forcefully imed.


    And | can¡¯t do anything about it.


    While these thoughts swirl inside my head, | feel Elijah pulled away from me.


    Then | smell a scent of anger that unmistakablyes from Ettie.


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    Chapter 29


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    | used to have this air mattress.


    | bought it once | moved out because | needed something soft to sleep on, just the hard floor. My air mattress was the bomb, it


    was this big, floppy thing. | swear, |y down there for five seconds and | was out like a light.


    not


    It was a long journey getting it filled up. | needed this pump thing that made a ton of noise. It was like a lion roaring in the


    distance. | had to stick it to the mattress and let it suck in air. Pretty straightforward, right? But oh boy, it dragged on forever,


    Like watching paint dry, but louder.


    So, me being me, I''d start the pump, and then I¡¯d wander off. It¡¯s not like | had all day to wait for a mattress to inte. There were


    way more interesting things to do, like staring at the wall or contemting the mysteries of the universe.


    Hours passed, and the mattress was left to fend for itself in the battle against tness. I''d forget about it, not out of malice, but


    more out of the ¡°out of sight, out of mind¡± philosophy. It was there, in the corner of the room, doing its own thing, or, in this case,


    not doing anything at all.


    But then, one fateful day, a day like any other, it happened. | walked into the room, minding my own business, and there it was


    the air mattress, looking more. like a sad, deted balloon than anything you¡¯d want to sleep on.


    It was like a slow-motion movie scene. My eyes widened, and | could almost hear a dramatic soundtrack ying in the


    background.


    The mattress had a huge hole in the middle because it exploded from all the air.


    | stood there, staring at the pitiful remains of what used to be a full-bodied mattress. It was like a ghost of its former self, haunted


    by the echoes of the air that once gave it life. | could almost imagine its silent screams, the mattress equivalent. of a deting


    sigh.


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    | picked it up, or rather, | tried to pick it up. It flopped around like a fish out of water ¡ª a sad, sorry excuse for a mattress. | felt a


    twinge of guilt, like | had let down. an old friend. But what could | do? | was just a mere human, and mattresses, it turns out, need


    more attention than | was willing to give.


    | poked it, half expecting it to magically reinte and forgive me for my negligence.


    But no, it just stayed there, proving how quickly intable things dete.


    | had to let it go, chuck it into the abyss of forgotten things.


    Wherever old mattresses find their final rest, may they rest in peace, or pieces.


    Lesson learned, mattress mourned.


    | think, that air mattress ¡ª it is a lot like people, whenever | think about it.


    Strange, right?


    But bear with me. | feel like it is all about the slow build-up, the silent resentment that turns into a ticking time bomb, just waiting


    for the perfect moment to explode.


    Like, picture this: a person, all puffed up with emotions, but instead of addressing them, they let it fester. It is like the mattress,


    quietly sitting there, getting more and more inted, until one day, it just can¡¯t take it anymore. It is like life is pumping air into it,


    and the person is letting life pump air into their emotions,


    too.


    You''ve seen it happen, right?


    Someone gets angry, upset, frustrated and they just let it sit. They don¡¯t want to deal with it. It is like they''re saying, ¡°Let¡¯s just


    ignore this, hope it goes away on


    its own.¡±


    But emotions, they are sneaky. They are patient.


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    They don¡¯t just disappear because you choose to ignore them.


    And then, boom.


    The explosion.


    The air mattress, suddenly bursts.


    It is loud, it is sudden, and it is messy..


    Just like when a person can¡¯t contain all those emotions anymore. They explode, and you are left picking up the pieces, just like |


    am left with the shreds of


    that air mattress.


    Imagine being in a room with a person like that.


    One moment, everything seems fine, and the next kaboom.


    Emotions everywhere.


    It is like trying to defuse a bomb that you did not even know was there.


    The aftermath is the worst.


    Shreds of stic everywhere, like the scattered remnants of a person¡¯s emotional outburst. You are left wondering, ¡°How did it


    come to this?¡± But deep down, you know. It is the buildup, the quiet intion of feelings that were never addressed.


    It is funny, isn¡¯t it? How we discard things once they have burst. The mattress explodes, and we toss it aside, no longer useful,


    just taking up space. People can be like that too. They explode, and suddenly, they are on the outskirts, discarded by those who


    couldn''t handle the st.


    And what is left? A deted mattress, a deted person.


    The explosion takes a toll, leaving behind a mess that is not easy to clean up.


    Il


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    14:56 Fri, 8 Mar DG.


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    But here¡¯s the thing it could have been avoided. If we addressed the issue, if we didn¡¯t let the resentment build up, maybe the


    explosion wouldn¡¯t have happened.


    | think about that air mattress a lot. It is a lesson | take to heart ¡ª to deal with things before they escte, before they turn into an


    irreparable burst.


    I''m sitting here, eyes wide, watching Ettie bash Elijah¡¯s head with a rock.


    It''s brutal, like something out of a nightmare. But in my head, all | can think about is that darn air mattress that burst a few years


    ago. The strange thing is, it feels like some twisted metaphor for what''s happening right in front of me.


    The memory hits me like a rock, almost as hard as Ettie¡¯s blows.


    That air mattress, innocent and unsuspecting, just like Elijah seconds before Ettie unleashes her fury. | remember how | left it


    alone to fill with air, thinking it would be fine. But | forget about it, and that forgetfulness leads to its demise.


    And now, as Ettie¡¯s anger bursts out, | can¡¯t help but draw this weird connection. It¡¯s like anger stored up inside a person, just like


    air pumped into a mattress. Too much, and it¡¯s a disaster waiting to happen.


    Ettie¡¯s screams are deafening, filling the air just like the hiss of escaping air from my mattress. She¡¯s a storm, and I¡¯m caught in


    the whirlwind, unable to tear my eyes. away from the brutality. It¡¯s like witnessing the aftermath of a burst, only this time, it¡¯s a


    person.


    As Ettle keeps bashing Elijah¡¯s head, I¡¯m sitting here, dumbfounded, almost expecting to see the remnants of anger floating


    away like the shreds of my air mattress. It¡¯s absurd, but the mind works in mysterious ways.


    Elijah¡¯s head is a mess, much like the mess | found when my mattress burst. It¡¯s like history repeating itself in the most grotesque


    way possible. The air is thick with the scent of blood, and my mind is thick with these odd connections.


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    I''m not sure if it¡¯s a funny metaphor or a tragic one. Maybe it¡¯s both.


    64%


    | almost want tough at the absurdity of my mind trying to make sense of the chaos around me through the lens of a burst air


    mattress. But there¡¯s nothing funny about the violence in front of me.


    Elijah¡¯s screams are ringing in my ears, a haunting melody of pain and terror.


    It''s like a twisted soundtrack to the chaos around us. Ettie¡¯s relentless, and every blow she delivers seems to echo the anger she


    feels. The rocks she¡¯s holding are creating a really messed up symphony.


    I should be saying something, doing something, but I¡¯m paralyzed.


    Elijah¡¯s pleas for mercy are muffled, choked by the rocks Ettie¡¯s shoving into his mouth. It¡¯s horrifying, a scene straight from a


    nightmare, and I¡¯m trapped in its grip.


    Ettie¡¯s eyes are wild, a storm of emotions. | get it; | do.


    Elijah crossed a line, touched me in a way that should never happen in this deadly game we''re in. But this, this brutal retribution,


    it''s something | never wanted.


    I never asked for someone to die because of me.


    I never wanted Ettie to kill someone for me.


    | want to scream, to make it stop, but my voice is caught in my throat. The brutality is suffocating, like the air before a storm,


    heavy and charged with electricity.


    Ettie¡¯s eyes meet mine, and | see a fire burning in them. It¡¯s a fire of rage, of revenge, and maybe even a touch of madness.


    She¡¯s lost in the storm of her emotions, and I¡¯m just a spectator, unable to tear my eyes away from the horror unfolding.


    ¡°Why?¡± Elijah¡¯s muffled voice manages to escape the makeshift gag. The word hangs in the air, a desperate plea for an answer


    that might nevere. ¡°Stop,


    please!¡±


    14:56 Fri, 8 Mar D G


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    64%"


    Ettie doesn¡¯t reply. She doesn¡¯t need to. The rocks in Elijah¡¯s mouth speak louder than words. It¡¯s a gruesome form of justice,


    and | can¡¯t deny that a part of me understands it.


    He vited Ettie¡¯s simple rules, and now he¡¯s paying the price.


    But this punishment, this brutal execution, is too much. It¡¯s a symphony of violence, each blow a note in a melody that | wish |


    could drown out. | want to close my eyes, to shut out the horror, but my gaze remains fixed on the nightmare before


    me.


    | never wanted Elijah to die..


    | wanted to survive, to oust this deadly game, but not at the cost of someone else¡¯s life.


    Ettie¡¯s breathing heavily, the storm in her eyes showing no signs of subsiding. She looks at me, and for a moment, | think she¡¯s


    seeking approval, validation for the brutality she¡¯s unleashed.


    But how can | validate this?


    ¡°Ettie, please,¡± | finally manage to croak out, the words feeble and inadequate against the violence. ¡°Stop. It¡¯s enough.¡±


    But Ettie doesn¡¯t hear me or chooses not to.


    She¡¯s lost in the tempest of her own making, and I¡¯m just a bystander in the wake of destruction. Elijah¡¯s groans are growing


    weaker, the struggle for breath evident even through the rocks stuffed into his mouth.


    | should be stronger. | should be able to stop this. But my limbs feel heavy, my voice feeble, and the air thick with the stench of


    blood and violence. | never wanted it toe to this.


    The rocks are a grotesque muzzle, robbing Elijah of his final cries for mercy.


    Ettie¡¯s eyes lock onto mine again, and this time, there¡¯s a flicker of uncertainty.


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    Maybe she¡¯s questioning her own actions, wondering if she¡¯s gone too far. But the storm still rages in her gaze, and | can¡¯t find


    the strength to pull her back.


    Elijah gets quiet, and when | hear a familiar siren, | know he¡¯s dead.


    Ettie finally stops, breathless, and the rock slips from her fingers.


    Elijah¡¯s head is a gruesome sight.


    Ettie copses beside Elijah¡¯s lifeless body, her anger spent. It¡¯s like the aftermath of a storm, the calm settling in. And here | am,


    still thinking about that air


    mattress.


    Then, she rushes towards me, her arms enveloping me in a tight hug.


    The warmth of her embrace is a stark contrast to the chilling scene behind her. Elijah¡¯s lifeless form lies on the ground, a


    macabre testimony to the violence that just unfolded. My gaze is fixated on the horror, unable to tear away from the sight of his


    shattered head.


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t get to touch you anymore, Alina.¡±


    Ettie whispers in my ear, her voice a mixture of relief and desperation. She pulls away slightly, looking into my eyes as if


    searching for something, seeking


    reassurance.


    | should feel something, say something, but my mind is a chaotic swirl of emotions.


    The brutality of what just happened has left me numb, a spectator in my own nightmare. | want to speak, to tell Ettie that it¡¯s


    okay, that she¡¯s done what she thought was necessary, but the words stick in my throat.


    Ettie¡¯s eyes are wide, pleading for validation.


    ¡°Tell me, Alina. Tell me I¡¯m not crazy. Tell me he deserved it.¡±


    Deserved it.


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    The words echo in my mind, a haunting refrain.


    Did Elijah deserve to die? Did | deserve to witness it?


    64%


    | manage a nod, a feeble attempt to convey understanding, but my eyes betray the turmoil within. Ettie clings to my words, as if


    they''re a lifeline in the aftermath of the storm she unleashed.


    ¡°He touched you, ina. He had to pay for that. | had to make sure he¡¯d never


    hurt you again.¡±


    Ettie¡¯s words are desperate, an attempt to rationalize the irrational. | feel her grip tighten as if afraid | might slip away from her.


    She smiles at me, brushes my cheeks, and it dawns on me that I am crying.


    ¡°He deserved it, right?¡± She insists, almost pleading now. ¡°Right?¡±


    | whisper, the words leaving a bad taste in my mouth.


    ¡°He did.¡±


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    Chapter 30


    Craze


    064%


    Ettie¡¯s hands, still coated in blood, move smoothly and deftly, a stark contrast to the violence that unfolded moments before.


    She''s acting like everything is normal, as if the scent of iron and the sight of stained leaves on the forest floor don¡¯t bother her.


    She tries to ignore the sight of Elijah¡¯s motionless figure sprawled on the ground behind her. | find it impossible to look away ¡ª


    from the gruesome scene before me the shattered remnants of a


    person now reduced to a macabre disy of mangled flesh.


    ¡°Are you in the mood for food, Alina?¡±


    Ettie¡¯s voice resonates, breaking through the foggy atmosphere, creating a sharp contrast to the lingering presence of the


    unspeakable act. Seeking a response, her eyes lock with mine, silently pleading for a nod of agreement, as theforting


    scents of the meal attempt to mask the haunting presence that lingers. in this hut.


    With trembling effort, | nod in agreement, unable to tear my eyes away from the unsettling sight behind her. The forest is eerily


    quiet, as if it anticipates the return of normalcy. But normalcy feels like a distant memory, fading away into the shadows of the


    past.


    Ettie smiles, but her eyes remain distant and unfocused.


    ¡°Good. Let¡¯s eat before anything else. So, there¡¯s this cool spot just a few meters away, with a pond full of fish. We could go


    fishingter, maybe.¡±


    Fishing. The word echoes emptily in the silence following the violence. | try to focus on her words, picturing a tranquil pond


    where the stillness is only interrupted. by the asional ssh of a fish.


    But the image is tainted by the vivid memory of Elijah¡¯s shattered skull, reying in my mind like a gruesome movie scene.


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    As Ettie tends to the cooking, | struggle to avert my eyes from the gruesome sight. Inside my mind, a storm rages, with waves of


    unease relentlessly crashing against the fragile shore ofposure. Although | should be repulsed and horrified, a strange


    numbness has taken its ce, leaving me feeling detached..


    The tantalizing aroma of sizzling meat permeates the air, creating a stark contrast to the lingering silence between us. | watch


    Ettie, her movements precise. and deliberate. | struggle to grasp her words as the relentless images in my mind overpower her


    distant echoes.


    ¡°Alina, are you okay?¡±


    Startled by Ettie¡¯s voice, | snap out of my daze and be aware of my surroundings. Her eyes meet mine, and | can¡¯t help but


    notice a momentary flicker of concern in her gaze.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± | mutter, my words barely audible and filled with a sense of inadequacy. How can anyone be okay after witnessing


    something so gruesome? The sound of Elijah¡¯s screams echoes in my ears, refusing to fade. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Ettie nods, her eyes filled with a mix of understanding and vulnerability.


    ¡°The steak will be done before you know it. | found some herbs that will make it tastier. You''re cool with that, right?¡±


    With a nod, | manage a shaky smile on my lips.


    As the aroma of sizzling meat fills the air, my stomach growls with hunger. With a flick of her wrist, Ettie flips the steak, and the


    sizzle grows more pronounced as it hits the makeshift pan.


    ¡°Ettie,¡± My voice, rough and scratchy, finally breaks through the silence as speak. ¡°Are... Are we... Shouldn¡¯t we move the...¡±


    As our gazes intertwine, | notice a brief hesitation, a flicker of uncertainty in Ettie¡¯s eyes. She opens her mouth, as if about to


    speak, but her voice gets caught in her throat, leaving her speechless.


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    nstead, she offers a tight-lipped smile, her eyes pleading silently to let it go.


    ¡°How about we eat before anything else, Aline? We better not wait or the steak will be cold.¡±


    She says, the words flowing from her lips like a practiced monologue, as she¡¯s desperately seeking affirmation.


    Taking a quick nce back, | am confronted with the sight of Elijah¡¯s lifeless and bloodied form on the ground, intensifying the


    weight of the choice we both


    Dear


    Ettie serves the sizzling steak on improvised tes, and we settle down on rough-hewn logs. The cooked meat presents itself


    with an enticing aroma, yet a disconcerting notion remains that it bears a resemnce to the contents within Elijah¡¯s skull.


    ¡°You know, Elijah was the one who actually discovered and told me about this pond.¡±


    Between bites, Ettie speaks, her voiceced with an attempt to bring normalcy to our conversation. The mere mention of the


    name fills me with unease, yet Ettie shows no sign of being bothered. | couldn¡¯t ignore the manic look in her eyes; it was


    wild and unsettling.


    ¡°He said there¡¯s a ton of fish there. Let''s try to get some foodter, something more satisfying than this.¡±


    | wipe my mouth with the back of my hand, trying to rid myself of the lingering bitter taste of the steak, but it does little to mask


    the storm raging within me. When Ettie looks at me, her eyes convey a sense of resolve mixed with weariness. Despite her


    efforts to restore normalcy to our shared reality, the burden of Elijah¡¯s death weighs heavily on my conscience.


    The hut stretches out before me, the walls and floor appearing hazy and indistinct, as if the weight of our shared horror has


    dulled its vibrant hues. Ettie clears her throat, shattering the suffocating silence.


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    ¡°Alina, we need to tough it out. | did what | had to do. | had no choice.¡±


    Her words are like a lifeline, keeping me afloat in this uncertain sea. But these images keep reying in my mind-the blood, the


    brutality, the life being taken


    away.


    ¡°Ettie,¡± With great effort, | manage to speak again, my voice barely reaching a whisper. ¡°How can you just go on like nothing¡¯s


    wrong? How can you just go ahead and... Just whip up some food and casually talk about fishing?¡±


    Asolemn exchange passes between Ettie and me as our eyes meet, acknowledging the unspoken reality.


    ¡°Alina, we have no other choice. This is our only chance at getting through this. The whole game is ruthless, we can¡¯t let guilt eat


    us up.¡±


    Guilt. The word reverberates deep within me, a relentless sensation that threatens to consume any hint ofposure. | shake


    my head vigorously, as if attempting to banish the haunting images that linger in the depths of my thoughts.


    ¡°We had a life before all this, Ettie. We had choices.¡± Strained, | murmur, my voice barely a whisper. ¡°Seriously, what went wrong


    with us? What was | thinking when | thought this was a good idea?¡±


    Her eyes shifting, Ettie¡¯s attention is drawn to the distant horizon.


    She remains silent, and for a brief moment, | feel a sense of relief wash over me.


    Alump forms in my throat, the weight of unshed tears threatening to break


    free.


    ¡°Alina.¡±


    Ettie¡¯s voice softens, its soothing tone a fragile refuge in the midst of turmoil. With a sigh, she pulls me towards her, her arm


    securely wrapped around my


    shoulder.


    ¡°| did whatever is necessary to guarantee your survival. Elijah would kill you,


    JI


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    im you, take everything from us. There¡¯s no chance I¡¯m gonna let that happen.¡±


    As her words reach my ears, they resonate deep within the hollow chamber of my conscience, leaving asting impact. Elijah,


    who is once a trusted ally, has now transformed into a formidable threat. The violence and brutality of it all make it hard for me to


    ept the choices made in the name of survival, considering who | used


    to be.


    | nce at the abandoned tes, the empty shells of our meal now serving as a painful reminder of the sacrifices we¡¯ve made.


    Without warning, tears well up in my eyes, transforming the hut into a blurry, watery mirage. | try to hold them back, to maintain


    the facade of strength, but the dam breaks, and the tears spill over, leaving salty trails on my cheeks.


    ¡°Ettie,¡± Guilt weighs me down, making it difficult to articte my thoughts. ¡°I can¡¯t... | can¡¯t pretend like everything¡¯s okay. | can¡¯t


    forget what we did.¡±


    ¡°| did it. You did nothing wrong, Alina.¡±


    Asoftening of Ettie¡¯s expression reveals a vulnerability that is rarely seen. beneath her stoic exterior. As she reaches out, her


    hand hovers uncertainly before gentlynding on my cheek. With a smile, she rests her forehead against mine, and | can feel her


    warm breath against my skin.


    ¡°It''s alright to have feelings. But we can¡¯t let it control us. Our only option is to move forward, no matter what.¡±


    | shake my head, tears streaming down my face, unable to suppress the gut-wrenching sobs. ¡°How are you not freaking out?


    How can you live with what we¡¯ve done? He¡¯s dead!¡±


    With a sigh, Ettie¡¯s gaze drifts off, lost in thought.


    ¡°Alina, | make a call. | choose to protect you, to survive. I''ll shoulder the responsibility for that choice, but | won¡¯t allow it to crush


    me. And | won''t let it tear you apart either.¡±


    However, I¡¯m already shattered into countless pieces.


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    The tears continue to flow, a relentless downpour of grief and guilt that escapes my control. With her thumbs, Ettie wipes away


    my tears, trying to bringfort to both of us in the midst of our turmoil.


    ¡°Cut it out, Alina, no more tears. There¡¯s no reason to feel guilty. I''d go to great lengths to save you.¡±


    Ettie¡¯s words escape her lips like a fragile breath, unable to mend the widening divide inside.


    | try to gather myself, to regain some semnce ofposure, but the heaviness of Elijah¡¯s death weighs on me, filling the air


    with a lingering sense of violence. | gently disentangle myself from Ettie¡¯s embrace, using the back of my hand to wipe away my


    tears.


    ¡°He makes sure you don¡¯t die, Ettie.¡± My voice escapes in a h oarse murmur, barely audible. ¡°He has your back when you''re all


    by yourself. And now... now he¡¯s.


    gone.¡±


    In a matter of seconds, Ettie¡¯s gaze sharpens, radiating a chilling energy.


    ¡°Alina, there¡¯s a price to pay for survival. We can¡¯t save everyone.¡±


    ¡°But-¡±


    Then, Ettie takes a swift and decisive step forward.


    With determination and unwavering resolve, she leaves a crimson trail in her wake, dragging Elijah¡¯s lifeless body across the


    rough, rocky floor of the hut. As | watch in shock, my senses are overwhelmed by the unsettling sight ying out in


    front of me.


    Ettie¡¯s grip on Elijah¡¯s leg remains firm, providing a sense of security amidst the prevailing stillness.


    Witnessing the crimson streaks left in Elijah¡¯s wake, my breath catches in my throat, a visceral reaction to the brutal violence that


    has unfolded within these stone walls. The air seems to hold onto the palpable presence of violence.


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    ¡°Ettie,¡± | manage to whisper, my voice barely audible and filled with tremors. My eyes dart towards the cameras, and | can¡¯t help


    but feel the weight of their scrutiny. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    There is a pause before Ettie responds.


    Undeterred, she persists in her morbid task, dragging Elijah¡¯s lifeless body towards the entrance of the hut. The sound of his


    limbs scraping against the rocky floor reverberates through the confined space, sending shivers down my spine.


    ¡°He¡¯s dead, Alina,¡± Finally, Ettie¡¯s voice breaks the silence with a soft murmur. ¡°...And the forest has a way of reiming what


    belongs to it.¡±


    Suppressing a scream, | trail behind Ettie, the chilling cave air giving way to the suffocating scrutiny of the forest.


    The forest stands tall, its ancient trees serving as guardians of our shared secret. With a release of her grip, Ettie lets go of


    Elijah¡¯s leg, causing his body to slump to the ground with a jarring thud. | can¡¯t stop staring at the scene-Elijah, lying lifeless on


    the ground, a reminder of how fragile life is.


    ¡°Elijah was a really cool friend.¡± Ettie murmurs softly, her eyes locked on the motionless figure. | couldn¡¯t help but notice the


    vacant expression in her eyes as she nces at me over her shoulder. ¡°But the second heid a finger on you, Alina, the second


    he even entertained the idea of making you his, he was good as dead.¡±


    14:57 Fri, 8 Mar DB

 Chapter 31

    Chapter 31


    Root


    The air hangs heavy with the acrid scent of vomit.


    I''m hunched over by the side, retching violently as my body rebels against the weight of guilt and fear that clings to my insides.


    Each convulsion sends waves of nausea through me, a physical manifestation of the turmoil within.


    Ettie¡¯s voice, a distant murmur, prates the fog of my anguish.


    ¡°Alina, you need to stop. It¡¯s done.¡±


    Her words, meant as reassurance, fall on deaf ears. | can¡¯t shake the images that rey in my mind-the brutality, the blood, the


    makeshift grave. The forest seems to close in around me, its ancient trees bearing silent witness to the chaos that has unfolded


    in their domain.


    As | retch, Ettie continues to stand near the makeshift grave, her gaze fixed on the rocky ground. ¡°We did what we had to do,


    Alina.¡±


    Her words cut through the fog, a stark reminder of the unforgiving reality that governs the Mating Run. Survival leaves no room


    for hesitation or remorse.


    | wipe my mouth, trembling, and attempt to rise.


    The forest floor feels unsteady beneath me, each step a struggle against the lingering shadows of guilt. Ettie turns toward me,


    her eyes holding a mixture of concern and frustration.


    ¡°Alina-¡±


    ¡°Ettie... We... We can¡¯t afford to stay here. We shouldn¡¯t. The cameras are watching. We need to go somewhere they can¡¯t see


    us..


    | stumble towards Ettie, my legs weak beneath me.


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    Ettie¡¯s gaze softens


    and we made ours.¡±


    ¡°Alina, survivales with a price. Elijah made his choice,


    ¡°We?¡± | mutter to myself, my entire body shaking. ¡°What do you mean we?¡±


    Anger pulses through me


    mel that still linger in my chest.


    like a wildfire, fueled by the charred remains of guilt


    The echoes of Elijah¡¯s demise reverberate in my mind, a haunting melody that refuses to be silenced. Yet, as | turn my gaze


    toward Ettie, a different kind of fury


    takes root within me.


    ¡°Ettie, it was all you! You did that! It¡¯s not something we both decided on! Why did you kill him?¡±


    The words burst forth, sharp and using. My voice, usually soft, carries the weight of betrayal.


    Ettie meets my gaze, her eyes defiant. ¡°Alina, he touched you. He was going to hurt you. What choice did | have?¡±


    The forest, with its silent trees and hidden cameras, bears witness to our confrontation. The air crackles with tension, charged


    with the unspoken truth that now stands between us.


    ¡°You had a choice, Ettie! You didn¡¯t have to kill him like that!¡± My fists clench at my sides, the anger boiling within me. ¡°We could


    have found another way, stopped him without resorting to... to this.¡±


    Ettie¡¯s jaw tightens, her response sharp. ¡°Alina, this is the Mating Run. There are no rules, no mercy. You think he would have


    hesitated to kill you? To im you?¡±


    The truth in her words stings, a bitter reminder of the unforgiving nature of our reality. Yet, | can¡¯t suppress the surge of


    resentment that courses through me. ¡°That doesn¡¯t give you the right to y judge, jury, and executioner. You made that decision


    for both of us, and | can¡¯t just pretend like | had a say in it.¡±


    Ettie¡¯s eyes narrow, a storm brewing within them. ¡°You think | enjoyed doing


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    14:57 Fri, 8 Mar DB


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    that? You think it was easy for me? He had to die, Alina. | won''t let anyone touch


    you.¡±


    My voice rises, an unchecked torrent of frustration. ¡°But you didn¡¯t let me decide, Ettie! You took that choice away from me!¡±


    Ettie¡¯s expression hardens, a wall of resistance against the usations that hang in the air.


    64%


    ¡°| did what needed to be done. If you can¡¯t understand that, then maybe you''re


    not cut out for this.¡±


    Her words, a cutting dismissal, ignite the embers of my anger. ¡°Don¡¯t act like you know what''s best for me, Ettie. You didn¡¯t save


    me. You just reced one danger with another.¡±


    Ettie steps closer, her eyes aze. ¡°I won¡¯t let anyone harm you, Alina. If that means making tough decisions, then so be it.¡±


    ¡°You think you''re so different but you''re a monster just like they are.¡± | say the words, instantly regretting it the moment they


    leave my lips.


    Ettie¡¯s retort is swift and biting. ¡°You think you can survive this on your own? You''re naive, Alina. In this forest, trust is a luxury we


    can''t afford.¡±


    The harsh reality of her words hangs in the air. Trust, once a fragile bond between us, now shatters like ss. | clench my teeth,


    determined not to let Ettie¡¯s decisions define my path.


    ¡°I''ll survive, Ettie. But | won¡¯tpromise who | am to do i


    Ettle scoffs, a bitterugh that reverberates through the cave. ¡°Who you are? In this forest, that¡¯s a liability. You''ll either adapt or


    be another casualty.¡±


    The weight of her judgment stings, but | refuse to let it break me. ¡°I won''t lose myself in this madness. | won¡¯t be some...


    Monster.¡±


    Ettie¡¯s eyes narrow, her tone cold. ¡°Sometimes, Alina, you have to be a


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    monster to defeat one.¡±


    @64%*


    The truth in her words, though chilling, ignites a defiant spark within me. ¡°I won''t let fear and violence define me. I''ll find another


    way, even if it means doing itText property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    on my own.¡±


    The forest, indifferent to our conflict, remains a silent spectator to our unraveling camaraderie. Ettie¡¯s gaze, a mixture of


    frustration and concern, searches my face.


    ¡°Alina, you can¡¯t survive this alone. You need someone you can trust.¡±


    The bitter taste of resentment lingers on my tongue. ¡°Trust is earned, Ettie. And right now, | don¡¯t know if | can trust you.¡±


    The sound of a stifled sob reaches my ears, and | stiffen immediately, my eyes


    on Ettie.


    Her shoulders tremble with the weight of emotions, a vulnerability | hadn¡¯t anticipated. In that moment, my heart softens, a


    realization dawning upon me ¡ª we''re both victims of this unforgiving game.


    ¡°Ettie,¡± | murmur, my voice hesitant, as if navigating a fragile bridge. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. |... | didn¡¯t mean those words. | just... I¡¯m scared,


    Ettie. For both of us.¡±


    She looks up, her eyes stained with tears, and for a moment, the distance between us copses.


    ¡°You said you don¡¯t trust me,¡± Ettie whispers, her voice fragile like delicate ss on the verge of shattering. ¡°How can we go on if


    you don¡¯t trust me?¡±


    The truth in her words stings, a sobering reminder of the fragility of trust. | step closer, my heart heavy with the weight of my own


    insecurities. ¡°Ettie, I''m sorry. | didn¡¯t mean it. I¡¯m just... I¡¯m scared of losing who we are in this ce.¡±


    She wipes away a tear, her gaze searching mine for sincerity. ¡°I thought we could rely on each other, Alina. That''s what kept us


    going. If we lose that, what do we have left?¡±


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    Her vulnerability bes a mirror reflecting my own fears. The realization hits me ¡ª I''m not alone in this struggle, and the


    survival of our camaraderie is as crucial as navigating the dangers that lurk in the shadows..


    ¡°I''m scared, Ettie. Scared of bing something I¡¯m not. But I¡¯m also scared of losing you,¡± | admit, the words hanging in the air


    like an unspoken plea. ¡°That¡¯s what scares me the most.¡±


    Ettie¡¯s gaze softens, a flicker of understanding bridging the gap between us. ¡°Alina, you mean everything to me. | did what | did


    to protect you, to keep you safe. If that means sacrificing a piece of myself, then so be it.¡±


    Her admission, both heartbreaking and selfless, makes me realize the gravity of her choices. We''re not just navigating a forest


    filled with perilous beasts; we''re navigating theplexities of our own humanity.


    | crouch down beside her, reaching out tentatively to touch her shoulder. ¡°Ettie, I¡¯m scared because | care about you. But | can¡¯t


    blindly ept everything. We need to find a bnce, a way to survive without losing ourselves.¡±


    She nods, a silent acknowledgment of the truth we both recognize. ¡°I never wanted to make you doubt me, Alina. | just... | can¡¯t


    lose you in this ce. | can¡¯t let anything happen to you.¡±


    The sincerity in her eyes resonates with the depth of my own fears. We¡¯re two souls entangled in the dance of survival, each


    step fraught with uncertainty. ¡°We need each other, Ettie. But we also need to trust in our ability to make the right


    choices.¡±


    Asilence lingers between us. Ettie wipes her tears with the back of her hand.


    ¡°I''m sorry for what | said, Ettie,¡± | finally murmur, a genuine apology lingering in the air. ¡°Let¡¯s find a way through this together.¡±


    She smiles, a fragile but hopeful expression. ¡°Together.¡±


    | help Ettie to her feet.


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    158


    Root


    ¡°Come on, Ettie,¡± | murmur, my voice a gentle reassurance. ¡°Let''s go back to the hut. We''ll figure this out together.¡±


    Ettie nods, a silent acknowledgment of the tentative truce we''ve forged. The path to the hut is familiar, each step a testament to


    the bond we''re determined to


    preserve.


    Ettie¡¯s steps are hesitant, her frame still carrying the weight of our recent discord.


    Inside the hut, the atmosphere is charged with a sense of fragile reconciliation. Ettie lowers herself onto a makeshift chair, her


    eyes avoiding mine. The scars of our argument linger, and | find myself grappling with the realization that our friendship, is a


    delicate ecosystem teetering on the brink.


    | busy myself with the meager belongings scattered around the hut, avoiding direct eye contact with Ettie. The tension between


    us, though softened, remains palpable. My thoughts, however, drift to a ce of introspection, unraveling theyers of my


    emotions.


    ¡°Ettie,¡± | start, my voice a tentative bridge, ¡°I never realized how much you care. | didn¡¯t mean to doubt you.¡±


    She looks up, her eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and vulnerability. ¡°It''s okay, Alina. We''re both scared in this ce. Sometimes


    it makes us say things we don¡¯t


    mean.¡±


    I nod, a silent acknowledgment of our shared vulnerability. The hut, with its crude walls and makeshift furnishings, bes a


    sanctuary where honesty and


    eptance can coexist.


    ¡°| just... | don¡¯t want to lose you, Alina,¡± Ettle confesses, her voice a fragile plea. ¡°I can¡¯t imagine going through this alone.¡±


    Her words resonate with the unspoken fears that echo within me. We''re navigating uncharted territory, not just within the forest


    but within the recesses of our own hearts.


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    Root


    ¡°You won''t lose me, Ettie,¡± | assure her, my voice unwavering. ¡°We''re in this together, no matter what.¡±


    Ahesitant smile graces Ettie¡¯s lips, a glimmer of hope in the midst of our shared uncertainty.


    The flickering light of the hut casts shadows, dancing in tandem with the unspoken tension that lingers between Ettie and me.


    | turn towards Ettie, the question that has lingered unspoken finally finding its way into the dimly lit space. ¡°What if someone


    comes to im me again, Ettie? What will you do?¡±


    Her response hangs in the air, a heavy silence engulfing the hut. Ettie¡¯s eyes, usually filled with a fierce determination, freeze for


    a moment. It¡¯s as if the forest itself has stilled, holding its breath in anticipation of her words.


    ¡°I''ll kill them.¡± she says, her voice devoid of hesitation, her eyes dark pools reflecting the seriousness of her vow. ¡°I''ll kill all of


    them.¡±


    The weight of her answer settles over us, an unspoken pact forged in the crucible of survival. | expected some form of


    reassurance, perhaps a more ambiguous deration, but the stark rity in Ettie¡¯s words leaves me grappling with the reality of


    our circumstances.


    ¡°Why, Ettie?¡± | ask, my voice tinged with a mixture of confusion and trepidation. ¡°Why would you kill someone for me?¡±


    She meets my gaze, her expression unwavering. ¡°Because, Alina, you''re not just anyone. You''re my friend, and no one has the


    right to harm you. | won''t let anyone im you.¡±

 Chapter 32

    Chapter 32


    Affection


    965%


    ¡°Alina, this is why you''re such an easy target,¡± Ettie says, her voice bearing a weight that seems foreign. ¡°That¡¯s why you always


    end up in these life-threatening situations. You''re too kind, and not everyone out there deserves that kindness.¡±


    The words hit me like a sudden punch, taking me by surprise. Trust too easily? In a world where survival often demands a


    hardened exterior, is kindness. considered a liability?


    ¡°You said it was okay to trust him!¡± With each word | utter, | can sense the ache of hurt growing, making me aware of how my


    own nature could be a vulnerability in this unforgiving ce.


    Before | can find the words to reply, Ettie continues speaking, her voice bing softer as if she can sense the inner turmoil I¡¯m


    experiencing.


    ¡°| know what | said. That''s why | kept saying sorry, that¡¯s why | fixed my mistake. Look, I¡¯m not saying this to hurt you, Alina. I¡¯m


    saying it because I¡¯ve seen what happens when people let their guard down. I¡¯ve seen it way too many times in


    this run.¡±


    She pauses, allowing me to take in the weight of her words.


    ¡°| know you mean well, Alina,¡± Ettie says, her eyes locked in a steady, unwavering stare. ¡°Your kindness is one of the things |


    really like about you. But in this ce, being nice won''t do the trick. It won¡¯t guarantee your safety. You have to be more


    discerning, more cautious.¡±


    | bite my lip, her words hurting and making me even more confused. Is it a mistake to believe in the goodness of others? Ina


    world where everyone''s out for themselves, does being kind just lead to getting stabbed in the back?


    ¡°I''m not asking you to be like them,¡± Ettie adds, her voice filled with aforting tenderness. ¡°I just want you to be aware.


    There are those who will take advantage of your trust. You can¡¯t afford to be naive here.¡±


    [e)


    14:58 Fri, 8 Mar DB.


    Affection


    Ettie ces her hands on her hips, her eyes locked onto me.


    ¡°And if someone is of no use, you should get rid of them.¡±


    Ettie says, her tone matter-of-fact, devoid of any remorse, her words cutting through the silence. Those words sink deep into my


    consciousness, anchoring, themselves like a ship in turbulent waters.


    Elijah¡¯s fate serves as a stark reminder, a tangible embodiment of Ettie¡¯s merciless practicality. Yes, he had served a purpose in


    their survival, but the moment he crossed a line, the trust Ettie had for him shattered. Now, all that remains is a gruesome


    testament to the consequences of being discarded in her


    ruthless evaluation of worth.


    As her words sink in, a subtle feeling of unease begins to wash over me.


    65%


    Our little shack isn¡¯t feeling too safe these days. It¡¯s like the walls know something sketchy about our secret hideaway. Ettie used


    to beforting, but now she¡¯s all over the ce, doing whatever it takes to stay alive.


    The gap between us is widening on its own, as | instinctively protect myself from the unknown emotions stirring in Ettie. My feet


    tremble as | take a step back from her, propelled by raw instinct. Our trust is slowly fading away because of her


    indifferent heart.


    ¡°Alina, why are you moving away from me?¡± Ettie¡¯s gaze sharpens, aExclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    disconcerting intensity emanating from her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m just giving it to you straight. In this run, you gotta make some hard


    decisions to stay alive. Holding onto dead weight just brings you down.¡±


    Her words are cold and logical, no room for feelings. I¡¯m struggling with conflicting emotions trying to bnce self¡ªpreservation


    andpassion in this harsh ce.


    ¡°But he was a person, Ettie,¡± My voice stammers, barely audible, as a hesitant. protest escapes my lips. ¡°He helped us. He


    was... he was alive, and now he¡¯s not.¡±


    There¡¯s no hint of remorse in Ettie¡¯s response, her expression remaining


    <


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    14:58 Fri, 8 Mar DG


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    steadfast.


    ¡°Alive or dead, Alina, it doesn¡¯t matter if they''re a threat. And Elijah, the moment. he touched you, became a threat. | did what


    needed to be done.¡±


    I''m struck by the realization, as if I''ve been pped in the face- Ettie¡¯s definition of necessity is severe and unyielding.


    ¡°By your logic,¡± | begin, my voice trembling slightly as | take a deep breath. ¡°You should¡¯ve cut me loose when youid eyes on


    me again. | didn¡¯t offer anything at all. | just ate your food, took space in your home. So, if that¡¯s how you determine usefulness,


    am | also on the chopping block? Are you going to kill me as well?¡±


    Ettie¡¯s eyes narrow, and a flicker of difort passes over her face, revealing her unease. The question lingers, its weight


    palpable in the air, reminding us of the harsh reality we¡¯re caught in.


    ¡°| didn¡¯t mean it like that, Alina,¡± Ettie replies, her tone defensive but with a hint of uncertainty lingering beneath. ¡°You''re different.


    You''re not dead weight.¡±


    Her attempt to assuage my concerns only adds to the confusion surrounding our predicament.


    In the harsh light of our conversation, the distinction between ally and adversary bes hazy, leaving me unsettled by the idea


    that my survival depends on someone''s subjective assessment of my worth..


    ¡°But what if | be dead weight?¡± With genuine concern weighing on my voice, | press further, seeking answers. ¡°What if, in


    your eyes, | no longer contribute? Will | end up like Elijah?¡±


    The mention of his name lingers in the air, a ghostly presence that taints our delicate conversation. Ettie¡¯s response carries a


    hesitant undertone, as if acknowledging such a possibility is a bitter pill she¡¯s reluctant to swallow.


    ¡°I won''t let ite to that, Alina. You''re not like him.¡± Ettie insists, her words.ced with an undeniable sense of unease. ¡°I did


    what | had to do to protect you. | won¡¯t let anyone harm you.¡±


    Ill


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    Affection


    | nce at her, and frustration is written all over her face, creating new lines I¡¯ve never noticed.


    ¡°Ettie, we need to discuss this. | need to figure it out. | need you to help me


    understand.¡±


    With a desperate plea, my voice resonates in the air. However, Ettie¡¯s silence acts as a fortress, guarding against the


    vulnerability that lurks beneath her exterior.


    ¡°| don¡¯t want to talk about it anymore, Alina.¡±


    Her words cut through the air as she retorts, her tone sharp and final. | can sense the walls she¡¯s built, walls that loom like an


    insurmountable barrier between


    1.US.


    However, | cannot back down, not now, when my determination is at its peak. The air is heavy with uncertainty, making every


    decision feel weighty.


    ¡°Let''s have a conversation about it. This confusion is driving me crazy, Ettie. | thought we were friends.¡±


    The word ¡°friends¡± hangs in the air, a reminder of what we used to be, a stark contrast to the strained dynamics that have taken


    root in the aftermath of Elijah¡¯s


    demise.


    Ettie sighs, her breath escaping in a heavy, burdened exhale. She then turns to snap at me, her words piercing through the air


    with a harsh and unyielding tone. The sheer volume of her voice is enough to make me flinch.


    ¡°We are friends, Alina. But you''re a Hider, and I¡¯m a Hunter. We have different roles and different instincts!¡±


    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±


    Ettie¡¯s gaze flickers, torn between the desire to keep hidden and the realization that avoiding the truth will only widen the rift.


    ¡°Hiders need protectors, Alina. It¡¯s always been like that, you know? That¡¯s the way it should be.¡±


    [e)


    14:58 Fri, 8 Mar DB.


    Affection


    65%


    | nce at her, and frustration is written all over her face, creating new lines


    I''ve never noticed.


    ¡°Ettie, we need to discuss this. | need to figure it out. | need you to help me understand.¡±


    With a desperate plea, my voice resonates in the air. However, Ettie¡¯s silence acts as a fortress, guarding against the


    vulnerability that lurks beneath her exterior.


    ¡°| don¡¯t want to talk about it anymore, Alina.¡±


    Her words cut through the air as she retorts, her tone sharp and final. | can sense the walls she¡¯s built, walls that loom like an


    insurmountable barrier between


    1.US.


    However, | cannot back down, not now, when my determination is at its peak. The air is heavy with uncertainty, making every


    decision feel weighty.


    ¡°Let''s have a conversation about it. This confusion is driving me crazy, Ettie. | thought we were friends.¡±


    The word ¡°friends¡± hangs in the air, a reminder of what we used to be, a stark contrast to the strained dynamics that have taken


    root in the aftermath of Elijah¡¯s


    demise.


    Ettie sighs, her breath escaping in a heavy, burdened exhale. She then turns to snap at me, her words piercing through the air


    with a harsh and unyielding tone. The sheer volume of her voice is enough to make me flinch.


    ¡°We are friends, Alina. But you''re a Hider, and I¡¯m a Hunter. We have different roles and different instincts!¡±


    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±


    Ettie¡¯s gaze flickers, torn between the desire to keep hidden and the realization that avoiding the truth will only widen the rift.


    ¡°Hiders need protectors, Alina. It¡¯s always been like that, you know? That¡¯s the way it should be.¡±


    0


    477


    <


    Affection


    65%


    Adeep sense of dread washes over me, making my stomach churn. The heaviness of Ettie¡¯s words fills the air with an unspoken


    meaning. ¡°Are you saying.... you want to protect me?¡±


    Ettie nods, her solemn affirmation doing little to quell the rising tide of my apprehension.


    ¡°Yes, Alina. I¡¯m a Hunter, a protector. It''s what I¡¯ve always been.¡±


    The truth, from Ettie¡¯s perspective, unravels before me, opening my eyes to a reality | never considered. Yet, the innate dread of


    being bound, of yielding to the eternal dance of predator and prey, urges me to explore further.


    ¡°Do you want to mark me, then?¡±


    Fear seeps into my voice as the question slips out of my mouth.


    Inside the makeshift hut, the air is filled with an unspoken tension, creating an atmosphere of unease. The weight of Ettie¡¯s


    silence, so deep and introspective, sends shivers down my spine. As | ask myself whether she desires to mark me, the echo of


    the question fills the confined space.


    ¡°Ettie,¡± My voice trembles as | repeat, barely audible, in the face of the unknown that looms ahead. ¡°I ask you a question.¡±


    | gaze into her eyes, usually an open book, but now they hold a secret battle that eludes my understanding. It feels like our


    connection is hanging by a thread in this important moment.


    | can¡¯t shake off Ettie¡¯s past words, a haunting chorus of promises and derations that have weaved aplicated tapestry of


    protection and possessiveness.


    In the silence, my mind races back to all the memories we''ve made and all the things we''ve talked about. She deres with


    fierce determination that no one has the right to touch me, like she¡¯s being protective. A possessiveness that has, until now,


    manifested as a vignt guardian, shielding me from the predatory eyes that lurked in the shadows.


    607


    14:58 Fri, 8 Mar G


    Affection


    65%


    She says she''ll kill anyone who tries to im me, and her words still haunt me. It¡¯s a scary promise now. The protective


    undertones, originally meant to keep me safe, now have a possessive edge, like wanting to im ownership.


    The weight of Ettie¡¯s unspoken thoughts is palpable, her eyes reflecting the conflict that consumes her, leaving me suspended in


    a mix of fear and curiosity. | hesitate, afraid of what her answer might reveal and curious about the depths of


    our connection.


    ¡°Ettie, please,¡± | implore, as the weight of uncertainty presses firmly upon me. ¡°Do you want to mark me? Is that what this is


    about?¡±


    | meet her gaze, and the intensity in her eyes reflects the internal turmoil she wrestles with.


    ¡°Alina,¡± With a measured voice, she begins, setting the tone for the conversation ahead. ¡°Marking is a Hunter¡¯s way of staking


    their im. It¡¯s a deration of possession.¡±


    Her words hang heavy in the air, causing me to take a deep breath.


    ¡°Ettie, stop avoiding my question and give me a real answer.¡±


    Ettie¡¯s pause stretches on, filled with unspoken implications that hang heavily in


    the air.


    | repeat the question, emphasizing each word.


    ¡°Do you want to mark me?¡±


    ¡°Alina,¡± Ettie begins, her voice filled with a sense of both urgency and desperation. Her touch is desperate, clutching onto my


    hands as if they¡¯re the only thing keeping her grounded. ¡°If | mark you, if | im you as mine, we can go back. We can finally


    move on from this nightmare. Return to the lives we had before all of


    this.¡±


    As her words hit me, | am momentarily overwhelmed, unsure how to process my


    feelings.


    111


    6/7


    14:58 Fri, 8 Mar DB -


    Affection


    This is Ettie. My best friend.


    The proposal, however tempting, carries the unmistakable aroma ofpromise, hinting at the far-reaching consequences it


    may bring.


    Ettie¡¯s pleading eyes lock onto mine, silently begging for understanding.


    G


    65%


    ¡°Alina, just think about it. We won''t have to deal with this Run¡¯s horrors anymore. You don¡¯t have to worry about lurking dangers


    or constant fear anymore. We can finally break free from this cycle that¡¯s been holding us back.¡±


    Her words evoke a yearning for theforting familiarity of a life untouched by the relentless pursuit of Hunters and Hiders. Like


    a distant beacon in the murky depths of our journey, the thought of leaving behind the perils gives us a glimmer of


    hope.


    But what consequences would that have on our situation?


    Our bond is going to be unbreakable. We will be mates.


    Will Ettie be okay with that arrangement?


    Will | be okay with that decision?


    The more | ponder the question, the greater my apprehension grows.


    111

 Chapter 33

    Chapter 33


    Truth


    65%+t


    ¡°Ettie,¡± With a measured but firm voice, | start to say, capturing her attention. ¡°We both signed up for the Mating Run to find


    ourselves a mate. You can¡¯t just-Jay im to me like that.¡±


    Frustration and urgency etch across her face, her brows furrow deeply.


    ¡°Alina, you just don¡¯t get it. This isn¡¯t about the Run anymore. It¡¯s all about staying alive. Getting back to how things used to be.¡±


    | shake my head, my hands instinctively curl into tight fists, ready to defend myself.


    ¡°We don¡¯t have to forget everything we''ve been through to survive, Ettie. All | want is to find someone to be with; | don¡¯t ask to be


    treated like your possession.¡±


    Ettie¡¯s narrowed gaze transforms from desperation to a determined resolve.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t about... ownership, Alina! We¡¯re talking about keeping you safe. If | mark you, we can leave this madness behind. We


    don¡¯t have to keep running anymore.¡±


    ¡°But at what cost?¡± | retort, my wordsced with anger as | jab her on the chest. A hint of hurt shes across Ettie¡¯s face, but |


    choose to ignore it. ¡°If you do that to me, Ettie, there¡¯s no turning back. You¡¯re not even bothering to ask if | want that; it¡¯s all


    about you.¡±


    The silence that follows is punctuated by the lingering echoes of our contrasting perspectives. Ettie¡¯s eyes, once pleading, now


    glisten with a determined fierceness.


    ¡°Alina, you''re missing the point. This is how we''ll get out. An opportunity to take back control of our lives.¡±


    | breathe out a sigh, feeling stuck between two things. Disappointment washes


    Tr


    [e)


    Fri, 8 Mar DG


    <


    Truth


    65%


    ¡°| won''t let fear make me do something that I''ll regret in the end.¡±


    Ettie¡¯s piercing gaze tells me everything | need to know ¡ª her frustration is reaching its boiling point. In frustration, she throws her


    hand up in the air and lets out a low growl.


    ¡°What do you even want, Alina? Wanna keep running, keep fighting until one of us goes down to this crazy shit?¡±


    ¡°| want to find a mate, Ettie,¡± | assert, my voice unwavering. ¡°And | won¡¯tpromise on that goal. We can navigate the


    challenges without you iming me.¡±


    Ettie¡¯s fists clench at her sides, a visible struggle within her as the sh of desires wages war on her resolve. ¡°You''re being


    stubborn, Alina. This is a chance for us to be free.¡±


    ¡°| won''t exchange one form of captivity for another.¡±


    Right now, as | stand, my mind goes crazy, picking apart every little thing about her expression and where she¡¯s looking.


    | know Ettie really well, maybe even better than | know myself. We go through so much together, face our demons, ande out


    stronger, connected by thenguage of shared struggles.


    Ettie¡¯s eyes tell a different story than her words. She¡¯s always an open book to me; you can see how she feels just by looking at


    her. But today, today is different. Her gaze has this sneaky little dance, like she¡¯s hiding something.


    | keep ying her proposal in my head, and it just doesn¡¯t sound right. She says it¡¯s for my own safety. iming me to keep me


    safe. It seems selfless at first, like she¡¯s just looking out for me.


    But | know better. | think | know what Ettie really means, the things she¡¯s not saying.


    Tr


    14:59 Fri, 8 Mar DB


    Truth


    65% #


    This frustration drives me crazy. Why is she not telling me the truth? What''s the point of pretending to be selfless when she¡¯s


    actually up to something? We go through some rough times together the Hunters, the unforgiving Mating Run ¡ª and now Ettie


    wants to keep things a secret.


    | look back at all the times we go through together, from when we first meet to all the challenges we face as a team. In the


    struggle to survive, strong connections form, bonds that go beyond words.


    | close my eyes, trying to block out everything around me and concentrate on what¡¯s going on inside. My stomach all twisted up,


    it''s a clear sign that I¡¯m really anxious. Ettie¡¯s proposal is like a puzzle, each piece put together to make an image that | just can¡¯t


    figure out.


    Ettie¡¯s eyes remain locked on a distant point, her silence filled with the frustration of unexpressed thoughts. Her unspoken


    motivations hang heavy around us, creating a suffocating atmosphere that makes it hard to decipher her true


    intentions.


    ¡°Why, Ettie?¡± | ask, my voice tinged with frustration and a touch of annoyance. ¡°Why are you so fixated on iming me? There


    has to be more to it than just keeping me safe.¡±


    ¡°Alina,¡± Finally, she speaks, her voice a soft, deliberate whisper. ¡°Yeah, you''re right, it¡¯s not only about safety.¡±


    Confusion and disbelief etch my features as my brows furrow.


    ¡°What?¡±Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    When Ettie¡¯s eyes meet mine, | can see a torrent of emotions churning in their depths.


    ¡°If you''re going to be imed by someone, it might as well be me.¡±


    i


    Her statement hangs in the air, heavy andden with significance, causing an eerie chill to run down my back. As | take a step


    back, my mind races to process the implications of what she just said.


    0


    Si


    65%


    59 Fri, 8 Mar


    Truth


    as


    | shake my head, trying to get rid of the uneasy feeling Ettie¡¯s words give me. The air feels heavy, suffocating, as the weight of


    unsaid things hangs over us. Ettie¡¯s proposal, hidden behind the idea of safety, keeps ying in my mind, and it¡¯s getting more


    and more confusing.


    ¡°Ettie... Don¡¯t say that.¡±


    | whisper, my voice barely making a sound in the awkward silence. Her eyes hold secrets, and | can¡¯t figure them out.


    She¡¯s not saying anything, which shows how much she¡¯s going through. She¡¯s falling apart right in front of me, losing her cool,


    and I¡¯m just watching my old friend Ettie crumble.


    I''m so fed up, | could scream.


    ¡°| can¡¯t talk to you when you¡¯re like this,¡± | dere, my words escaping my lips with a hint of irritation rather than a well-thought¡ª


    out expression. ¡°This isn¡¯t you, Ettie. iming me? What are you talking about?¡±


    Before | can even react, Ettie¡¯s forceful hold on my arm startles me, causing me to momentarily lose my train of thought. The air


    crackles with her desperation, creating an atmosphere charged with tension.


    ¡°Stay,¡± Her eyes pleaded as she refused to let go, her grip unyielding. | watch in terror as her eyes transform, shifting from a


    tranquil blue to an ominous ck. ¡°Don¡¯t walk away from me, Alina. It¡¯s the wrong decision. | can¡¯t control myself right now, and |


    need you to stay.¡±


    | don¡¯t know what to do; | have mixed emotions. Ettie¡¯s desperation is intense, and | can feel the weight of responsibility on my


    shoulders. But the fear of watching someone | thought | knewe undone makes me want to break free.


    ¡°Ettie,¡± | say, my voice trembling with a mix of fear and uncertainty. | make an effort to loosen her grip on me, but all | receive In


    return is a fierce growl from Ettie. ¡°You''re freaking me out. | have no idea what''s going on. This im and talk about safety, it''s


    just not adding up. And holding onto me like this, begging me not to go because you can¡¯t handle yourself? That¡¯s not okay.¡±


    111


    [e)


    Truth


    Fri, 8 Mar 7DB


    65%


    Ettie¡¯s eyes, once filled with desperation, now shimmer with a glimmer of understanding. It¡¯s as though she¡¯s trapped in a battle


    between opposing worlds, struggling against forces she cannot tame. The question hangs in the air, unspoken, like


    a distant thunderstorm on the horizon, pondering if | have the strength to guide us through this tempest or if we will be left to its


    mercy.


    ¡°I need you, Alina,¡± There is a noticeable vulnerability in her voice as she says it, a departure from the typically fierce and


    unyielding Ettie I''ve known. ¡°I can¡¯t lose you. | can¡¯t let anyone else im you. It¡¯s dangerous out there, and | need to keep you


    safe. You''re mine, Alina. Just stay. Please.¡±


    The words suspend in the air, a turbulent confession that sends a shiver down my spine.


    Mine.


    The possessiveness in that utterance sends shivers down my spine, and | sense a creeping unease nibbling away at my


    determination.


    ¡°Ettie,¡± | say, shaking my head in disbelief. ¡°I can¡¯t stay if you''re not yourself. If you¡¯re gonna keep acting like this desperate,


    possessive ¡ª | can¡¯t stay. | won''t. | need the Ettie | know, the one who faces challenges head-on, not someone who¡¯s lost in a


    storm of confusion.¡±


    The Ettie standing before me is unrecognizable, and a growing sense of unease settles in my gut.


    Ettie¡¯s hair, once gleaming like pure gold, now has the wild and tousled appearance of andscape ravaged by a storm. It''s as if


    a whirlwind has passed by, leaving a trail of disorder behind. Stray strands of hair stand rebelliously, refusing to be tamed. It¡¯s


    disconcerting to see the disarray, like stumbling upon a garden that has lost its former beauty to an overwhelming infestation of


    weeds.


    And those eyes, those captivating blue eyes, now hold a darkness so deep it sends shivers down her spine. The spark of


    familiarity has vanished, reced by an unsettling intensity that sends shivers down my spine. It¡¯s as though a shroud has been


    draped over Ettie¡¯s true self, leaving her emotions and thoughts concealed.


    DI


    14:59 Fri, 8 Mar DB


    Truth


    The person before me is a stranger wearing Ettie¡¯s skin.


    965


    As | try to make sense of it all, | can¡¯t help but notice the strange and unsettling behavioring from Ettie.


    As she presses my palm against her nose, | can feel her breath warm against my hand, as if she¡¯s drawing strength from my


    very presence. It catches me off guard, the unexpected intimacy of the gesture sending a shiver down my spine.


    Ettie¡¯s inhale is desperate, like someone gasping for air before being submerged underwater.


    | watch, frozen, as her chest rises and falls with each deep breath, her eyes. never leaving my face. The intensity of the moment


    hangs in the air, suffocating and disorienting.


    Her intense gaze locks onto mine, and in that instant, | feel as if | have be smaller. Unspoken words hang heavy in the air,


    and | can¡¯t shake the sense that Ettie is silently trying tomunicate something beyond my grasp. The oppressive silence


    envelops us, suffused with the weight of unexpressed thoughts and unanswered inquiries.


    The tight grip of the hand on my palm sends a jolt of almost painful pressure through my body. Ettie clings to me desperately, her


    grip tight as if her life depends on it. My instincts scream at me to withdraw, to distance myself from this version of Ettie that


    seems like a stranger disguised in a familiar facade. Yet, a conflicting emotion holds me in ce a knot of worry, bewilderment,


    and unwavering allegiance.


    The fear within me intensifies. | want to reach out, to grasp Ettie¡¯s shoulders and shake her until the familiar person emerges


    from the depths of this strange facade. But a voice in my mind holds me back¡ªan apprehension that disturbing the delicate


    bnce will unravel something irreparable. The unknown looms like a specter, and | hesitate on the precipice of discovery.


    As her grip on my palm finally loosens, a sense of relief washes over me. The tension in the air dissipates, but the lingering


    unease remains. Ettle¡¯s gaze, though still intense, wavers for a moment, and | glimpse a flicker of vulnerability beneath


    0


    111


    14:59 Fri, 8 Mar DG


    Truth


    65%


    the darkness. It¡¯s a fleeting moment, like a crack in a mask, before Ettieposes herself once more..


    ¡°Just don¡¯t walk away from me, Alina. That''s all I¡¯m asking for.¡±


    Ettie smiles at me, her dimples deepening as she tries to hide her guilt. She smiles, her eyes sparkling with kindness, as if she


    isn¡¯t just shattering the unspoken.


    boundary between us. | wonder if she even knows what she¡¯s doing. | wonder if she


    even cares.


    It makes me think.


    Do | really know Ettie, or is she just some stranger | think | know?


    As | look at my hand, the tight grip she has leaves behind the faint beginnings of a bruise.

 Chapter 34

    Chapter 34


    Obsession


    | once had this nt, you know? It was this tiny thing, nestled in a little pot on my windowsill. | thought | was doing it a favor by


    showering it with water every single day. Like, who wouldn''t want a daily dose of hydration, right? Little did | know, | was


    drowning the poor thing in my overzealous attempt to be a ster nt parent.


    Every morning, without fail, I''d grab that watering can and unleash a torrent of liquid affection upon my leafypanion. |


    thought | was being the best nt mom ever. | mean, what nt doesn¡¯t want to be surrounded by water? It¡¯s like their thing,


    isn¡¯t it?


    But you know what happened? Despite my unwavering dedication, that little. green buddy of mine started looking... well, not so


    lively. Its leaves began to droop, and the vibrant green hue turned into a sad shade of brown. It was like a slow¡ªmotion botanical


    disaster right there on my windowsill.


    One day, as | gazed at the wilted state of my once-thriving friend, it hit me like a ton of bricks maybe, just maybe, I¡¯d been a tad


    too enthusiastic with the watering routine. You''d think I¡¯d learn from the first few signs of distress, but nope. | kept pouring on the


    H20, convinced it was the elixir of life for my little leafy buddy.


    It''s funny, you know? How we sometimes think we¡¯re doing the right thing, pouring all our efforts into something, only to realize


    we might be suffocating it instead. | guess | had this grand vision of my nt thriving under my care, standing tall and proud.


    Instead, it was gasping for air in soil that had be a watery bog.


    Now, | can almost hear you thinking, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you just Google it?¡± And yeah, you''re right. | could have, but there¡¯s this


    stubborn streak in me that insists | know what''s best. Google? Pfft. Who needs it when you''ve got sheer determination to drown


    outmon sense?


    So, there | was, facing the harsh reality that my nt-parenting skills were, well,cking. But you know what¡¯s even more


    comical? In my quest to be the best nt parent ever, | ended up being the reason for its demise. Irony, right?


    4.50 Fr. 8 Mar 7DB


    Obsession


    | remember standing there, pot in hand, soil soaked beyond recognition, and leaves that looked more like they belonged in a


    compost heap than on a thriving nt. It was a moment of reflection, a botanical reckoning, if you will. | had to


    ept it my once-greenpanion was now a casualty of my overenthusiastic approach to nurturing.


    In the silence of that nt funeral, a realization dawned on me.


    Maybe, just maybe, less is more.


    Fast forward to the present, and here | am, navigating the curious waters of Ettie¡¯s intentions. It¡¯s like she¡¯s armed with a


    watering can of goodwill, pouring it over me with the conviction that she knows what''s best. The irony isn¡¯t lost on me from the


    over¡ªnurturing nt parent to being on the receiving end of Ettie¡¯s overbearing protectiveness.


    Ettie, in her own way, thinks she¡¯s doing what¡¯s good for me. Just like | believed drowning my nt in daily showers of affection


    was the key to botanical bliss. The intentions are golden, right? But the execution, oh boy, that¡¯s where things get a bit tangled.


    Ettie¡¯s be a sort of guardian, a protector with an unyielding belief that her ways are the path to salvation. It''s oddly familiar ¡ª


    the misguided sense of knowing what''s best for someone else. In her eyes, she¡¯s watering my metaphorical leaves, ensuring |


    thrive under her watchful gaze.


    The thing is, just like my poor nt, I¡¯m feeling a bit suffocated. Ettie¡¯s care, while well-intentioned, has this weight to it. It¡¯s as if


    every gesture is an attempt to shield me from the perils of the world, to cocoon me in safety. And while safety is nice, there¡¯s a


    thin line between protection and suffocation.


    We''ve had our moments, Ettie and |. Conversations where | try to express that her version of protection feels more like


    confinement. She doesn¡¯t see it that way, of course. To her, the world is a perilous jungle, and she¡¯s the fierce hunter ready to


    fend off any threat.


    I''ve tried to make her understand that sometimes, | need space. Like my poor nt needed room to breathe between watering


    sessions, | need moments where |


    [e)


    2/6


    14:59 Fri, 8 Mar DG.


    Obsession


    can navigate life without feeling like every step is monitored. It¡¯s a tricky conversation, though, because it¡¯s hard to articte the


    need for independence without sounding ungrateful.


    65%


    There¡¯s this dichotomy, you see. On one hand, | appreciate the concern, the genuine desire to shield me from harm. On the


    other, | find myself yearning for the freedom to make my own choices, to navigate the metaphorical soil of life without fearing I''ll


    drown in someone else''s well-intentioned care.


    In those moments of attempted conversation, I¡¯ve glimpsed the frustration in Ettie¡¯s eyes. It¡¯s like she can¡¯t fathom why I''d want


    anything other than her vignt protection. And there¡¯s the rub ¡ª the gap between what she thinks is best for me. and what | feel |


    need.


    I''m sitting here, huddled in the corner of this makeshift hut, feeling like amb caught in the den of a wolf. Elijah¡¯s dried blood


    stains the


    floor, a harsh reminder of the madness that unfolded not too long ago. And as Ettie casually walks around, like nothing is wrong,


    I''m left here, grappling with a whirlwind of fear and uncertainty.


    The air is thick with tension, and every creak of the wooden walls sends shivers down my spine. | can¡¯t shake the feeling that I¡¯m


    at the mercy of forces beyond my control, and it''s suffocating. Ettie moves with an eerie calmness, as if the brutal act of


    moments ago was just a blip in the timeline of her existence.


    The floor beneath me feels cold, almost unforgiving. | shift my gaze from the bloodstains to Ettie, who¡¯s now rummaging through


    a bag with a casual demeanor. It¡¯s disconcerting, the way she seamlessly transitions from hunter to caretaker. A paradoxical


    dance that leaves me on the edge, wondering which side of her I¡¯m truly facing.


    | consider making a run for it, a desperate bid for escape from this unsettling scene. But where would | go? The forest outside is


    abyrinth of dangers, and the howls of unseen creatures serve as a constant reminder that survival isn¡¯t guaranteed beyond


    these walls.


    Ettie nces in my direction, her eyes momentarily meeting mine. There¡¯s a flicker of something in her gaze ¡ª a recognition, a


    shared secret, or perhaps just a brief acknowledgment of the chaos that binds us together. My heart races, unsure


    0


    14:59 Fri, O Mar DG


    Obsession


    of what that nce signifies.


    Does she see me as an aplice, a witness, or something else entirely?


    Ettie approaches, a nonchnt smile on her face.


    ¡°Everything okay?¡±


    Ettle asks, as if we''re discussing the weather. | manage a nod, my voice caught In my throat. Her hand reaches out, a gesture


    that could either beforting or threatening. | flinch, unable to decipher the intentions behind the simple act.


    As she continues her chores, | can¡¯t help but wonder ¡ª am | truly safe here? Is this hut a sanctuary, shielding me from the horrors


    lurking outside, or have | exchanged one perilous situation for another?


    The echoes of Elijah¡¯sst moments linger in the air, a haunting symphony that ys on repeat in my mind.


    | try to focus on the mundane ¡ª the rustle of Ettie¡¯s movements, the creaking of the wooden floorboards, anything to distract me


    from the weight of uncertainty pressing down on me. Yet, with each passing moment, the feeling intensifies, like a storm


    gathering strength on the horizon.


    Ettie nces at me again, this time with a hint of concern.


    ¡°You sure you''re okay?¡±


    She asks. Her words pierce through the fog of my thoughts, and | force a weak


    smile.


    ¡°Yeah, just processing everything.¡±


    I reply, a feeble attempt to conveyposure.


    Fingers fumbling at the crinkled map tucked inside my pocket. It feels like a lifeline, a fragile plece of paper that might hold the


    key to my escape. Ettle is humming a tune,pletely absorbed in whatever she¡¯s doing on the other side of


    [e)


    14:59 Fri, 8 Mar G


    Obsession¡±


    the hut.


    My heart races as | try to unfold the map without making a sound.


    The paper protests with each cautious move, whispering a tale of my ndestine ns. | steal a nce towards Ettie, making


    sure she¡¯s still


    65%


    preupied. Her attention seems fixed on something in the corner, oblivious to the fumbling of a desperate soul.


    The map unfolds reluctantly, revealing intricate lines and markings that might as well be abyrinth of possibilities. | trace the


    paths with my eyes, searching for the route that leads far away from this madness. Every second counts, and | can¡¯t afford to


    make a wrong move.


    My fingers brush against the map, and | squint at the names of ces I¡¯ve never been. A forest of uncertainty lies beyond those


    marked boundaries, but it''s a gamble I¡¯m willing to take. | can¡¯t stay here, tethered to a person who blurs the line between


    protector and predator.


    The crinkling sound of the map echoes in the confined space. My eyes dart towards Ettie, but she remains engrossed in her own


    world.


    | look down at the map, my fingers trembling. The words seem to dance, a cryptic code that promises freedom. | trace a path


    with my index finger, plotting my escape like a fugitive on the run. Ettie hums, a melody that shes with the turmoil in my mind.


    The realization hits me ¡ª | can¡¯t let Ettie see the map. It¡¯s my ticket out of this nightmare, a small piece of hope that | can¡¯t afford


    to lose.


    | remember the times when Ettie and | shared dreams of a future, ns that never included the harsh realities of the mating run.


    We were naive, blinded by the camaraderie of friendship. Now, the lines between friend and foe blur in this unforgiving


    landscape.


    Adialogue ys in my mind the words Ettie spoke, the twisted logic she tried to force upon me. ¡°iming for safety,¡± she said,


    as if it could erase the stains of


    violence from her hands. | can¡¯t trust her, not now.


    15:00 Fr. 8 Mar DB.


    Obsession


    The Ettie | knew would never have resorted to such extremes.


    65%


    | close my eyes for a moment, hoping to shut out the memories of the chaos, to escape into the simplicity of a time when


    normalcy was just a part of everyday life.


    | want things to go back to the way they were, to theughter shared with Ettie around a crackling fire, to the warmth of


    friendship that now seems like a distant echo. But deep down, | know that normal is a luxury | can no longer afford.


    The ache for normalcy intensifies as | recall the times we shared thezy afternoons by the river, the hushed conversations


    beneath a starlit sky. | want to believe that those moments weren''t swallowed by the darkness that now lurks. within Ettie. | want


    to believe that normal still exists somewhere beyond the tangled branches of the forest.


    But reality is unforgiving, and the echoes of Ettie¡¯s actions resound in my mind.


    ¡°| just want things to go back to normal.¡±


    The words hang in the air, a fragile wish that I know will remain unanswered. As the shadows lengthen, | feel a sense of


    resignation settling within me.


    As the memories of Ettie¡¯s twisted actions rey in my mind, | can¡¯t shake the feeling that I¡¯m trapped in a cycle of horror, my


    choice to register for the mating run bing a haunting decision.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The regret gnaws at my conscience, a relentless reminder that the pursuit ofpanionship may have led me straight into the


    clutches of something far more


    sinister.

 Chapter 35

    Chapter 35


    Escape


    The moment Ettle uttered those words, a knot tightened in my stomach. | watched her grab a makeshift fishing rod, a look of


    determination etched on her face.


    ¡°Stay Inside, Alina. It¡¯s safer this way.¡±


    Ettie said, her eyes serious.


    | nodded hesitantly, feeling the weight of her words settle on my shoulders. Ettle had be a stranger, a version of my friend


    entangled with the ominoust threads of the mating run. As she headed towards the river, a pit formed in my stomach, the silence


    of the hut growing more ominous.


    Left alone, | surveyed the crude dwelling Ettle had fashioned for us. The logs. and branches formed a protective barrier against


    the forest''s unknown dangers, yet the very air inside felt heavy with secrets. My gaze shifted to Elijah¡¯s bloodstain on the floor, a


    stark reminder of the brutality that had unfolded.


    Minutes crawled by, each second echoing louder in the confined space. The urge to flee seized me, but Ettle¡¯s warning hold me


    in ce. My hands fidgeted, ying with the edges of the map hidden in my pocket. The lines on the paper seemed like a


    lifeline, a potential escape route from this surreal nightmare.


    | couldn''t shake the feeling that every rustle in the trees outside held a hidden threat. The forest, once a ce of sce, had


    morphed into abyrinth of uncertainty. | strained my ears, half-expecting to hear Ettie¡¯s scream, but the only sound was the


    gentle rustling of leaves in the wind,


    | wrestled with the dilemma of whether to trust her, my instincts urging me to leave this makeshift haven. Yet, fear paralyzed me-


    fear of what lurked beyond the walls, fear of the Ettle | once knew, now transformed by the Mating Run.


    15:00 Fri, 8 Mar DB.


    Escape


    5:65%


    As the minutes stretched into an eternity, | found myself pacing within the confines of the hut. The anticipation of the unknown


    wed at my sanity. My eyes kept darting to the entrance, half-expecting Ettie¡¯s return, half-dreading it.


    Adull ache settled in my chest, a mix of anxiety and regret.


    The map crinkled softly in my grip as | withdrew it from my pocket, its contours unfolding to reveal a tatteredndscape of inked


    trails and markings. My eyes traced the lines, the numbers denoting Hunters and Hiders scattered across the forest like cryptic


    symbols.


    Ettie¡¯s figure, represented by a tiny number, hovered near the river, a distance. that seemed both daunting and tempting. A surge


    of conflicting emotions tightened my chest. Was this a chance to escape the shadows that clung to our shared history, or a


    plunge into the unknown that lurked beyond the boundaries of the map?


    My gaze flitted between the crude depiction of our hut and the expanse of forest stretching towards Ettie¡¯s location.


    | knew the risks of venturing towards Ettie, the Hunter whose actions had transformed our friendship into a dance of uncertainty.


    As my eyes fixated on the distance between us, a flicker of determination sparked within. Escape became a tangible possibility, a


    choice to navigate the wilds on my own terms. The map, a parchment of liberation, beckoned me to defy the constraints that


    bound me to Ettie¡¯s unpredictable actions.


    The urge to flee gripped me, a dance between the known confines of our makeshift refuge and the uncharted territories marked


    on the map. The forest seemed to echo with the silent beckoning of freedom, a freedom thaty beyond the numbers, beyond


    the web of alliances and betrayals.


    My fingers traced the path that would take me closer to Ettie, and the anticipation of this ndestine journey pulsed through my


    veins. A quiet resolve settled within me, a resolve fueled by the desire to untangle the threads of fear that bound me to the hut,


    bound me to Ettie.


    [e)


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    65%%%


    Yet, a voice of caution lingered. The numbers, seemingly innocuous, whispered tales of alliances and treachery. The forest, an


    unpredictable canvas, concealed its dangers behind the veil of trees. The internal monologue, a relentless narrator, debated the


    consequences of this imminent decision.


    The wind carried a faint melody of Ettie¡¯s distant presence, a subtle reminder of the camaraderie that once defined our


    friendship. The dichotomy between the safety of the known and the allure of the unknown echoed in the depths of the hut,


    amplifying the weight of my choice.


    Mumbling to myself, | found sce in the low hum of my own voice.


    The pros and cons swirled in my thoughts, weaving a narrative of uncertainty.


    and fear.


    ¡°She could find me,¡± | whispered, my breath catching on the words as | scanned the map. ¡°What will | do then?¡±


    The pros teased me, beckoning like sirens in the tempest. Escape meant. liberation from the unpredictable dance Ettie led us


    through. The forest, abyrinth of unspoken fears, promised both freedom and peril. My fingers traced the pros, a tentative


    exploration of the unknown thaty beyond the confines of the hut.


    But the cons, like tendrils of caution, snaked through my thoughts. Ettie, despite the metamorphosis into someone


    unrecognizable, bore the imprint of our shared history. The cons whispered of the bond that once held us together, the echoes of


    laughter and whispered dreams that now seemed like distant echoes in


    the wind.


    ¡°Ettie, best friend,¡± | murmured, the words a bittersweet refrain. The bond, once an unbreakable thread, now felt frayed, strained


    by the weight of Ettie¡¯s unpredictable actions. The internal monologue wove through the pros and cons, a tapestry of conflicting


    emotions that left me suspended in indecision.


    My gaze lingered on the door, a threshold between the known safety of the hut and the untamed wilderness beyond. The pros,


    like distantnterns, promised a path to independence, a chance to reim agency in this unpredictable game. Yet, the cons,


    heavy with the weight of shared memories, anchored me to the familiarity


    S/


    15:00 Fri, 8 Mar DG-


    Escape


    of Ettie¡¯s presence.


    65%


    ¡°Ettie, scary now,¡± | admitted, the truth hanging heavy in the air. The internal monologue echoed my uncertainty, wrestling with


    the fear that clung to Ettie¡¯s transformation. The cons, a reminder of the shadow she cast, whispered warnings of the


    unpredictable journey thaty ahead.


    As | continued mumbling, the dialogue with myself became a lifeline in the echoing silence of the hut. The pros and cons, an


    intricate dance, mirrored the conflicting currents within me. Ettie¡¯sughter, once a melody that resonated in the walls, now


    echoed as a distant memory, drowned by the weight of the cons that threatened to tip the scales.


    The door, an unspoken invitation to the unknown, taunted me. The pros beckoned with the allure of independence, of breaking


    free from the clutches of a friend turned stranger. The cons, however, clung to the nostalgia of shared moments, a whispered


    plea to salvage what remained of the friendship that once defined us.


    Heart pounding like the frantic beat of unseen wings, | felt the decision resonate within me. The hut, once a haven, now bore


    witness to the unraveling of bonds and the emergence of a lone wanderer. The map, crinkling softly in my grasp, became both a


    compass and a confidante, guiding me through the maze of choices thaty beyond the threshold.


    My hands, trembling like the leaves in the breeze, reached for the bag. It hung there, a silent witness to the internal monologue


    that had echoed within the hut. Biscuits, a humble offering from a sponsor, nestled alongside the knife ¡ª apanion in this


    solitary expedition.


    As | stuffed biscuits into the bag, the echoes ofughter and shared stories reverberated. Ettie, my friend turned guardian turned


    stranger, remained oblivious to the impending departure. The cons, like shadows in the periphery, whispered warnings of guilt


    and abandonment. Yet, the pros, those daring fireflies, illuminated. the path to autonomy.


    ¡°This is for the best, Alina. Don¡¯t even think about.¡±


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    15:00 Fri, 8 Mar 7DD


    Escape


    | whispered, the admission a pact with the universe. The bag, slung over my shoulder, carried the weight of a choice that


    transcended the boundaries of friendship. | moved with calcted steps, eyes darting to the door as if expecting it to betray my


    ndestine exit.


    The map, a tapestry of possibilities, guided my fingers as they traced the route. of escape. The dialogue within me, once a


    symphony of conflicting emotions, now hummed a melody of determination. Each step away from the hut felt like a liberation, an


    assertion of my agency in the midst of this orchestrated game.


    Outside, the forest greeted me with its dappled sunlight and the rustling of leaves. | paused, inhaling the scent of freedom tinged


    with uncertainty.


    ¡°Finally,¡± | muttered to myself, the words a soft exhale escaping the captivity of my thoughts. The forest, shrouded in moonlit


    mysteries, spread before me like an expansive canvas waiting to be explored. | cast a hesitant nce over my shoulder, half¡ª


    expecting Ettie¡¯s silhouette to materialize in the doorway, but there was only the quiet darkness.


    The path ahead beckoned me with a sense of freedom, each step resonating with the echo of newfound autonomy. The map


    crinkled in my hands, a tangible guide to uncharted territories, and | found sce in its simplicity. The dialogue within me, once


    muddled and stifled, now emerged with rity in the open air.


    The forest embraced me like an old friend, Its branche¡¯s forming a canopy of reassurance overhead. The rustling leaves, a


    chorus of encouragement, urged me to venture deeper into the heart of the unknown. The silence, once stifled by the walls of the


    hut, became a symphony of nature¡¯s serenade.


    ¡°Free,¡± | murmured, savoring the taste of the word on my lips. Each stride away from Ettie¡¯s dwelling felt like sheddingyers of


    confinement, a gradual release from the invisible chains that had bound me. The forest path, uneven beneath my feet, became a


    metaphorical escape route, leading me toward a destiny shaped by my own choices.


    The air, cool against my skin, carried with It the fragrance of freedom. | walked, not as one escaping, but as one ombracing the


    vastness of the forest, eager to carve my own narrative. The distant murmur of a stream added a soothing


    111


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    15:00 Fri, 8 Mar ¡ª


    Escape


    65


    undertone to the symphony of the night, a melody harmonizing with the newfound dialogue within me.


    With each step, the weight of the hut¡¯s confinement lifted, reced by the lightness of possibility. The forest whispered tales of


    resilience, a shared history woven into the very fabric of its being. The dialogue, once entangled in theplexities of a


    transformed friendship, now echoed with the simplicity of


    self-reliance.


    | thought about the next few days.


    Ettie was like a shadow, always lurking, always searching. | had to be smart, had to stay ahead, or she¡¯d catch up and who


    knows what she''d do.


    | nced around, my eyes catching the flickering light of a lone camera dangling from the ceiling. The air felt heavy with worry as


    | tried to figure out my next move. The frayed edges of the upholstery scratched against my skin, but my mind was too


    preupied to notice.


    ¡°Okay, Alina, think,¡± | muttered to myself, my voice barely above a whisper. | needed a n, a way to slip through Ettie¡¯s fingers.


    My gaze shifted to the small window, revealing a dimly lit alley below. Maybe | could disappear into the night, be just


    another shadow in the city.


    The silence in the room pressed against my ears, making my thoughts echo louder. | reached for the crumpled note on the


    coffee table, a cryptic message that arrived like a warning whistle in the wind.


    ¡°Stay one step ahead.¡±


    | said, but how? Ettie wasn¡¯t one to be underestimated.


    As | journeyed further, the dialogue within me transformed into a quiet contemtion of the possibilities ahead. The map, a


    parchment of potential, guided my steps through thebyrinth of trees. The numerical codes, once cryptic symbols, now charted


    a course toward self-discovery.


    This is for the best.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    [e)


    50 Fri, 8 Mar DB


    Escape


    | think? Not like | have a choice.


    [e)


    E


    65

 Chapter 36

    Chapter 36


    Regret


    Two days.


    That¡¯s how long I¡¯m walking through this endless forest.


    The trees tower over me, their leaves blocking out the sun. It¡¯s growing hot, and sweat beads on my forehead, trickling down my


    face. My clothes stick to my skin like a secondyer, ufortable and damp.


    | join the Mating Run, thinking it¡¯s an adventure, and | will get a mate.


    But now, all | want is for everything to go back to normal, for me to go home. The regret sits heavy in my chest, a constant


    companion as | navigate through the tangled maze of trees.


    The forest seems to stretch on forever, the path ahead twisting and turning like a never-ending puzzle. Each step | take is heavy


    with exhaustion, my legs ache as if they carry the weight of the world.


    The sun beats down relentlessly, making the air thick and suffocating.


    As | trudge forward, a pungent smell assaults my senses.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    Crinkling my nose, the stench of death hangs in the air, and my stomach churns in response. |e across corpses, lifeless


    forms scattered across the forest floor. It¡¯s a grim sight, and | can¡¯t help but wonder what led them to this fate. The ground


    beneath me feels different, as if it¡¯s soaked with the stories of those who didn¡¯t


    make it.


    | try to avoid looking at the lifeless bodies, but their presence lingers in my mind. It¡¯s a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk in


    this wilderness, a ce | foolishly thought would be a simple challenge. Now, with every step, | can¡¯t shake the feeling that I¡¯m


    walking on a path marked by the shadows of those who came


    before me.


    177


    08:32 Sat, 9 Mar


    Regret


    The smell changes as | continue, and the air bes heavy with another scent the lingering aftermath of sex.


    | wonder.if it¡¯s something that both Hider and Hunter agree on. | wish it is.


    My mind makes me remember all those other Hunters that tried to hurt me.


    I shudder.


    | pass by secluded clearings, the aftermath of frenzied moments etched in the trampled grass. It¡¯s a silent witness to the wild


    impulses of the Mating Run, a reality | didn¡¯t fully grasp when | signed up for this journey. The regret grows, gnawing at me with


    each step.


    | wish | didn¡¯t take for granted the simplicity of my life before, thefort of routine and familiarity.


    My water supply dwindles, and my throat feels parched. | long for a cool drink, for the taste of something familiar. The regret


    gnaws at me, a persistent ache that refuses to subside. Sure, | sign up for the mating run, but it¡¯s to find a mate.


    | didn¡¯t sign up for this the fatigue, the stench, the remnants of others¡® passion lingering in the air.


    The hours blur into one another, and | find myself stumbling over roots and rocks. Each step is a struggle, and | yearn for the


    comfort of my bed, the safety of home.


    And as the sun begins its descent, casting long shadows that stretch like fingers across the forest floor. The temperature drops


    slightly, but the air remains thick with the weight of my surroundings. | wonder how Ettie¡¯s doing, if she¡¯s out there looking for me.


    Every time | nce at the map, her number remains where her hut was. She hasn''t left it in two days.


    | spot a clearing up ahead, a small reprieve from the suffocating embrace of the trees. As | step into the open space, the air feels


    slightly cooler, and | wee the respite.


    [e)


    2/7


    08:32 Sat, 9 MarN


    Regret


    | sit on a fallen log, staring into the night sky, lost in the solitude of my thoughts.


    88%


    Atustling in the bushes nearby startles me, and | tense, my senses on high alert. | wonder if it''s Ettie who¡¯se and kill me. |


    wonder if it¡¯s some other Hunter,


    wanting to make me theirs. But it¡¯s just a small rabbit, scurrying away with a quick dart.


    | realize | need to find somece to rest, but the fear of the unknown keeps me on edge.


    Thankfully, | find a spot beneath arge tree, its branches offering some semnce of shelter. |y down, the uneven ground


    pressing against my weary body. The forest settles into an eerie quiet, broken only by the nocturnal sounds that surround me.


    Sleep doesn¡¯te easily, each rustle and hoot in the darkness sends shivers down my spine.


    As |y there, staring up at the canopy above, | can¡¯t escape the realization that this journey has changed me. The regret, like a


    heavy burden, weighs me down. | long for the familiarity of my life before the Mating Run, for the simplicity of home.


    this:


    Two days of walking, and I¡¯m no closer to understanding the real purpose of


    The regret lingers, a bitter taste in my mouth. | close my eyes, hoping that when | wake, the forest will have released its grip on


    me, and I''ll find my way back to where | belong.


    | wake up, the throbbing in my head relentless. The sun beats down on me, its harsh rays stabbing through the trees. | try to sit


    up, but a wave of dizziness washes over me, forcing me back down. | feel like I¡¯ve been hit by a truck, and the forest around me


    blurs in and out of focus.


    | reach for my bag, fingers fumbling through the contents. My hand closes around the familiar shape of the water bottle, but when


    | pull it out, it''s empty. The realization hits me like a punch to the gut. No water. My stomach rumbles in protest, a low growl that


    echoes in the silence of the forest.


    | nce around, hoping for a stream or some sign of water nearby, but all | see are the towering trees and the relentless sun.


    The sudden weather change has


    #


    [e)


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    08 32 Sat 9 Mar


    Regret


    88%


    turned this once-challenging adventure into a desperate struggle for survival. Dehydration sets in, a relentlesspanion that


    tightens its grip with each passing.


    moment.


    | try to stand, my legs shaky beneath me. The forest seems to spin, the trees bing a dizzying blur. | stumble forward,


    clutching at branches for support; The world tilts, and | feel the heat pressing down on me like a suffocating nket.


    | trudge forward, each step aborious effort. My throat feels like sandpaper, each breath a struggle. The rumbling in my


    stomach intensifies, a painful reminder of my empty water bottle. The sun, once a distantpanion, now feels like an


    unrelenting adversary, draining me of whatever strength | have left.


    reach a small clearing, and | sink to my knees. Desperation ws at me as | rummage through my bag again, hoping to find a


    hidden stash of water. But all | get is emptiness. My stomach protests, a sharp pang that reverberates through my entire body. |


    clutch my abdomen, willing the hunger and thirst to subside.


    | close my eyes, trying to shut out the harsh reality around me. The sun beats down, its rays scalding my skin. I¡¯m trapped in a


    relentless cycle of exhaustion and thirst. A sob escapes my throat, a desperate release of frustration and despair. didn¡¯t sign up


    for this. The Mating Run was supposed to be an adventure, not a struggle for survival.


    | let myself cry for a moment, the tears streaming down my cheeks. The forest watches in silence, the trees standing tall as silent


    witnesses to my moment of weakness. | stifle my sobs, covering my mouth with my hand. | can¡¯t afford to be found like this,


    vulnerable and broken. The other Hunters are out there, and showing weakness is a dangerous game.


    | take a shaky breath, trying topose myself. The forest is unforgiving, and | can¡¯t afford to let my guard down. | wipe away


    the tears, smearing dirt on my cheeks. The ache in my stomach intensifies, a gnawing hunger that demands attention. | nce


    around, searching for any sign of water or food.


    The sun beats down relentlessly, and | feel a wave of lightheadedness. Dehydration tightens its grip, a vice around my throat. |


    try to focus on the path ahead, but the forest seems to close in around me. The trees be a maze, and |


    3/7


    08:32 Sat, 9 Mar N


    Regret


    stumble forward, my legs weak and unsteady.


    | spot a small stream in the distance, a ribbon of hope cutting through the dense foliage. My pace quickens, fueled by the


    desperate need for water. The stream is a lifeline, a source of relief in this unforgivingndscape.


    But as | approach, | realize it¡¯s nothing more than a cruel illusion.


    The stream is dried up, a mere memory of the water it once held.


    | drop to my knees, frustration bubbling within me. The forest mocks me, offering a glimpse of salvation before snatching it away.


    | press my palms against


    the dry riverbed, as if the touch alone can conjure water.


    My stomach rumbles again, a hollow sound that echoes in the silence.


    ¡°| should have never left.¡± | whisper to myself. ¡°I should have stayed with Ettie.¡±


    The sun beats down with unrelenting intensity, and | feel my strength waning. I¡¯m trapped in a cycle of thirst and exhaustion,


    each step heavier than thest.


    this.


    The realization hits me.


    | might not make it out of this forest.


    | might be just another lifeless figure lying on the forest floor.


    | try to stand, my legs trembling beneath me. | can¡¯t let the others see me like


    | wipe away the dirt on my cheeks, a feeble attempt to mask the evidence of my moment of weakness.


    |e across a patch of mushrooms, their vibrant colors standing out against. the earthy tones of the forest floor. Hunger gnaws


    at me, and | consider plucking them, but hesitation holds me back. | didn¡¯te prepared for this. | don¡¯t know which


    mushrooms are safe, and the risk of poisoning myself is too great.


    5/7


    08:32 Sat, 9 Mar N


    Regret


    | stumble upon a fallen log and copse onto it. The exhaustion weighs on me, and | close my eyes, hoping to shut out the harsh


    reality. The sun casts a warm glow, but there¡¯s nofort in its light. | press my hand against my stomach, the hunger a


    persistent ache that refuses to subside.


    Wanting to distract myself, | reach into my pocket and pull out my map.


    The paper crinkles in my hands as | unfold it, revealing the intricate lines and markings.


    Ettie¡¯s still in her hut. | squint at the numbers, tracing the path to her location. She¡¯s stationary, has been ever since | left. | can¡¯t


    help but wonder what she¡¯s doing in there, whether she¡¯s facing her own demons or finding sce in the confines of


    her solitude.


    Zeke is on the move. The numbers lead me to a spot near the foot of the mountains. He¡¯s moving quickly, a blur on the map. | try


    to picture him in my mind, the determined look on his face as he navigates through the terrain. | wonder what he¡¯s searching for,


    what drives him forward in this relentless pursuit.


    And then, | freeze.


    My eyes lock onto a set of numbers that send a jolt of shock through me. A few feet away from where | am, Victor is.


    Anger surges inside me like a wildfire. | clench my fists, frustration boiling within me.


    Why does he have to ruin everything for me?


    | make up my mind. | need him to know what he did.


    | fold the map and slip it back into my pocket. The air¡¯s surprisingly cool against. my skin as | stand up, determination pushing


    me forward. | tread cautiously, my footsteps muffled by the thick underbrush. The darkness is my ally, and | slip through the


    shadows, guided by the map in my pocket. The anger fuels my steps, each one a purposeful stride.


    [e)


    6/7


    08:32 Sat, 9 Mar N


    Regret


    Everything is Victor''s fault ¡ª if he hadn¡¯t ruined my hiding spot in the first ce,


    | wouldn''t be in this situation.


    70


    08:32 Sat, 9 Mar N

 Chapter 37

    Chapter 37


    Game


    The forest stretches out endlessly, the trees standing tall and imposing.


    | follow the map, its numbers and lines guiding me through the forest. The air is cool against my skin as | move with purpose, my


    footsteps soft against the earthy ground.


    The map leads me deeper into the heart of the forest. | squint at the map, trying to decipher its cryptic instructions. The trees


    seem to close in around me, their branches interlocking like a maze.


    As | navigate through the darkness, a clearing emerges before me. Moonlight spills through the gaps in the canopy, casting a


    silvery glow on the forest floor. The map directs me to a specific spot, and | feel a sense of anticipation.


    | reach the designated location, and my eyes scan the surroundings. The numbers on the map point upward, towards a tall tree


    that towers above the others. | crane my neck, trying to see what the map is leading me to.


    And there, high up in the branches, | spot it ¡ª a shack.


    The tree stands like a sentinel, its trunk sturdy and unwavering. | wonder how I''ll reach the top, but the map insists this is where |


    need to be. The forest, once at ce of mystery, now feels like a puzzle waiting to be solved.


    | take a deep breath and begin to climb.


    The bark is rough against my palms, but determination fuels my ascent. Each branch bes a foothold, and | pull myself


    upward, higher and higher. The night. air grows cooler as | climb, the moon watching over me like a silent guardian.


    The shackes into view, nestled among the leaves and vines that act as nature¡¯s camouge. It¡¯s decent-sized, blending


    seamlessly with the foliage. Tall leaves and long vines drape over it, concealing it from prying eyes.


    [e)


    1/7


    08:32 Sat, 9 Mar N


    Game


    Game


    88%


    The forest stretches out endlessly, the trees standing tall and imposing.


    | follow the map, its numbers and lines guiding me through the forest. The air is cool against my skin as | move with purpose, my


    footsteps soft against the earthy ground.


    The map leads me deeper into the heart of the forest. | squint at the map, trying to decipher its cryptic instructions. The trees


    seem to close in around me, their branches interlocking like a maze.


    As | navigate through the darkness, a clearing emerges before me. Moonlight spills through the gaps in the canopy, casting a


    silvery glow on the forest floor. The map directs me to a specific spot, and | feel a sense of anticipation.


    | reach the designated location, and my eyes scan the surroundings. The numbers on the map point upward, towards a tall tree


    that towers above the others. | crane my neck, trying to see what the map is leading me to.


    And there, high up in the branches, | spot it ¡ª a shack.


    The tree stands like a sentinel, its trunk sturdy and unwavering. | wonder how I''ll reach the top, but the map insists this is where |


    need to be. The forest, once at ce of mystery, now feels like a puzzle waiting to be solved.


    | take a deep breath and begin to climb.


    The bark is rough against my palms, but determination fuels my ascent. Each branch bes a foothold, and | pull myself


    upward, higher and higher. The night air grows cooler as | climb, the moon watching over me like a silent guardian.


    The shackes into view, nestled among the leaves and vines that act as nature¡¯s camouge. It¡¯s decent-sized, blending


    seamlessly with the foliage. Tall leaves and long vines drape over it, concealing it from prying eyes.


    [e)


    1/7


    08:32 Sat, 9 Mar


    Game:


    If not for the map, | probably wouldn¡¯t have noticed it.


    88%


    As | reach the top, the branches beneath me thin out, and | find myself standing on a sturdy tform of intertwined limbs. The


    shack looms above me, a mysterious structure hidden in the embrace of the tree.


    | approach cautiously, my senses on high alert.


    The vines part as | step closer, revealing a wooden door. | hesitate for a moment, my hand hovering over the doorknob. The


    night is silent around me, and a sense of anticipation hangs in the air.


    | can¡¯t help but think back to that first attempt at finding a hiding spot. The moment when | thought | could outsmart the game,


    evade the chaos of the Mating Run. If only Victor hadn¡¯t ruined it. If only he hadn''t taken that choice away from me.


    | close my eyes, trying to conjure the memory. The forest was different then, a ce of potential rather than confusion. | had


    found a secluded nook, a spot where the trees formed a natural barrier. It felt like a sanctuary, a brief respite from the impending


    chaos.


    But Victor, with his twisted sense of control, had to interfere.


    He thinks everything¡¯s a fucking game.


    What if he hadn''t ruined shit for me?


    What if | had remained hidden, tucked away in that quiet corner of the forest?


    Would | be mated right now, entwined with someone in the name of some


    ancient tradition?


    Or would things have unfolded differently?


    Would | have been spared the confusion, the chaos, the hurt?


    | don¡¯t know, and that uncertainty gnaws at me.


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    the


    It''s a bitter taste in my mouth, a reminder that Victor took something from me night. He took away my right to choose, to decide


    my own fate in this twisted game he orchestrated. The air is cool against my skin, but there¡¯s a heat within me, a simmering


    frustration that refuses to be extinguished.


    | wonder about the what-ifs, the alternate paths my life could have taken;


    The frustration intensifies, a knot tightening in my chest. | hate that | don¡¯t know. | hate that Victor, in his arrogance, decided to


    y puppet master with our lives. | close my eyes again, trying to shut out the haunting thoughts.


    | approach the shack cautiously, the wooden door creaking as | push it open. The shack, unlike Ettie¡¯s cabin, is different. It¡¯s


    smaller, cozier, but it¡¯s filled with more things. The air inside is different too, cooler, and | notice there¡¯s


    air-conditioning.


    As the door swings open, | catch sight of him ¡ª Victor.


    He¡¯s sitting on a beanbag,zily flipping through a magazine. The shack seems to swallow me as my eyes widen in shock. He¡¯s


    laughing at some joke, the sound echoing in the small space, while a swirl of smoke from a cigarette hangs in the air.


    I stand there, frozen, my irritation bubbling beneath the surface.


    Victor nces up, his eyes meeting mine.


    Hisughter fades, reced by a smirk that doesn¡¯t sit well with me. The magazine drops to the floor, forgotten in the face of my


    unexpected arrival.


    ¡°Well, well, look who decided to drop by,¡± he says, exhaling a plume of smoke. ¡°What took you so long, sweetheart? | was


    waiting for ages!¡±


    | shake my head, frustration simmering within me. | can¡¯t even speak. My mouth opens but nothinges out, my entire body is


    trembling with anger as | look. around the shack that he¡¯s in.


    I step into Victor''s shack, my jaw clenched tight. The frustration, the anger they churn within me like a storm. The contrast


    between the harsh reality of the


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    forest and the absurdfort of his little haven is too much to bear, | can¡¯t even find


    words to express the intensity of my emotions.


    Victor, oblivious to my seething rage, sits on a cushy chair, a smug grin on his face. The shack, a mockery of our struggles, feels


    suffocating. | nce around, trying to take in the audacity of it all. It¡¯s not justfort; it¡¯s excess. The incap amount of food, the


    electricity, the television¡ªit¡¯s as if he¡¯s on avish vacation while we fight for our lives outside.


    My eyes narrow as | see the bounty of food neatly organized on a shelf. Cans, fresh produce ¡ª things | haven¡¯t seen in what


    feels like an eternity. The anger bubbles, threatening to spill over, as | realize that while | starved, Victor indulged in


    a buffet.


    He looks at me with an expectant smile. ¡°Impressive, right? | guess my father must have told some of the restaurant owners


    outside that | wanted them so they


    were more than happy to sponsor me.¡±


    | can¡¯t speak. The words are trapped in my throat, suffocated by the intensity of my anger. | want to scream, to unleash the


    frustration that¡¯s been building within me since the Mating Run began. But all thates out is a stifled exhale.


    Victor, unfazed, gestures around the shack. ¡°Feel free to make yourself at home, Alina.¡±


    | shoot him a look, a silent plea for him to stop treating everything like a joke. But he¡¯s too wrapped up in his amusement, too


    blind to see the storm that rages


    within me.


    He continues, gesturing towards the electricity that powers the shack. ¡°Oh! And look at this! Electricity in the heart of theExclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    forest. Not bad, huh? My father knew I''ll get bored almost immediately without any tv. He couldn¡¯t give me a phone but | guess


    this should be enough.¡±


    | force myself to move, to take a step forward. The shack seems to close in on me, the absurdity of it all amplifying my


    frustration. | nce at the television ¡ª al luxury | hadn¡¯t even dared to dream about in the forest. Victor seems to revel in my


    silent shock, as if he¡¯s expecting me to join in his amusement.


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    He hands me a can of soda from the mini-fridge, stillughing. ¡°You look like you¡¯ve seen a ghost, Alina. Rx. It¡¯s not everyday


    where we don¡¯t have to work. Might as well make the most of it, right?¡±


    | take the can mechanically, my fingers gripping it tightly. | want to throw it across the room, to shatter the illusion offort that


    Victor has created. But force myself to keep it together, to not let him see the extent of my anger.


    He points towards a corner of the shack. ¡°And over here, we have a fully stocked pantry. | made sure we won¡¯t run out of


    supplies anytime soon. You know, Otta stay well-fed during our little adventure.¡±


    | don¡¯t respond. | can¡¯t. The food, the excess - it¡¯s a p in the face. | think. about the meager rations we scrounged for in the


    forest, the hunger that gnawed at our stomachs. Victor''s little paradise bes a mockery, a testament to his


    arrogance.


    He grabs a bag of chips and opens it with a casual flourish. He flips throught channels on the television, the images dancing


    across the screen.


    ¡°You missed quite a show, Alina. They were broadcasting the Mating Run and had so much effects! d you survived that by the


    way, oh, and Ettie! Did you know she¡¯s still crying after you left her there? It was so funny!¡±


    | look at the television, a mix of disbelief and irritation bubbling within me.


    While | fought for survival, Victor was here, living his best life.


    He tosses the remote to me, stillughing. ¡°Go on, choose a channel. I¡¯m tired of watching this shit anyway.¡±


    I catch the remote, my fingers gripping it tightly.


    | wonder if he catches that I¡¯m not speaking. | wonder if he notices how thin I¡¯ve gotten, the blood on my clothes, the way my hair


    was matted. | wonder if he even


    cares.


    | want to scream at him, to shake him out of his casual amusement. But my


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    voice is still trapped, held captive by the intensity of my anger. | take a deep breath, trying topose myself.


    Victor looks as if he just stepped out of a spa. He¡¯s freshly showered, his hair still damp, and not a speck of dirt mars his


    appearance. | nce at myself, clothes stained and worn from days of navigating the unforgiving terrain of the forest.,


    He notices my scrutiny, a smile ying on his lips. ¡°Oh! Do you want to take a shower? There¡¯s a small bathroom here, no tub


    unfortunately, but there¡¯s a working shower. My sponsors said the tub would be too heavy to carry up here in the tree.¡±


    I clench my fists, the injustice of it all gnawing at me. While we fought for survival, he luxuriated infort. But it¡¯s not just the


    clean appearance ¡ª it¡¯s the smell. He emanates a fresh, pleasant scent, a stark contrast to the earthy and sweaty aroma that


    clings to me.


    He gestures towards a neatly folded pile of clothes. ¡°Feel free to change if you want. | told them that you''re going here one day.


    Did they give you that map to find.


    me? You finally put it to good use!¡±


    you.¡±


    | freeze.


    ¡°That was from you?¡±


    Victor smiles. ¡°No, it was from a sponsor. | did give them a push to give them to


    I stand there, silent, my jaw tight.


    Without him, | would have died.


    But then again, without him, | wouldn¡¯t have been put in situations where | would be worried about my life.


    Victor, unfazed by my reaction, offers me a cup of coffee from a pristine coffee maker. The aroma wafts through the air, a cruel


    reminder of the hardships we faced


    outside.


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    Dame


    ¡°Freshly brewed,¡± he says, his tone casual. ¡°Nothing like a cup of coffee to start brand new day.¡®! walk towards him, my steps


    deliberate. He hands me the cup, his expression smug. | take it from him, the warmth seeping through my fingers.


    But instead of sipping the coffee, | raise my hand and, with a force that


    surprises even me, | p him across the face.


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    The shack falls into an eerie silence.


    | don¡¯t say a word. | don¡¯t need to. The shack, with all its excess andfort, seems to shrink around us. The sound of the p


    echoes in the silence, a sharp punctuation to the absurdity of the situation.


    Victor, rubbing his cheek, looks at me with a mix of surprise and something else. -a realization, perhaps, that his carefully crafted


    illusion of control has cracks.


    | set the cup of coffee down, the warmth turning cold. My gaze holds his, the unspoken words lingering in the air. The forest, the


    challenges ¡ª they may be real, but this shack, this oasis offort, is a mockery.


    He breaks the silence, his tone subdued.


    ¡°| guess | deserve that.¡±


    I turn away from him.


    Victor, still rubbing his cheek, watches me with a newfound seriousness.


    || take a deep breath, mustering the words to convey the frustration that simmers within me.


    ¡°Did you know why | pped you?¡± | ask, my voice steady butced with an undercurrent of irritation.


    Victor, reclining on a beanbag, looks at me, with a nonchnt shrug. ¡°Couldn¡¯t tell you, Alina. Maybe you didn¡¯t like the kind of


    coffee | offered. People can be picky about their coffee, you know.¡±


    | narrow my eyes at him, incredulous at the absurdity of his response. ¡°Coffee? That''s what you think this is about?¡±


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    He smirks, as if the entire situation is a joke. ¡°Well, you did seem a bit displeased with the coffee. Maybe next time Ill ask for


    your preferred roast before offering a cup.¡±


    | let out a sarcasticugh, my frustration reaching a boiling point. ¡°Victor, this isn¡¯t about the coffee. It¡¯s about the fact that you¡¯re


    treating everything like it''s some kind of game. Like the Mating Run is a joke.¡±


    He looks at me, still smirking. ¡°Isn¡¯t it, though? A game, a challenge ¡ª call it what you want. It¡¯s all part of the grand adventure we


    find ourselves in.¡±


    | shake my head in disbelief. ¡°Adventure? This isn¡¯t an adventure, Victor. It¡¯s a struggle for survival. People are out there, fighting


    for their lives, and you''re sitting here, treating it like a game.¡±


    He stretches out on the beanbag, his indifference infuriating. ¡°Survival, adventure it¡¯s all a matter of perspective, Alina. You see it


    as a struggle; | see it as an opportunity to discover who you truly are in the face of the unknown.¡±


    | can¡¯t take it anymore. The frustration, the anger ¡ª they spill over, and | shove


    him, the force surprising both of us. He looks at me with raised eyebrows, the smirk fading.


    ¡°Okay, that¡¯s a bit too much-¡±


    | re at him, the words rushing out in a torrent. ¡°That was for treating everything like a joke. This isn¡¯t a game, Victor. Lives are


    at stake, and you''re here, lounging in your shack, acting like it¡¯s all a grand experiment.¡±


    He sits up, his expression changing to one of mild surprise. ¡°Experiment? That''s an interesting way to put it. But isn¡¯t life itself an


    experiment, Alina? We navigate through the unknown, facing challenges, making choices ¡ª all part of the grand experiment of


    existence.¡±


    | shake my head, the frustration reaching its peak. ¡°This isn¡¯t philosophy ss, Victor. This is reality. People are scared, hungry,


    and you''re here, detached from it all!¡±


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    | scoff, the absurdity of it all overwhelming.


    88%


    He chuckles, as if my words amuse him. ¡°Pawns, yers ¡ª it¡¯s all semantics. You have the power to shape your own narrative in


    this. ming me for your choices is just an excuse.¡±


    | stand before Victor, my hands trembling with a mix of anger and frustration. The shack, with its excess andfort, seems to


    close in on me as | gather the courage to speak.


    ¡°You ruined everything,¡± | say, my voiceced with usation.


    Victor, lounging on a beanbag, smirks, exhaling a swirl of smoke from hist cigarette. ¡°Ruined everything? Well, that¡¯s quite a


    dramatic way to put it, Alina.¡±


    I clench my fists, the weight of my words sinking in. ¡°You turned this into a nightmare. I¡¯m a murderer now, thanks to you. Once


    the Mating Run is over, I''ll probably end up in jail.¡±


    Victorughs, the sound dripping with sarcasm. ¡°Ah, the me game. Always a favorite pastime. How is it my fault when you


    were the one who bashed that Hunter¡¯s head with a rock, not me?¡±


    His words hit me like a punch to the gut. | freeze, the reality of his statement sinking in. The shack, the cigarette smoke ¡ª it¡¯s all a


    mockery in the face of the choices | made.


    | shake my head, as if denying it could erase the truth. ¡°But you ruined my hiding spot on the first day of this Mating Run! You set


    me up for failure.¡±


    Victor shrugs, his nonchnce infuriating. ¡°Setting up for failure, or testing your limits? It¡¯s a matter of perspective, Alina.¡±


    | take a step closer, my frustration reaching a boiling point. ¡°Don¡¯t y games with words. You knew what would happen out


    there. You knew the risks.¡±


    He takes a leisurely drag from his cigarette, the smoke swirling around him like a sinister halo. ¡°Risks are part of life, Alina.


    Whether you face them head-on or


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    08:33 Sat, 9 Mar N


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    crumble under the pressure is up to you.¡±


    | shove him, unable to contain the surge of anger within me.


    He smirks, unfazed by my outburst. ¡°Life is the ultimate experiment, Alina. Your either adapt or get left behind.¡±


    | re at him, the frustration building into a tidal wave of resentment.


    ¡°You think you''re so clever, don¡¯t you?¡±


    He blows a smoke ring, watching it dissipate in the air.


    ¡°Maybe.¡±


    | re around the shack, frustration bubbling within me like a tempest ready to unleash its fury.


    The excess, thefort ¡ª it¡¯s all too much.


    This whole setup is a joke!¡± | retort, sweeping my arm across the shack. ¡°Did your beloved father send you all this, or did you get


    it from some sponsor who finds. your little games amusing?¡±


    Victor winces, the smirk fading from his face. It seems | hit a nerve, struck a chord that resonates deeper than | thought. He


    takes a drag from his cigarette, the smoke curling around him like a shield.


    ¡°Just shut up and drink some coffee, Alina. You''re giving me a headache,¡± he mutters, his tone strained.


    | raise an eyebrow, my anger unabated. ¡°Your father didn¡¯t even send you a message through a sponsor, did he? Or were all


    these gifts just handed to you. because Daddy''s rich?¡±


    Victor''s jaw tightens, a sh of irritation crossing his features. ¡°Mind your own business, Alina. It¡¯s none of your concern.¡±


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    | scoff, the air thick with tension. ¡°None of my concern? We''re in the middle of a life-and-death situation, and you act like it¡¯s a


    vacation. | have every right to know where all this came from.¡±


    He takes a deep breath, as if trying topose himself. The shack, with its illusion offort, bes a battleground for our


    simmering conflict.


    ¡°Fine, if you must know,¡± he says, exhaling the words like an unwanted confession. ¡°Some of it is from sponsors. Happy now?¡±


    | cross my arms, not satisfied with his vague admission. ¡°And the rest?¡±


    He avoids my gaze, staring at the floor as if it holds the answers he refuses to give. ¡°Some of it is from my father, okay? Are you


    happy now?¡±


    The revtion hangs in the air, a heavy truth that neither of us can escape. | take a step back, the anger reced by a mix of


    frustration and pity. The shack, with its excess and secrets, feels like a cage.


    ¡°So, Daddy bailed you out of this mess,¡± | say, my tone dripping with sarcasm.


    Victor''s eyes narrow, a defensive glint in them. ¡°He didn¡¯t bail me out. | can handle things on my own.¡±


    | scoff, the bitterness lingering in my words. ¡°Sure, you can handle things. That¡¯s why we''re out here, fighting for our lives, right?¡±


    He leans back, the tension between us palpable. ¡°You wouldn''t understand, Alina. You¡¯ve always been the struggling type,


    wing your way through life. Some of us are born with privileges.¡±


    Privileges. The word hangs in the air, a stark reminder of the disparities between us. | shake my head, a bitter smile ying on


    my lips.


    ¡°Privileges don¡¯t mean a thing out here, Victor. In the forest, in the Mating Run, we''re all equals. No amount of gifts orforts


    will change that.¡±


    He rolls his eyes, dismissing my words with a wave of his hand. ¡°You''re always


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    08:33 Sat, 9 Mar N


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    so idealistic, Alina. Sometimes, survival requires more than just brute force and determination.¡±


    BB¡¯


    Ignoring his words, | start digging through his belongings. Clothes, gadgets, and various items scattered around it¡¯s a disy of


    luxury that fuels my rage. Victor tries to stop me at first, but when he sees the futility of it, he sighs loudly and retreats to lean on


    his beanbag, puffing on his cigarette.


    I''m relentless, uncovering more of the excess hidden in the shack. The anger builds within me like a storm, and | can¡¯t hold it


    back any longer. tes crash to the floor, shattering into pieces. | throw things, my actions fueled by a mix of frustration and a


    desperate need to level the ying field.


    Victor watches with a detached amusement, hisughter echoing through the chaos. ¡°Having a tantrum, Alina? It won¡¯t change a


    thing.¡±


    I turn to him, my chest heaving with anger. ¡°This isn¡¯t fair, Victor. You have everything handed to you while the rest of us struggle


    to survive.¡±


    He takes a leisurely drag from his cigarette, exhaling smoke with a smirk. ¡°Life isn¡¯t fair, Alina. You should have learned that by


    now.


    | continue my rampage, the shack bing a battlefield for my rebellion. The remnants of broken tes and scattered items tell


    the story of my frustration. Victor remains unfazed, a picture of nonchnce.


    | scream at him, my words dripping with venom. ¡°You think this is a game? You have no idea what it¡¯s like for the rest of us. This


    whole setup is rigged in your favor.¡±


    Victorughs, the sound cutting through the chaos like a taunt. ¡°Rigged or not, it doesn¡¯t change the fact that you¡¯re here,


    destroying things like a child throwing a tantrum.¡±


    I clench my fists, the unfairness of it all weighing heavily on me. ¡°You have sponsors, gifts from your father ¡ª it¡¯s all handed to


    you on a silver tter. Meanwhile, the rest of us fight tooth and nail for every scrap of survival.¡±


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    Victor rolls his eyes, a dismissive gesture that only adds fuel to the fire. ¡°Survival of the fittest, Alina. You can either adapt or


    perish. It¡¯s that simple.¡±


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    I grab a random object, hurling it at the wall. ¡°You don¡¯t get it, do you? This isn¡¯t about survival of the fittest. It''s about your


    privilege overshadowing the true essence of the Mating Run.¡±


    He smirks, the cigarette dangling from his lips. ¡°Privilege, essence ¡ª they''re just words you use to justify your struggles. In the


    end, it''s all a game, Alina.¡±


    My frustration reaches a breaking point, and | scream at him, my words echoing through the shack. ¡°You''re so blinded by your


    arrogance that you can¡¯t see the reality of the forest. This isn¡¯t a game for the rest of us. It¡¯s life and death.¡±


    Victor stands up, the amusement in his eyes reced by a cold glint. ¡°Life and death ¡ª a melodramatic perspective. You''ll


    understand one day that the choices we make define our fate.¡±


    | charge at him, my anger propelling me forward. ¡°Choices? What choices do we have when the game is rigged in your favor?


    Your sponsors, your father ¡ª they¡¯ve already decided your fate.¡±


    Victor dodges my attempt to confront him, stepping back with a smirk. ¡°If you¡¯re just realizing now that the game is rigged in my


    favor, then you¡¯re dumber than | first thought.¡±


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 Chapter 39

    Chapter 39


    Breakout


    88%


    Victor, sprawled on his beanbag, looks at me with a hint of curiosity.


    ¡°Lost your sense of humor, Alina?¡± he quips, his voice cutting through the stillness.


    nce at him, a bitter taste lingering in my mouth. ¡°Do you even know what happened out there? What we had to do to survive?¡±


    Victor shrugs, a nonchnt gesture that stirs a simmering anger within me. ¡°Survival, adaptation ¡ª it¡¯s all part of the game, Alina.


    You should learn to embrace


    it¡±


    I clench my fists, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. ¡°Embrace it? You act like it¡¯s some kind of thrilling adventure. We''re


    out there fighting for our lives, and all you care about is your privilege.¡±


    Victor leans forward, his smirk reced by a cold glint in his eyes. ¡°Privilege or not, it doesn¡¯t change the fact that we''re all


    ying the same game. Some just y it smarter.¡±


    The tension in the shack thickens, a palpable force that hangs in the air. The moonlight casts long shadows, entuating the


    divide between us. | take a deep breath, my anger simmering beneath the surface.


    1.US.


    ¡°You think it¡¯s a game, Victor? A game with rules that only favor you?¡±


    Victor smiles, points at the corner of the shack where a camera is directed at


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we ask the audience?¡±


    I shake my head, a bitter smile ying on my lips.


    ¡°Fuck you.¡±


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    Breakout


    | can¡¯t shake off the frustration that coils within me, a serpent ready to strike. The moonlight seeps through the windows, casting


    a cold glow on the scattered remnants of my earlier outburst.


    | pace the limited space, the confined walls of the shack closing in on me. The what-ifs, the maybes ¡ª they echo in my mind like


    a haunting refrain. | nce at Victor, lounging on his bed with an air of indifference, and the anger resurfaces.


    Without a word, | start tearing through the shack once more. tes crash to the floor, and gadgets are thrown haphazardly.


    Victor grumbles, his irritation. evident, but he doesn¡¯t move to stop me. The shack bes a canvas for my rage, a chaotic


    disy of frustration.


    ¡°Rx, Alina,¡± Victor mutters, his voice tinged with annoyance. ¡°Someone¡¯s going to find us soon, and this will all be over.¡±


    I


    His words only fuel my anger. | turn to him, my eyes burning with intensity. ¡°Find us? This isn¡¯t a game, Victor. We''re not waiting


    for rescue. We''re fighting for survival, and your privilege blinds you to that!¡±


    Victor rolls his eyes, an exasperated sigh escaping his lips.


    ¡°Whatever, yada, yada. If you''re going to act all crazy, can you at least be quiet about it?¡±


    lignore his words, my frustration pushing me to continue my rampage. The shack, with its illusions and confines, bears the brunt


    of my rebellion. The moonlight outside watches over the chaos, a silent witness to the sh of perspectives.


    Victor remains on his bed, flipping through his magazine with casual disinterest. The sound of pages turning bes a


    backdrop to my destructive symphony. The shack, once a haven of illusions, now stands as a battleground for my defiance.


    I grab a random object, hurling it against the wall.


    Victor looks up from his magazine, annoyance etched on his face.


    | pace the limited space, frustration coiling within me like a caged beast. The


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    magazine in Victor''s hands bes a target for my wrath. Without a word, | snatch it from him and start tearing through its


    pages. The sound of paper ripping echoes through the shack, a symphony of defiance.


    Victor nces up from his bed, his eyes narrowing in irritation. ¡°Seriously, Alina? If you¡¯re going to be this annoying, maybe you


    should just leave.¡±


    l ignore his words, the adrenaline of rebellion coursing through me. The magazine bes a casualty of my frustration, its


    pages torn and scattered like. confetti. The moonlight outside witnesses the sh, indifferent to the turmoil


    within.


    ¡°You think tearing my magazine will change anything?¡± Victor grumbles, his annoyance evident.


    | shoot him a defiant look, tearing another page with a satisfying rip. ¡°Mayber not, but it feels damn good.¡±


    Victor rolls his eyes, a gesture of dismissiveness. ¡°Feelings or not, you''re just making a mess for no reason. If you''re that upset,


    go find your own corner of the


    forest.¡±


    The suggestion only fans the mes of my anger. | tear through the magazine with renewed vigor, the sound of paper tearing


    bing a mantra of rebellion. The shack, with its confines and illusions, bears witness to my defiance.


    Victor sighs, a mix of frustration and resignation in his voice. ¡°You¡¯re being ridiculous, Alina. What¡¯s tearing my magazine going to


    achieve?¡±


    | scoff, tossing a torn page into the air.


    He leans back on his bed, unimpressed. ¡°Reality or not, tearing my things won''t change a thing. If you''re that dissatisfied, just


    leave.¡±


    The suggestion lingers in the air, a challenge hanging between us. | tear through the magazine with even more intensity, my


    actions fueled by a mix of frustration and a desperate need to reim a sense of control. The moonlight outside casts elongated


    shadows on the turmoil within.


    [e)


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    Victor watches with an air of detached amusement, as if my rebellion is nothing more than a minor inconvenience. ¡°You''re really


    making a fuss over nothing, Alina.¡±


    The shack envelops me in its narrow confines, a cage of resentment and frustration. The memories of the outside world, the


    unforgiving forest, linger like shadows in the corners of my mind. | find myself trapped in a mentalbyrinth, revisiting the visceral


    experiences of the Mating Run.


    The Hider, a specter in the moonlit darkness, surfaces in my thoughts. The memory is like a dark


    canvas of my consciousness. | remember the stealth, the quiet breaths, the desperate attempts to remain unseen. Survival, in


    those moments, boiled down to a primal instinct ¡ª hide or be found.


    conscious Strokes of fear and tension sshed across the


    As | sit in the shack, the memory unfolds like a y in my mind. The Hider, elusive and cunning, was a fleeting ally in the dance


    of survival. Yet, alliances are ephemeral in the harsh reality of the Mating Run. Trust, a fragilemodity, shattered like ss


    when the stakes became a matter of life and death.


    The Hunter enters the stage, a relentless force in pursuit. The forest, once a sanctuary, transforms into a maze of uncertainty.


    Each step isden with the weight. of survival, the primal fear of bing prey. | recall the heartbeat, the rush of adrenaline,


    and the cruel necessity thatpelled me to wield a rock as a weapon.


    The memory of the Hunter¡¯s demise is etched in stark contrast to the privilege of this shack. It¡¯s a juxtaposition of struggle and


    indulgence, a tale of survival versusfort. While | grappled with the fear of being hunted, Victor reclined in his haven, shielded


    from the brutal truths of the forest floor.


    Ettie¡¯s encounter with another Hunter weaves into the narrative. The forest, witness to a silent sh, bes a silent graveyard.


    The memory carries the weight of a life extinguished, a casualty in the name of survival. It¡¯s a somber


    reflection on the choices made, the lives lost, and the desperation that defines the Mating Run.


    And then there¡¯s Victor, perched above it all in his sanctuary. The memories of struggle and death sh with the image of him


    indulging in theforts of the shack. It¡¯s a bitter realization that in this cruel game, not all yers face the same.


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    08:34 Sat, 9 Mar N


    Breakout


    trials. While | navigated the dangers of the forest, he feasted on the spoils of al


    sheltered existence.


    The anger simmers within me, a slow burn that threatens to erupt. The shack, with its illusions of safety, bes a trigger for


    the resentment that festers. Ther contrast between the struggles outside and thefort within intensifies the storm of emotions


    within me.


    | remember the corpses, the silent witnesses to the brutality of survival. Each life lost is a scar on thendscape of my memory, a


    testament to the choices made in desperation. The forest, with its secrets and shadows, bes a graveyard of hopes and


    fears.


    The disparity between the struggles | faced and Victor¡¯s oblivious indulgence. grates on my nerves. It''s a bitter pill to swallow, a


    realization that while | fought. tooth and nail for survival, he basked in the luxury of his shack. The Mating Run, intended as a test


    of resilience, bes a ring showcase of inequality.


    It''s funny how life can throw these unexpected curveballs, like a game where the rules change when you least expect it. | used to


    think unfairness was something confined to the schoolyard, where kids would squabble over the swings or who got the bigger


    piece of cake. | never thought it would be a looming shadow in my own


    story.


    You know, it¡¯s strange. Growing up, they tell you about fairness, sharing, and ying nice. It¡¯s like a mantra repeated so often


    that it bes part of the background noise of your childhood. You nod along, thinking you understand the concept, but it¡¯s one


    of those things you never truly grasp until life decides to teach you a lesson.


    | remember watching those schoolyard squabbles, thinking they were just a part of being a kid. Someone gets the shiny new toy,


    and the others pout because they want it too. It¡¯s simple, almost innocent. Little did | know that the echoes of those yground


    disputes would find their way into the tangled mess of the Mating Run.


    Life has a way of surprising you. It¡¯s like being handed a puzzle with missing pieces, and you¡¯re expected to make sense of the


    iplete picture. The Mating


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    Breakout


    Run, with its twisted rules and unpredictable challenges, feels like that puzzle.


    88%%


    | guess | always assumed fairness was a basic principle, a universal constant that applied to everyone. The golden rule, right?


    Treat others as you want to be treated. It sounds so simple, so straightforward.


    It''s a haven for one, a refuge from the struggles outside. Victor sits there, untouched by the trials | faced in the forest. It¡¯s like


    he¡¯s living in a different world, where the rules are different, and the game is rigged in his favor.


    | never thought unfairness could be this tant. It¡¯s not just about who got the better toy; it¡¯s about life and death. The forest


    doesn¡¯t care about fairness. It¡¯s a wild, unpredictable force, indifferent to the concept of right or wrong.


    In a burst of rage, I¡¯m on my feet. The narrow space of the shack feels constricting as the walls seem to close in. The air is thick


    with tension, and the decision to confront Victor takes root like a stubborn weed in my mind.


    | don¡¯t even think; the anger propels me forward. Victor looks up, surprise etching his face, but it¡¯s quickly reced by defiance. |


    grab his arm, my fingers. digging into the fabric of his shirt. The shack, witness to this sudden burst of aggression, stands silent.


    ¡°Enough!¡± Victor protests, his voice sharp and cutting through the air. He tries to pull away, but my grip tightens. The anger, once


    a simmering undercurrent, now roars to the surface like a tempest. The forest outside, oblivious to our struggle, stands sentinel


    to the unfolding drama.


    | can feel Victor resisting, his body tensing against my grasp. He yells, tells me to let go, but the anger has a grip of its own. |


    shove him, and for a moment, there¡¯s a strange dance of chaos within the confines of the shack. It¡¯s a sh of wills, a collision of


    opposing forces.


    | grab him again, my fingers biting into his arm. The forest outside, oblivious to the dynamics within, stands still like a silent


    audience. Victor¡¯s protests turn into shouts, but I¡¯m resolute.


    His voice echoes in the narrow space, a cacophony of protest. ¡°Stop this, Alina!


    Ill


    [e)


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    Breakout


    What are you doing?¡±


    But I don¡¯t answer.


    With determination, | push forward.


    6/

 Chapter 40

    Chapter 40


    Expose


    | remember, back in my neighborhood, there was this guy who owned a bunch of dogs-like, five of them. They were all different


    sizes and colors, but he loved them all the same. | used to watch him take care of those dogs, wondering how he managed to


    handle such a lively bunch.


    One day, as | was passing by his house, | saw him doing something strange. One of his dogs had made a little mess on the floor,


    and instead of just cleaning it up, he grabbed the dog by the cor and pushed its nose into the urine. | was puzzled, watching


    this unfold from a distance. It seemed harsh, and | couldn¡¯t quite grasp why he was doing it.


    Curiosity got the better of me, and | decided to strike up a conversation with him about his unconventional method of dog


    training. | mean, | had never seen anyone do that before. As | approached him, he looked up from his task, a bit surprised that


    someone was taking an interest in his dog training techniques.


    ¡°Hey there,¡± | grested him, trying not to sound too nosy. ¡°I noticed you doing something with your dog just now. What''s that all


    about?¡±


    He looked at me, and with a knowing smile, he exined, ¡°Oh, that¡¯s just a little trick | learned to train them not to mess indoors.


    It''s all about teaching them a lesson, you know?


    | was intrigued but also a bit skeptical. | mean, dogs are smart, but rubbing their noses in their own pee? It sounded a bit harsh


    to me. Still, | nodded, inviting him to share more about this curious method.


    He started telling me how dogs have this incredible sense of smell and how associating the smell of their urine with a negative


    experience could discourage them from doing it indoors. | listened, absorbing his exnation like a sponge soaking up water.


    He continued, describing the importance of timing and consistency in the training process. It wasn¡¯t just about punishment; it was


    about creating a clear


    =


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    08:34 Sat, 9 Mar N


    Exposes


    connection between the unwanted behavior and the consequence.


    Dogs, he said, are quick learners, and if you get the timing right, they can understand what you want from them.


    Victor, with his careless attitude and the chaos he¡¯s left in his wake during this Mating Run. It¡¯s like he¡¯s been running amok,


    leaving destruction in his path without a care in the world. And | can¡¯t help but think, what if | could make him face the


    consequences of his actions in a way that he understands?


    The notion of metaphorically rubbing Victor¡¯s face in the mess he¡¯s created takes root in my mind. It¡¯s not about physical harm


    but about making him confront the aftermath of his choices. Maybe, just maybe, it could be a way to teach him a lesson, a way to


    communicate the gravity of what he¡¯s done.


    It''s not about revenge or cruelty. It¡¯s about responsibility and ountability. The dogs, in that man¡¯s care, needed to understand


    the connection between their actions and the consequences. Could the same principle be applied to Victor, who seems to roam


    through this Mating Run like it''s some kind of game?


    grab Victor by the cor and pull him out of his cushy shack. He¡¯s shouting, protesting, but I¡¯m past the point of caring about his


    tantrums. This is about consequences, about making him face the aftermath of his reckless actions during this chaotic Mating


    Run.


    His screams ring in my ears, but | don¡¯t let it faze me. Instead, | guide him forcefully towards a thick branch, the rough bark


    pressing against his back. He stumbles, and for a moment, he seems disoriented ¡ª a rare sight for someone who usually walks


    with the arrogance of a king. But not today.


    | shove him against the branch, not too harshly but enough to let him feel the weight of his own body against the sturdy wood. He


    res at me, anger shing in his eyes, but I¡¯m on a mission, a mission to show him the consequences of his


    deeds.


    Victor, always treating everything like a joke, a game. But not this time.


    ¡°Stay still,¡± | order, my voice firm. He smirks, as if he finds the whole situation


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    08:34 Sat, 9 Mar N


    Expose


    amusing, as if my actions are merely a prelude to some twisted entertainment. But I¡¯m not ying games. This is real, and he¡¯s


    about to learn just how real it is.


    His defiance only fuels my determination. With a swift motion, | pounce on him, pinning him to the ground. His protests turn into a


    mix of surprise and annoyance. Maybe he didn¡¯t expect me to take such bold action, to confront him head-on,


    | check his pockets, searching for something, anything that can serve as a tangible representation of the chaos he¡¯s caused.


    Victor squirms beneath me, treating the whole ordeal like a joke, like I¡¯m about to assault him. But I¡¯m not here for physical harm


    ¡ª I''m here for something that will make him understand.


    Apnds on his cheek, the sound echoing in the forest. | can see the shock in his eyes, the momentary break in his arrogant


    facade. ¡°Shut up,¡± |mand, my patience wearing thin. He¡¯s always had a way of pushing buttons, but not today. Today is


    about consequences.


    | continue my search, my fingers delving into his pockets. His attempts at witty remarks and smirks fall on deaf ears. | need to


    find it, that one thing that will serve as a symbol of the destruction he¡¯s left in his wake.


    Finally, my fingers brush against something familiar ¡ª a rectangr shape. | pull it out, a cigarette pack. Victor''s eyebrows raise,


    as if to say, ¡°Is this what you were looking for?¡± But it¡¯s not just the cigarettes; it''s whates next that will drive the point home.


    Digging further, | find a lighter.


    The missing piece to the puzzle.


    He doesn¡¯t get it. Not yet.


    I rise from my position, leaving him on the ground. The forest is still, as if awaiting the next move in this impromptu y of


    consequences. Victor dusts himself off, smirking again, thinking he¡¯s outsmarted me somehow.


    But | have a n.


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    34 Sat, 9 Mar


    Expose


    The flickering me of the lighter illuminates the darkness as | approach Victor¡¯s shack, a determination burning within me. The


    forest, with its ancient trees and hidden secrets, seems to hold its breath, as if anticipating the climax of this


    confrontation.


    sme


    Victor his eyes narrowing as he realizes my intent. ¡°What are you doing, Alina?¡± he sneers, the arrogance still lingering in his


    voice. But I''m beyond


    words; actions speak louder.


    The shack, once a haven for Victor''s careless whims, stands before me ¡ª a symbol of his disregard for the consequences of his


    actions. With the lighter in hand, | hover over the corner of the structure, the me dancing on the tip of the


    metallic wand.


    ¡°This is for everything you¡¯ve done,¡± | mutter, my voice low but resolute. The forest, with its ancient wisdom, bes a silent


    witness to the impending act. The lighter descends, and the me meets the wooden surface.


    It catches.


    The shack ignites, the mes devouring the wood like a hungry beast. Victor¡¯s eyes widen, panic setting in.


    ¡°You''re insane, Alina! What the hell are you doing?¡±


    Victor shouts, his voice a desperate plea. But I¡¯ve made up my mind.


    The fire rages, the crackling mes echoing through the forest. The shack, once a symbol of Victor¡¯s carefree existence, is now


    consumed by the inferno. The orange glow casts dancing shadows on the trees, creating a chaotic ballet of light and darkness.


    Victor lunges at me, his anger transforming into a desperate attempt to stop. the destruction. ¡°You''ll pay for this!¡± he roars, his


    hands reaching for me. But | sidestep his advance, the mes acting as a barrier between us.


    | can feel the heat on my face, the warmth of the fire intensifying with each passing second. Victor, in a fit of desperation, tackles


    me to the ground. The impact


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    jars my body, but | don¡¯t resist. The shack is already aze, and no physical. altercation can change that.


    The mes reflect in Victor''s eyes, mirroring the chaos he¡¯s wrought. ¡°You''ve lost your mind!¡± he snarls, pinning me to the


    ground. But I justugh, a manic sound. that blends with the crackling of the fire.


    ¡°It''s all burning, Victor. If | burn, you burn with me.¡±


    | retort, myughter echoing through the fiery chaos.


    The shack continues to burn, the mes reaching higher, licking the sky like hungry tongues. The crackling sound is deafening,


    drowning out the echoes of Victor¡¯s protests. The forest, with its ancient trees, stands witness to the unraveling


    drama.


    | manage to break free from Victor¡¯s grasp, the mes casting a wild glow on our entangled bodies. He watches, helpless, as |


    stand, myughter ringing throught the chaos. ¡°This is your consequence, Victor. Face it!¡± | dere, my voice cutting through the


    roar of the fire.


    His eyes widen, a mix of rage and shock. ¡°You''re enjoying this, aren¡¯t you?¡± he uses, as if myughter is a confirmation of his


    worst suspicions. And in that moment, | am. | revel in the chaos, in the destruction that mirrors the havoc he¡¯s


    sown.


    As the shack crumbles in on itself, a shower of sparks ascending to the night sky, Victorunches himself at me again. But it¡¯s


    toote. The mes have imed their victory, reducing the structure to embers and memories.


    |ugh like a maniac, the sound echoing through the clearing. ¡°You thought your could y without consequences, Victor.


    Wee to reality!¡± | taunt, the mes reflecting in my eyes. The forest, with its eternal presence, seems to absorb the remnants


    of the ze.


    Victor, defeated and furious, res at me. ¡°You''ll regret this, Alina. | promise you that,¡± he seethes, his threats lost in the


    crackling symphony of the dying fire. But | don¡¯t care. In this moment, the burning shack is a metaphor for the chaos he


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    0834 SALG N


    unleashed, a tangible representation of consequences.


    The night air carries the scent of burnt wood, a poignant reminder of the reckoning that unfolded. The forest with its ancient trees


    as silent witnesses, stands unaffected by the turmoil below. The mes may have consumed the shack, but the consequences


    will linger in the air, a lingering reminder of the choices,


    made


    I step away from the fading ze, the remnants of Victor¡¯s shack now reduced


    to smoldering ruins


    The forest is sent, except for the crackling embers and Victor''s frustrated grumbling. | watch him sift through the remments of his


    burned¡ªdown shack, his annoyance evident in the way he curses under his breath. The air is thick with the sorid scent of charred


    wood, a stark reminder of the chaos we find ourselves in.


    Victor''s hands move hastily through the ash and rubble, desperately searching for something salvageable. He¡¯s muttering, his


    voice a low growl, a testament to his aggravation. The forest, with its ancient trees towering overhead, seems to absorb the


    tension that hangs in the air.


    Asharp hiss cuts through the quiet as Victor¡¯s fingers make contact with a smoldering piece of debris. He recoils, his burnt


    fingertips meeting the cool air, and frustration etches deeper lines on his face. It¡¯s a scene of desperation, a futile attempt to


    reim what''s lost in the aftermath of chaos.


    I stand at a distance, watching the spectacle unfold. Victor shoots me usatory nces, his anger now directed at the invisible


    force that orchestrated the destruction. His eyes meet mine, and there¡¯s a burning resentment within them.


    ¡°Damn it, Alina! Look what you¡¯ve done!¡± he exims, his words punctuated by the frustration that boils within him. | resist the


    urge to roll my eyes as | hear his usations. He¡¯s ming me, but it was his own recklessness that led to this fiery


    end.


    | can¡¯t help it - augh escapes my lips, a mixture of amusement and defiance.


    ¡°You yed with fire, Victor. What did you expect?¡±


    Expose


    His burnt fingers clench into fists, and the remnants of his carefree attitude are reced by a simmering rage. ¡°This isn¡¯t a joke,


    Alina! My things, my shelter ¡ª all gone because of your insanity-!¡±


    I cut him off with a smile.


    ¡°Familiar, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    <


    6/7

 Chapter 41

    Chapter 41


    Show


    ¡°You think this is justice? Destroying everything?¡±


    Victor snarls, his words a mix of anger and despair.


    ¡°It''s consequence, Victor. You can¡¯t y with fire and not expect to get burned.


    | reply, my tone serious.


    He grumbles, brushing ash off his hands again. ¡°This won¡¯t change anything, Aline. You can destroy my shack, but it won¡¯t erase


    the choices we made out there,¡± he dedares, his bittemess lingering.


    | nod, acknowledging the truth in his words. ¡°You''re right, Victor. But maybe now you''ll think twice before risking everything


    again.¡± | say, my voice holding a hint of hope that this chaotic lesson might lead to some reflection.


    But Victor continues to grumble under his breath, frustration etched on his face as he sifts through the ashes of his once¡ª


    standing shack.


    | can¡¯t contain my anger any longer.


    ¡°You don¡¯t get it, do you?¡±


    I scream at him, my voice cutting through the quiet aftermath. The forest, with its ancient trees, seems to echo my frustration.


    Victor looks up, his eyes meeting mine with a mix of irritation and indifference.


    ¡°How serious it was out there! While you were up here having a vacation, people died,¡± | continue, my words a desperate attempt


    to make him understand the gravity of our situation. ¡°We started as a thousand, and now we''re probably down to just 40!¡±


    Victor rolls his eyes, a dismissive gesture that only fuels my frustration.


    1/7


    08:34 Sat Mar N


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    ¡°You always love a good drama, Alina. It¡¯s probably not as bad as you¡¯re making it out to be.¡±


    He retorts, his toneced with sarcasm. | shake my head, bewildered by hisck ofprehension.


    ¡°It''s not drama, Victor. It¡¯s reality. People lost their lives, and all you care about is your precious shack!¡± | shoot back, my anger


    bubbling to the surface. The forest, with its timeless presence, seems to absorb the tension between us.


    Victor brushes off my words with another eye roll. ¡°I had a TV in the shack, your know. | saw what was happening. Everything¡¯s


    probably just for dramatics anyway.¡± he quips, his dismissive attitude grating on my nerves.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    | shake my head in disbelief. ¡°I know you think this is just some show, Victor. | was like that too. But | know better now. Out here


    ¡ª It¡¯s life and death.¡±


    He remains unfazed, a smirk ying on his lips. ¡°You''re always so serious, Alina. Not everything is a matter of life and death,¡± he


    replies, his nonchnce infuriating. | can¡¯t fathom how he can be so carefree, especially after what we¡¯ve been through.


    ¡°You''re just close¡ªheaded, Victor. You don¡¯t see the bigger picture,¡± | snap, my frustration boiling over. The forest, with its ancient


    trees as stoic witnesses, stands. silent as our sh intensifies.


    Victor leans against a charred tree, the remnants of his shack scattered around us. ¡°You''re the one who doesn¡¯t get it, Alina. This


    is just a game. A game I''m ying to win,¡± he deres, the smirk never leaving his face. I¡¯m dumbfounded by his


    stubbornness.


    ¡°It''s not just a game. It¡¯s survival. And your ¡®vacation¡® mentality is putting everyone at risk,¡± | retort, my words a plea for him to


    wake up from his delusion. But he remains obstinate, his eyes reflecting a detachment from reality.


    The forest, with its enigmatic presence, seems to amplify the frustration that hangs in the air. ¡°You''re overthinking it, Alina. Rx,


    enjoy the show.¡±


    Victor adds, as if the chaos around us is merely entertainment for him.


    Ill


    1/7


    08:34 Sat, 9 Mar K


    Show


    | take a deep breath, attempting to calm the storm of emotions within me. ¡°I can¡¯t believe you''re still acting like this. Lives are at


    stake, and you''re treating it like a joke!¡±


    Victor shrugs, a careless gesture that only intensifies my exasperation. ¡°I¡¯ve survived this long, haven¡¯t I?¡±


    | watch Victor saunter toward the closest camera, perched high on a branch and directed at us..


    The aftermath of his burned¡ªdown shack lingers around us, yet he seems unfazed, embracing the attention as if he¡¯s center


    stage in some twisted spectacle. My jaw tightens with frustration as he takes a bow, his movements extravagant, a performance


    for the invisible audience he believes is watching.


    ¡°Hello there, dear viewers!¡± he announces, his voice carrying an unnatural cheerfulness that grates on my nerves.


    My eyes ar


    | can¡¯t believe what I¡¯m witnessing. Is this really happening? as | re at Victor, who¡¯s now addressing the camera with a grin


    that¡¯s all teeth and


    charm.


    ¡°| hope you enjoyed the little show back there. Alina decided to spice things up


    a bit.¡±


    Victor then gestures towards the remnants of his shack.


    I clench my fists, resisting the urge to march over and silence him.


    ¡°Now, | know you all loved my previous shack, but s, it¡¯s no more, thanks to our dear Alina. So, | thought, why not reach out to


    my lovely sponsors and see if we can build an even better one? Together, of course!¡±


    | can¡¯t believe he¡¯s asking for sponsors to pitch in after the chaos he caused.


    My frustration deepens as he flirts shamelessly with the camera.


    ¡°Any sponsors out there willing to contribute to the Victor¡¯s Shack Rebuilding


    Ill


    2/7


    Show


    Fund?¡±


    The forest remains silent, as if holding its breath, waiting for some semnce of reason to prevail.


    But Victor, with his toothy grin and mboyant gestures, remainsmitted to his charade.


    | can¡¯t take it any longer ¡ª his mboyant gestures, his flirtations, all of it feels. like a mockery of the gravity of our situation. With


    a surge of frustration, | step forward and m my hand over his mouth, determined to silence him.


    ¡°Enough, Victor! You don¡¯t deserve any sponsors. This is not a game; people died out there!¡± | hiss through gritted teeth, my


    palm pressed firmly against hist mouth. ¡°It¡¯s not all about you!¡±


    Victor rolls his eyes, his arrogance undeterred. He shoves me away, the force of his movement sending me stumbling backward.


    ¡°What''s your problem, Alina? I¡¯m just trying to make the best of a bad situation.¡±


    | shake my head, frustration bubbling within me. ¡°You''re making a mockery of their deaths. This is not the time for your self¡ª


    centered antics!¡±


    Victor scoffs, brushing off my concerns. ¡°They''re not dead because of me. It¡¯s


    the Mating Run, Alina. There are


    fewer contenders now because some have already mated and left. They can¡¯t y the game anymore. It doesn¡¯t mean they


    died.¡±


    My eyes widen in disbelief.


    With a scream of frustration, | step forward and shove Victor, the force of my anger propelling him backward. ¡°This is not a game!


    People¡¯s lives are at stake, and you''re treating it like a joke! They died. It¡¯s truel You said you have a tv up in that shack, but why


    does it feel like you saw nothing at all! Were you even watching?¡±


    Victor regains his bnce, his eyes narrowing as he res at me. ¡°You''re overreacting, Alina.¡±


    | take a deep breath, attempting to calm the storm of emotions within me.


    Ill


    4/7


    08:34 Sat, 9 Mar. N


    Show


    Okay, Alina, take a deep breath. Inhale, exhale. Repeat.


    I can feel the frustration bubbling inside me like a simmering pot, and | need to calm down. Victor, with his arrogance and


    indifference, has this uncanny ability to push all the wrong buttons. But getting mad at him, it won¡¯t change anything. I¡¯ve realized


    that, especially now, it feels like talking to a brick wall.


    ¡°Rx, Alina. Rx.¡± | mumble to myself, the words a quiet mantra to quell the


    storm within.


    Victor continued to prattle on, addressing the invisible audience he believes is watching just for him.


    ¡°Now! Let''s get back to what''s important. Again, all | need is probably two or one! Any sponsors out there willing to contribute to


    the Victor¡¯s Shack Rebuilding Fund? | will ensure that sponsorships are not taken lightly! Sponsors will receive a sparkling


    commendation from me to my father, that¡¯s for sure!¡±


    | take a deep breath, attempting to gather myposure. ¡°It''s not worth it, Alina. Getting mad at him won''t change his mindset,¡± |


    mutter to myself, the realization sinking in like a stone settling at the bottom of a still pond.


    Victor continues his mboyant act, gesturing and flirting with the camera. ¡°Now, who wouldn¡¯t want to contribute to this


    handsome face having a cozy shelter again?¡±


    ¡°Goddess, can you just shut up?!¡±


    | can feel the tension in the air, thick and suffocating, as he res at me with


    using eyes.


    ¡°Look what you''ve done, Alina. Everything¡¯s ruined now!¡± he seethes, his voice sharp like the edge of a de. His frustration is


    palpable, and instead of taking responsibility, he shifts the me onto me.


    I clench my fists, my own frustration reaching a boiling point. ¡°Me? You¡¯re the one who turned this into a circus, Victor. You treat


    everything like a joke, and now you me me for the consequences?¡±


    47


    08:34 Sat, 9 Mar N


    Show


    Victor rolls his eyes, dismissing my words with a casual wave. ¡°All | wanted was to rx, Alina. A few days without my father¡¯s


    supervision ¡ª a miracle for me. But no, you had to ruin it!¡±


    | feel a surge of anger, an indignant fire burning within me. ¡°Rx? People are starving out there, Victor! Hiders were raped and


    forced into submission. Do you even know that? Do you even fucking care? This is not a vacation; it''s a fight for


    survival!¡±


    He scoffs, his arrogance undeterred. ¡°Survival, drama ¡ª it¡¯s all the same to me. I¡¯m just living my life!¡±


    ¡°Your life? What about everyone else? What about Ettie, who had to kill to survive? Our rtionship won¡¯t ever be the same


    again, and all you care about is yourself!¡±


    ¡°Why should | care? I¡¯m not responsible for everyone else. I¡¯m here for me.¡±


    | shove him, my hands pushing against his chest with all the force of my pent-up emotions.


    ¡°You''re heartless, Victor.¡±


    He stumbles backward, caught off guard by my sudden outburst.


    The air is thick with tension, and | can feel my fists clenching involuntarily. Victor, with his infuriating arrogance and self-centered


    attitude, is pushing all the wrong buttons. But | can¡¯t let myself give in to the anger. I¡¯ve got to find a way to calm down, to keep


    fromshing out and making a bad situation worse.


    | nce around at the trees, their leaves rustling in the breeze as if offering some ancient wisdom.


    ¡°Breathe, Alina. Just breathe,¡± | murmur to myself, the words a mantra to ground me in the midst of chaos. | close my eyes,


    blocking out the sight of Victor¡¯s smug face, and focus on the rhythmic pattern of my breath. Inhale, exhale. Inhale, exhale.


    Ill


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    Victor continues to spout his self-centered nonsense, but I¡¯ve trained my ears. to filter out the noise. It¡¯s not easy, but | have to


    focus on what | can control ¡ª my own reactions. Punching him in the face might be satisfying for a fleeting moment, but it won''t


    solve anything.


    | nce down at my hands, realizing how tightly they¡¯re clenched.


    | steal a nce at Victor, still immersed in his self-absorbed world. The urge to roll my eyes is strong, but | resist. | need to stay


    focused on my own mental well-being. Reacting to his antics with eye rolls and sarcasm won''t help me stay calm.


    And just when | thought everything would be fine, when my heart managed to calm down, everything goes to shit.


    Just as the words are about to escape my lips, a sharp whistle slices through the silence.


    I


    Both Victor and | freeze, our eyes locking as if sharing a silent understanding that something is not right.


    | turn my head to follow the sound, and there, down on the forest floor, is Zeke.


    He¡¯s bloodied, with a wild, manic grin stretched across his face. In his hands, he clutches a massive machete, its glint reflecting


    the ominous intent in his eyes. My breath catches in my throat, and a chill runs down my spine.


    Zeke points the machete directly at Victor, the gesture deliberate and menacing.


    Then, he whispers.


    ¡°Finally fucking found you.¡±

 Chapter 42

    Chapter 42


    Weakness


    Anger is like a me, they say.


    It flickers, it burns, and it engulfs everything in its path. But as | watch Zeke down there, pacing with that twisted grin anda


    menacing machete in hand, it¡¯s not heat that | feel. No, it¡¯s an eerie coldness that wraps around me like a ghostly


    shroud.


    You see, they tell you that anger makes your temperature rise, your blood boiling beneath your skin. But right now, in the heart of


    this forest, surrounded by towering trees that seem to witness every breath we take, | can¡¯t help but shiver. The chill isn¡¯t just in


    the air; it''s seeping into my bones, settling in, making me question everything.


    Maybe it¡¯s the fear. Fear has a way of sending shivers down your spine, they say. But this isn¡¯t just fear. It¡¯s a bone-deep


    coldness that goes beyond the natural apprehension that anyone would feel when faced with a man wielding a machete and


    sporting a grin that belongs in nightmares.


    | wrap my arms around myself, attempting to ward off the cold. It¡¯s not the kind of cold the


    a jacket or a warm embrace can chase away. No, this cold is different. It¡¯s the kind that seeps into your soul, making you


    question the very essence of warmth you thought you knew.


    The forest, once alive with the symphony of rustling leaves and distant bird calls, feels muted. It¡¯s as if the very essence of life


    has taken a step back, leaving room for this unnatural coldness to take center stage. The trees stand tall, their branches


    reaching towards the heavens, but their usualforting presence feels distant, almost aloof.


    | nce at Victor, who¡¯s huddled beside me on this high tree branch. His brows are furrowed in concern, and | can see the


    tension in his eyes. | wonder if he knows just how much trouble he¡¯s in right now. | wonder if | will do anything to stop Zeke. |


    wonder if | will do my best to save him.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    87%


    Weakness


    The coldness intensifies, and | find myself rubbing my arms, trying to generate some warmth. It¡¯s not just a physical chill; it''s a


    psychological one, creeping into the recesses of my mind and leaving a lingering sense of unease.


    | steal another nce at Zeke. His movements are erratic, and the unsettling grin never leaves his face. It¡¯s as if he¡¯s dancing to


    a tune only he can hear, a melody that sends shivers down my spine.


    Everything freezes as Zeke begins to ascend the tree with an eerie ease that defies gravity. Panic clutches at my throat,


    threatening to choke the breath from my lungs. Victor, usually the epitome ofposure, looks at me with wide eyes,


    desperation etched across his face.


    ¡°Fuck! What do we do, Alina? What the fuck do we do?!¡±


    Victor''s voice trembles with a fear that mirrors my own.


    | want to answer him, to provide a solution that will magically whisk us away. from this unfolding horror, but my mind is a chaotic


    whirlwind of confusion. Zeke, his eyes glinting with madness, inches closer and closer, each upward movement sending shivers


    down my spine.


    ¡°Think, Alina, think!¡± Victor''s urgency pierces through my mental fog, but my thoughts remain muddled, trapped in thebyrinth of


    fear. Zeke¡¯sughter, a disconcerting melody, reverberates through the air, filling the forest with a sense of impending doom.


    ¡°He¡¯s climbing,¡± | mutter, my voice barely audible even to myself. It''s a statement of the obvious, a futile attempt to articte the


    sheer horror of the


    situation.


    ¡°| can see that! He¡¯s climbing alright! We can¡¯t stay here!¡± Victor''s panic rises, mirroring the surge of dread within me.


    The tree branch, once our refuge, now feels like a precarious ledge suspended between life and the malevolent force that is


    Zeke. | search desperately for an escape route, my eyes darting between the surrounding branches as if they hold the key to our


    salvation.


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    Weakness


    Victor clutches my arm, his grip a desperate plea for guidance.


    ¡°Alina, please, we can¡¯t just wait for him to reach us. What do we do?¡±


    The coldness that had momentarily retreated returns, a chilling embrace that tightens its grip with each passing moment. | rack


    my brain for a n, any t, but the panic has rendered my thoughts incoherent.


    ¡°He¡¯s almost here! Alina, do something!¡± Victor¡¯s voice cracks, his eyes. reflecting the terror that has consumed us both.


    al eee | think-¡±


    ¡°This is your fault, Alina! If you hadn¡¯t destroyed his shack, we wouldn''t be in


    this mess!¡±


    His me hangs heavy between us, a suffocating weight that makes every breath feel like an effort. Panic tightens its grip on my


    chest as | try to find a way out of this nightmare.


    ¡°Oh, Victor!¡± Zeke¡¯s voice carries an unsettling calmness, ¡°How would your prefer to meet your end? Quick and easy, or slow and


    painful?¡±


    The choice, gruesome and inevitable, dangles over us like a macabre game. | look at Victor, searching for some sign of


    resilience, a glimmer of hope that we might find a way out of this dire situation. But his eyes, filled with fear and anger, only


    reflect the stark reality of our impending doom.


    ¡°I''m giving you a choice, Victor,¡± Zeke continues, smirking like a maniac, waving his machete as he climbed the tree with ease.


    ¡°Quick and easy or slow and painful.¡±


    Victor''s gaze turns to me, his eyes aze with a fury that intensifies the chill in the air. ¡°You did this, Alina! You destroyed his


    shack, and now we''re going to pay for


    it!¡±


    My attempts to reason with him are futile as Zeke¡¯s presence grows more ominous. The forest, with its ancient trees as silent


    spectators, seems to bear witness to our descent into chaos.


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    08:35 Sat 9 Mar N


    Weakness


    now.¡±


    ¡°Victor, we need to figure this out together. ming each other won''t help us


    1.me.


    But Victor''s anger only deepens, his frustration finding an outlet in using


    Zeke¡¯s voice interrupts our fraught exchange, ¡°Tick¡ªtock, Victor. Time¡¯s running out. Choose your fate.¡±


    The pressure mounts as Victor res at me, his usation lingering in the air like an unspoken verdict.


    Victor, fueled by desperation, inches closer to the edge of the tree branch, his eyes reflecting the turmoil within. The decision to


    jump, to escape the clutches of Zeke, hangs in the air like a precarious bnce between life and a precipitous fall.


    ¡°Victor, wait! Don¡¯t!¡±


    But before Victor can leap into the abyss below, Zeke, swift as the shadows cast by the dense foliage, closes in with an uncanny


    agility. My scream pierces the stillness as Zeke¡¯s hand mps around Victor''s ankle, halting his perilous descent.


    Zeke, his features twisted by a malevolent determination, shoves Victor back. onto the branch with a force that sends tremors


    through the wood. As Victor stumbles backward, teetering on the edge of the branch, Zeke lunges forward with a ferocity that


    mirrors the primal instincts of a predator. The machete gleams in the moonlight, a cold glint that heralds the impending danger.


    My heart pounds in my chest as | witness the unfolding nightmare.


    ¡°Stay away from him!¡± | scream, my voice raw with desperation.


    Zeke, relentless in his pursuit,unches at Victor, the machete raised high


    above his head.


    Victor, scrambling to regain his footing, meets Zeke¡¯s relentless assault with a desperation born of survival.


    The machete arcs through the air, a lethal dance of metal that threatens to


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    sever the fragile thread holding us suspended between life and the abyss below.


    ¡°Victor, watch out!¡±


    In a moment of fleeting grace, Victor manages to evade Zeke¡¯s deadly strike, the machete grazing the air where he once stood.


    Victor, agile and quick, darts. around Zeke like a shadow avoiding the light. His movements are a blend of desperation and


    determination, a silent vow to defy the looming threat that Zeke


    represents.


    Zeke, towering over Victor with a menacing presence, wields a machete stained with blood, Victor, fighting with a cunning


    ferocity, employs dirty tactics to gain the upper hand. He throws dirt into Zeke¡¯s eyes, blinding him momentarily.


    Zeke, temporarily blinded, roars in frustration, swinging the machete blindly in Victor¡¯s direction. The sh of steel against air


    bes a dissonant melody within. the natural amphitheater. In a sudden twist, Zeke regains hisposure andnds a brutal


    hit with the machete on Victor''s knee.


    ¡°Fuck! That fucking hurts, man. What the fuck?!¡±


    Victor, hobbled and in pain, refuses to yield. He retaliates with a swift kick to Zeke¡¯s chin, a desperate attempt to turn the tides. It


    hits, and | gasp. Zeke, blood streaming from his split lip, staggers backward. Victor, though wounded and hobbled, fights with a


    determination that defies the limitations imposed by Zeke¡¯s brutal assault. Zeke, fueled by a primal rage, swings the machete


    with renewed ferocity. Each strike is a deration of dominance, a testament to the unyielding force that seeks to impose its will.


    Victor charges towards me. His figure, a blur against the backdrop of nature¡¯s tapestry, elicits an involuntary flinch from Zeke.


    The machete, once wielded with malicious intent, hangs at Zeke¡¯s side.


    Zeke, his menacing re never faltering, tightens his grip on the machete, ready to defend himself against the approaching


    threat. As Victor nears, Zeke¡¯s. demeanor changes. He doesn¡¯t swing the machete in a direct assault; instead, he starts throwing


    it around with a wild and erratic motion.


    The machete, a glinting menace in the dappled sunlight filtering through the


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    Weakness


    trees, weaves a dangerous path through the air. Victor, now cautious and calcting, watches the deadly dance with a gaze.


    Zeke, his eyes locked on


    War Victor, seems to want to say something. His lips part as if grappling with unspokent words.


    The t


    tension hangs thick in the air as | observe the peculiar dynamics between Victor and Zeke. The machete, once wielded with


    reckless abandon, is now handled with an unexpected degree of caution by Zeke. It¡¯s a shift that doesn¡¯t escape my notice, and |


    find myself puzzled by the sudden change in his approach.


    Victor, on the other hand, seems to revel in the strange turn of events. His chuckle, a low and mocking sound, ripples through the


    charged atmosphere. | shoot. him a questioning look, silently demanding an exnation for this unnerving. situation. His


    response is a cryptic smile that only deepens the enigma.


    ¡°What''s so funny, Victor?¡± | inquire, my voice a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.


    Victor''s chuckle evolves into a full-blownughter, and he shoots a mischievous. nce at Zeke. ¡°Seems like our friend here has


    a soft spot,¡± he teases, his words.ced with a subtle mockery that only intensifies the intrigue.


    | exchange a puzzled nce with Zeke, who remains stoic in the face of Victor''s taunts. The machete, now held with an almost


    delicate touch by Zeke. Why?


    ¡°What''s he talking about, Zeke?¡± | press, my gaze shifting between the two men. Zeke, usually a fortress of silent strength,


    appears unsettled by Victor¡¯s revtion. The machete, now a tool of both defense and vulnerability, remains poised in Zeke¡¯s


    hands.


    Zeke¡¯s response is a gruff mutter, ¡°None of your business.¡±


    Victor, seemingly relishing the difort he¡¯s sown, decides to borate. ¡°Our friend Zeke here, the mighty warrior, has a fear. A


    fear that makes him rethink his whole strategy.¡±


    | look at Zeke with renewed interest, trying to discern the truth behind Victor''s


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    Weakness


    words.


    ¡°What fear?¡± | ask, my voice edged with a mix of curiosity and caution.


    Confusion lingers in the air as | press the both of them for an exnation.


    Before Zeke can respond, Victor, always the provocateur, decides to interject.


    He moves with a sudden swiftness that catches me off guard, grabbing me and using me as a shield. Something sharp jabs


    against my neck, and a gasp escapes my lips.


    ¡°| see it now, Zeke,¡± Victor announces with a calcted emphasis, his eyes. locking onto mine. The sinister edge in his voice


    sends shivers down my spine, as if he relishes the revtion he¡¯s about to unveil. ¡°I thought it was just my eyes deceiving me


    but no.¡±


    | tried to pry myself away from Victor but he held me firmly.


    ¡°What are you doing?!¡±


    The machete glistens ominously, mirroring the calcting glint in Victor¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°This tough guy¡¯s got a weakness, Alina. It¡¯s you.¡±


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 Chapter 43

    Chapter 43


    Bond


    | never thought it woulde to this, you know?


    Zeke and me, sharing this strange bond that¡¯s closer than anything I¡¯ve ever known. It¡¯s like trying to understand thenguage of


    the stars, the way they twinkle in the vast night sky. Sometimes | wonder if the stars know why they shine together, or if it¡¯s just


    some cosmic ident.


    That¡¯s how | feel about Zeke and me, like some ident that even the universe can¡¯t exin.


    1.me.


    Back in the beginning, during those raw days of the Mating Run, he tried to kill


    I can still feel the fear wing at my throat, the desperation to survive. It was like a dance of death, with each step bringing us


    closer to the edge. Zeke and I, circling each other in a deadly tango.


    | stabbed him, and he stabbed me, and in the midst of that chaos, | saw something in his eyes. It wasn¡¯t just the hunger for


    survival; there was something deeper, a flicker of vulnerability that mirrored my own.


    It''s crazy, isn¡¯t it?


    How life weaves these intricate threads that connect us in ways we can¡¯t fathom.


    After the blood and the chaos, when the Mating Run had taken its toll on us, Zeke got sick. Sick to the point where his strength


    faltered, and he stumbled, hitting his head on a jagged rock. | remember the moment vividly, the dull thud of his skull against the


    unforgiving stone. It was like the world paused for a breath, and in that breath, everything changed.


    | could have left him there, bleeding and broken, but I didn¡¯t.


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    Bond


    Instead, | found myself nursing him back to health. It was surreal, like tending to a wounded enemy, yet something deeper than


    instinct propelled me forward. | watched over him as he slept, his breaths shallow and fragile. It was in those quiet moments that


    | began to see Zeke not just as a threat, but as a person with vulnerabilities, with scars that ran deeper than the physical ones.


    Why did | do it? Why did | be his caretaker when every fiber of my being screamed to run, to leave him behind? Maybe it


    was the realization that in this harsh world, we are bound by something more profound than the scars on our bodies.


    Maybe, deep down, | saw a reflection of my own fragility in him. We were two messed up souls trying to survive, and somehow,


    we foundfort in each other''s


    presence.


    | remember the first time | looked at him with something akin to understanding in my eyes, a silent acknowledgment of the debt


    he could never repay me. It was in that moment that | realized he had be something more to me than just a


    Hunter.


    | became the unexpected lifeline in his chaotic existence, and he became mine.


    It''s strange, how the person you least expect bes your anchor in a storm.


    Pain sears through my neck as Victor''s sharp ws press closer, a cold reminder of his merciless grip. | whimper involuntarily,


    my hands instinctively reaching up to try and loosen his hold. The air feels dense, suffocating, and I¡¯m acutely aware of Zeke¡¯s


    re, a fierce snarl building in his throat.


    Zeke, usually a force to be reckoned with, looks on with a mixture of anger and concern. His powerful frame tenses, muscles


    coiling beneath his skin as he assesses the situation.


    Victor finds amusement in the dire straits I¡¯m caught in.


    ¡°Well, well, Alina. Looks like your mighty protector isn¡¯t as invincible as you


    thought.¡±


    Victor taunts, the malice in his voice cutting through the silence of the


    Il


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    Hond


    confrontation.


    | shoot a desperate look at Zeke, my silent plea urging him to intervene. His eyes, usually filled with steely resolve, betray a


    flicker of worry. The snarl, a potent disy of his frustration, ripples through the air, but Victor remains unfazed.


    ¡°A! Does this mean that this brute would keep you safe, Alina? How


    1 amusing.¡±


    Victor continues, his ws digging into my skin just enough to elicit another whimper. The pain is a constant reminder that I¡¯m at


    his mercy.


    Zeke¡¯s jaw clenches, the tension radiating from him as he struggles with the urge to attack.


    Victor revels in the power dynamic shifting, relishing the unexpected vulnerability he¡¯s uncovered. ¡°Zeke, my formidable rival,


    brought to his knees by a mere girl.¡±


    Zeke¡¯s gaze narrows, a storm brewing in the depths of his eyes. He¡¯s a


    formidable figure, used to instilling fear, but Victor¡¯s twisted amusement seems to chip away at his stoic facade.


    He growls, low and threatening.


    ¡°Let her go.¡±


    Victor, however, is fueled by the chaos he¡¯s sown. He tightens his grip on my neck, a cruel smile ying on his lips.


    ¡°No, | don¡¯t think | will.¡±


    I gasp, theck of air bing a painful reality. Zeke¡¯s eyes ze with a fiery determination, torn between the primal instinct to


    protect and the awareness that any hasty move could worsen the situation.


    | just figured out that Victor is really enjoying how vulnerable | am and Zeke¡¯s crack in his tough exterior.


    27


    Bond


    -J


    Zeke, his patience wearing thin, takes a step forward.


    ¡°Let her go, Victor. This won''t end well for you.¡±


    ¡°Or what, Bastard? You''ll unleash your fury on me? It seems you''re already losing control.¡±


    I catch a glimpse of Zeke¡¯s internal struggle. The conflict within him is palpable, torn between the loyalty that binds him to me and


    the rage that Victor¡¯s taunts ignite. | want to scream at him, to beg him not to give in to Victor¡¯s provocations.


    ¡°You''re weak, Zeke. Weak and stupid. All this might, and yet you can¡¯t protect what matters to you.¡±


    Zeke¡¯s nostrils re, a silent battle raging within him. His gaze meets mine, silent promise that he won''t let Victor¡¯s mockery go


    unanswered. But the situation remains on the edge, a vtile equilibrium that threatens to tip into chaos.


    Victor, sensing the unrest, decides to push the boundaries further. ¡°Come on, Zeke. Show us all how powerful you are. Or are


    you afraid your little weakness will cost you everything?¡±


    Pain erupts through my neck as Victor¡¯s sharp ws puncture my skin. A gasp escapes my lips, but I¡¯m paralyzed, unable to


    move away from the agony. Blood drips down my skin, staining it.


    Zeke, a snarl ripping from his throat, res at Victor. The air thickens with tension as the two titans face off. Zeke, usually a force


    of strength, looks helpless against Victor¡¯s sadistic game.


    Victorughs, the sound echoing through the charged atmosphere. ¡°Why did you even try to be the pack¡¯s Alpha, Zeke?¡± he


    taunts, the malice in his voice cutting through the air. Zeke¡¯s eyes ze with a mixture of rage and frustration.


    ¡°No matter how hard you try, my father won¡¯t give you the position meant for me. An Alpha shouldn''t be so weak!¡± Victor jeers,


    hisughter intensifying. Zeke¡¯s fists clench, but Victor¡¯s words linger like a poisonous sting.


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    My vision blurs as | struggle to stay conscious. Victor, reveling in the chaos he¡¯s sown, grips my neck again. The world starts to


    spin, and darkness edges into my consciousness.


    ¡°Why fight, Zeke? You were never meant to lead. Your weakness is evident, just like hers,¡± Victor sneers, his grip on my neck


    tightening. The pain is unbearable, and | feel my strength waning.


    Zeke¡¯s snarl grows more ferocious, a primal deration of defiance. ¡°Let her go, Victor. This is between you and me,¡± he


    growls, the tension in the air thickening.


    Victor, however, remains unyielding. ¡°You think challenging me will change anything? My father chose me, Zeke. He always will.


    ept your ce,¡± he taunts, the cruelty in his words cutting through Zeke¡¯s resolve.


    ¡°Weakness should never lead. An Alpha should be ruthless, unyielding!¡±


    Victor deres, his fingers digging into my neck.


    I''m on the verge of losing consciousness, the pain and darkness enveloping me.


    Victor''sughter, a haunting melody, fills the air. ¡°You can¡¯t protect her, Zeke. Your futile attempts only make you weaker in my


    father¡¯s eyes!¡± he goads, relishing in the power he holds over both of us.


    Zeke¡¯s frustration turns into a desperate roar, ast attempt to break free from


    Victor''s taunts.


    ¡°Enough, Victor! This ends now!¡±


    Zeke¡¯s snarl reverberates through the charged air as he readies himself to lunge at Victor. The tension is palpable, a collision of


    primal forces on the brink of chaos. But just as Zeke¡¯s muscles coil for the attack, Victor opens his mouth, baring his canines


    menacingly at my neck.


    Time freezes.


    Acollective understanding passes between Zeke and me. We know what it


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    Band


    means. Victor, with this disy, is iming me as his own. The threat hangs in the air, a sinister promation of dominance that


    leaves us both at a loss.


    Victor''s smile, a twisted expression of triumph, stretches across his face. He revels in our helplessness, savoring the taste of


    control he¡¯s wrested from us. | feel a chill run down my spine, the weight of what¡¯s unfolding settling in my chest.


    ¡°Stop, Zeke,¡± | whisper, my voice barely audible. The reality of the situation. sinks in, and a sense of resignation washes over


    me. Zeke hesitates, the conflict in his eyes mirroring the turmoil within me.


    Victor, still baring his canines, takes a step closer. His eyes gleam with at malicious glint.


    Zeke¡¯s jaw clenches, torn between the instinct to protect and the understanding that challenging Victor now might lead to dire


    consequences. | feel his restraint, a potent force in the charged atmosphere.


    ¡°Zeke, don''t.¡± | plead, my voice trembling with a mix of fear and resignation.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Victor chuckles, the sound a mockery of our predicament. ¡°You see, Alina, ant Alpha should know when to yield. Your protector is


    learning a valuable lesson.¡±


    ¡°You thought you could challenge me, Zeke?¡± Victor deres, the weight of his words pressing on us like a suffocating force.


    ¡°But an Alpha who can¡¯t protect what''s his is no Alpha at all.¡±


    Victor, with a final triumphant smile, closes the distance between us. His canines hover dangerously close to my neck, a chilling


    reminder of the power hel holds.


    ¡°Stay away from her,¡± Zeke growls, a low rumble that resonates through the charged silence. But his warning seems feeble in the


    face of Victor¡¯s calcted disy of dominance.


    Victor''sughter, a haunting melody, reverberates through the tense air.


    ¡°You know, Alina, your mighty protector here has always been on my ass!¡±


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    Bond


    Victor sneers, his eyes glinting with malicious delight. | nce at Zeke, not at all puzzled by the usation. In all the time I¡¯ve


    known Victor, I¡¯ve never heard Zeke utter a single word to him.


    ¡°Why so quiet, Zeke? Cat got your tongue?¡± Victor goads, reveling in the opportunity to taunt him.


    I''m left standing in the middle of their power y, a pawn caught in a game whose rules | don¡¯t fully understand.


    ¡°You see, Alina, Zeke here has always resented my presence. As if I''ve done something to him,¡± Victor continues, his words


    dripping with a calcted malice. ¡°It¡¯s not my fault my father¡¯s making him a ceholder for when | get the Alpha title! Bastard, |


    never even wanted it in the first ce! But since you want it so bad, then damn, it makes me want it too.¡±


    Victor''s twisted smile sends a shiver down my spine as he grabs my chin, his touch possessive and unsettling. Zeke¡¯s gaze, a


    storm of hatred, remains locked on Victor, the tension between them thickening the air.


    | grit my teeth, determined not to let Victor¡¯s taunts get under my skin. ¡°Look. | didn¡¯t sign up for any of this shit. If you guys want


    to fight, leave me out of it! | just want to survive the Mating Run and go back home!¡±


    ¡°You''re more involved than you think, Alina. Whether you like it or not, you¡¯re a part of our little drama,¡± Victor smirks, his eyes


    gleaming with a predatory glint. | exchange a nce with Zeke, a questionable nce in his direction. ¡°Really. Zeke, with a


    crush? A big guy like him? | never thought I''d see the day!¡±


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 Chapter 44

    Chapter 44


    im


    Confessions, you know, I¡¯ve had my fair share of them.


    Whispered words, stolen nces, promises lingering in the air like fragile threads waiting to snap. I¡¯ve danced in the realm of


    crushes, dipped my toes in the waters of fleeting affections, but none of it ever felt right. It¡¯s like trying to fit pieces of a puzzle


    together, forcing them to connect when they just don¡¯t click.


    I''ve dated a few guys, sharedughter and secrets, held hands in the moonlight.


    Yet, it always felt like | was watching someone else¡¯s story unfold, like | was an outsider peering into a world that didn¡¯t quite


    belong to me. The words of affection sounded hollow, the gestures devoid of the depth | craved. It was all surface¡ªlevel, like


    scratching the surface of a vast ocean without ever diving into its depths.


    There were confessions, genuine ones, | suppose. Sweet words whispered under the stars, promises of forever that evaporated


    like morning dew. | tried to reciprocate, to feel the warmth of those confessions seeping into my soul, but it was like trying to


    grasp smoke with bare hands-elusive and intangible.


    Crushes came and went, like passing clouds casting fleeting shadows. I¡¯d catch. myself daydreaming, imagining a connection


    that went beyond the superficial exchanges. Yet, when reality struck, those crushes proved to be mere illusions, dissipating like


    mist in the morning sun. | felt like an echo in an empty room, my confessions bouncing off the walls, unheard and unanswered.


    It''s not that | didn¡¯t want love.


    | yearned for it, ached for a connection that went beyond the surface, a bond that echoed in the chambers of my heart.


    But with each failed attempt, each rtionship that crumbled like a fragile. sandcastle, | became more convinced that love, true


    love, was an elusive creature, always just out of reach.


    1/6


    <


    im


    87


    That¡¯s why | joined the Mating Run.


    It wasn¡¯t some desperate attempt to escape loneliness or an Impulsive decision made in the heat of the moment. It was a


    conscious choice, a deliberate step into the unknown. The Mating Run held the promise of something raw, something real.


    No more whispered confessions that melted like sugar in the rain.


    No more half-hearted connections that left me yearning for more.


    | didn¡¯t want the High Council Elders to hand me a partner like a gift-wrapped package, someone whose heart didn¡¯t beat in sync


    with mine. | craved a connection that was forged in the crucible of survival, where every shared breath and every stolen nce


    held the weight of significance.


    It was my way of saying, ¡°I won''t settle for something that doesn¡¯t set my soul on fire.¡±


    | wanted to find something worth meaning, something that would shatter the monotony of half-hearted connections. | didn¡¯t want


    another rtionship that felt like a ceholder, a convenient arrangement to stave off loneliness. | wanted to find someone who


    understood thenguage of scars, someone who had tasted the bitterness of defeat and the sweetness of victory. The Mating


    Run was a canvas painted with the brushstrokes of survival, and | was ready to embrace the chaos, ready to find a connection


    that transcended the superficial.


    Laughter bubbles nervously in my throat as Victor''s taunts hang in the air.


    | expect Zeke to refute his statement, to deny any romantic feelings and put ant end to this twisted game. But Zeke remains


    silent, his gaze fixed on Victor with


    an intensity that sends a rush through me, a peculiar mix of confusion and something else | can¡¯t quite grasp.


    Victor, reveling in the difort he¡¯s caused,ughs and grabs my chin again.


    His touch is possessive, and a shiver runs down my spine. He tilts my head to the side, exposing my neck, and a sense of


    vulnerability washes over me. The Mating Run has already thrust me into a nightmare, and now I¡¯m entangled in a web


    1/6


    im


    of personal conflicts that seem to escte with every passing moment.


    His canines graze my skin, and | tense, uncertain of his intentions. The sensation is unsettling, and | can¡¯t help but feel a surge


    of fear. Zeke, however, growls at Victor, a low and menacing sound that cuts through the charged atmosphere.


    Victor, undeterred by Zeke¡¯s warning, licks my neck in a slow, deliberate motion.


    The gesture is possessive, a im that leaves me feeling exposed and vulnerable. | nce at Zeke, searching for some sign of


    reassurance or protection,


    but he remains locked in a silent confrontation with Victor.


    ¡°What''s the matter, Zeke? Can''t stand the thought of me having a little taste?¡± Victor taunts, his words dripping with disdain.


    Zeke¡¯s growl deepens, a warning that goes unheeded. His gaze never wavers from Victor, a silent challenge that seems to


    intensify the simmering tension. | catch a glimpse of something in Zeke¡¯s eyes, an emotion | can¡¯t quite decipher.


    Is it anger? Jealousy? Or something else entirely?


    Victor licks my neck again, his eyes locked onto Zeke.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°You know, Alina, this game just got a whole lot more interesting.¡±


    ¡°V-Victor¡ªStop-!¡±


    ¡°Your little crush is showing, Zeke. Better be careful; someone might just snatch her away.


    Zeke¡¯s jaw tightens, his fists clenched at his sides. The tension between them esctes, a vtile energy that threatens to erupt


    at any moment. | find myself torn between the conflicting forces, unsure of where | stand in this intricate dance.


    Victor, emboldened by the rising tension, leans in again, his lips brushing against my ear. ¡°Enjoy the show, Alina. It¡¯s only just


    begun.¡± he whispers, his voice sending a chill down my spine.


    Ill


    2/6


    08:36 Sat, 9 Mar


    im


    | expected Zeke to deny any romantic feelings, to put an end to this twisted game, but his silence speaks louder than words. A


    peculiar rush courses through me, a strange mix of confusion and something else that | can¡¯t quite grasp.


    Victor grabs my chin again. His touch is possessive, unsettling, and | find myself teetering on the edge of fear and a strange,


    unnameable thrill. He tilts my head to the side, exposing my neck, and the vulnerability of the position sends a shiver down my


    spine.


    | can¡¯t quite put my finger on it. Zeke and |, we''re like fire and ice, two forces that shouldn¡¯t mix. Yet, here we are, navigating the


    unpredictable currents of whatever this is. It''s confusing, you know? | look at him, and there¡¯s this unspoken understanding, a


    connection that defies logic. And that scares me.


    | never expected Zeke to deny the affection, to brush it off like it was nothing. It¡¯s not like | expected a grand deration of love


    or anything, but a simple ¡°No¡± would have sufficed. Instead, he met my gaze with a silence that spoke volumes. And in that


    silence, my heart d¨¦cided to take a detour, racing like it had somewhere urgent to be.


    Why is that? Why did hisck of denial make my heart beat faster? It doesn¡¯t make sense. Zeke and I, we¡¯re not supposed to be


    here, looking at each other like there¡¯s some invisible thread tying us together. We tried to kill each other, for crying. out loud. It¡¯s


    not the stuff fairy tales are made of; it¡¯s more like a twisted plot ina


    dark novel.


    I''ve been trying to make sense of it all, to unravel the threads that connect us in ways | can¡¯tprehend. Zeke and I, we''re


    contradictions walking on two legs. Every reason we shouldn''t be together makes more sense than any reason we should. It¡¯s


    like staring at a puzzle with missing pieces, trying to fit them together when they just don¡¯t click.


    We shed des in the early days of the Mating Run, a deadly dance of survival that should have ended in bloodshed. |


    stabbed him, and he stabbed me, yet here we are, sharing nces that linger a moment too long. It¡¯s like the universe has a sick


    sense of humor, pairing two adversaries in a dance neither of us


    expected.


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    im


    He tried to kill me, and | tried to kill him. It¡¯s a simple fact, a reality we can¡¯t escape. The Mating Run was a brutal stage, and we


    were yers in a deadly game. Yet, in the midst of the chaos, something shifted. | can¡¯t exin it. It¡¯s like trying to describe a


    color to someone who''s never seen it.


    Zeke got sick, weaker than | had ever seen him. It was a vulnerability | hadn¡¯t anticipated, a crack in the facade of strength. |


    could have left him there, bleeding and broken, but | didn¡¯t. Instead, | found myself nursing him back to health. It wasn¡¯t a


    conscious decision; it just happened. And in those moments, as | watched over him, a strange connection formed.


    The logical part of my brain screams at me. It tells me that this makes no sense, that | should be wary of the man who once


    aimed to end my existence. But the heart, the stubborn heart, doesn¡¯t care about logic. It beats faster when our eyes meet, as if


    it knows something | don''t.


    And that terrifies me.


    The air hangs heavy with tension as Zeke and | lock eyes, caught in the web of Victor''s twisted game. Victor, the tormentor,


    revels in the difort he¡¯s sown, his maliciousughter echoing through the charged atmosphere.


    ¡°Look at these two lovebirds,¡± Victor sneers, his eyes flickering between Zeke and me. | feel a surge of frustration, but Zeke¡¯s


    stoic expression remains unchanged. The unspoken tension between us adds to the palpable energy, leaving me on edge.


    Ashiver courses down my spine as Victor¡¯s cruel grip tightens on my arm, pulling me forcibly towards the nearest camera. The


    forest''s oppressive atmosphere amplifies the weight of the impending ordeal, and | can feel Zeke¡¯s silent frustration beside me.


    Victor''s sadistic grin widens, transforming his face into a grotesque mask of malevolence.


    The camera looms before us, an unblinking eye capturing our every move, broadcasting our vulnerability to an unseen audience.


    Victor''s voice, dripping with macabre enthusiasm, pierces through the tensionden air.


    ¡°Watch real close, folks, because I¡¯m about to hit two birds with one


    stone.¡±


    4/6


    His words hang in the air, ominous and foreboding. The unseen audience, voyeurs to our suffering, awaits the spectacle Victor is


    about to unfold. | nce at Zeke, his jaw clenched in restrained fury, and | can sense the collective frustration radiating from him.


    We''re prisoners in Victor¡¯s twisted game, and escape seems more elusive with each passing moment.


    Positioned before the scrutinizing lens, | feel exposed, stripped of any semnce of privacy. Victor revels in the attention,


    relishing the power he holds. over us and the faceless viewers on the other side of the screen. The cruel reality of the Mating


    Run rears its ugly head, and | brace myself for whatever sadistic act Victor has nned,


    The camera¡¯s unblinking gaze magnifies the difort, intensifying the unease that courses through me. | catch a glimpse of


    my reflection on the lens, the fear in my eyes mirroring the tumultuous emotions within. Zeke, standing beside me, emanates a


    quiet strength despite the frustration that simmers beneath the


    surface.


    Victor positions me with a calcted cruelty, ensuring the camera captures. every detail of the impending spectacle. His voice


    takes on a theatrical quality, his toneced with anticipation and a perverse sense of enjoyment. Zeke¡¯s eyes lock onto mine, a


    silentmunication passing between us. His frustration mirrors my own, and | can see the determination to protect etched in


    the lines of his face.


    | feel the warm brush of Victor¡¯s breath against my exposed neck, a stark contrast to the searing dread that courses through me.


    Amoment frozen in time, Victor¡¯s malevolent intentions materialize with grotesque precision. His sadistic grin widens as he tilts


    his head, revealing a set of sharp canines.


    ¡°Now, let''s give the viewers a show they won''t forget.¡±


    He opens his mouth, baring his canines, and in an instant, sinks them into the sensitive skin of my neck.


    I scream.

 Chapter 45

    Chapter 45


    Pain


    Pain. It¡¯s not a stranger to me.


    I''ve danced with it, embraced it like an old friend. You see, I¡¯ve never been one to tiptoe through life. As a kid, | was like a force of


    nature, a hurricane in sneakers, always running, always pushing the boundaries that my parents set. ¡°No, Alina, don¡¯t run!¡± they


    would say, but | ran anyway. | couldn¡¯t be bothered by the cautious whispers of adulthood.


    | was a boisterous kid, full of life and energy. Myughter echoed like a melody, a symphony of joy that filled the air. | ran


    because the world seemed too vast to walk through, and every step was a promise of adventure. | climbed trees, scraped my


    knees, and collected bruises like they were badges of honor. The pain was apanion, a reminder that | was alive, that | could


    feel.


    My parents worried, of course. They saw me as this bundle of energy, a whirlwind of chaos that could collide with the sharp


    edges of reality at any moment. But | was invincible or so | thought. The world was my yground, and | was determined to


    explore every nook and cranny, consequences be damned.


    | have scars on my knees and arms to prove it. Each scar tells a story, a tale of childhood recklessness and the resilience of


    youth. | can trace the lines with my fingertips, feel the uneven texture beneath my skin. They are like chapters in a book, a visual


    narrative of a time when pain was a constantpanion, and | wore it proudly.


    The thing about pain is that it¡¯s versatile. Ites in different shapes and sizes, sometimes a fleeting sting, other times a


    persistent ache. As a kid, pain was a rite of passage, a confirmation that | was pushing against the boundaries of what was


    deemed safe.


    | remember the first time | fell off my bike. It was a rusty old thing, with peeling paint and wobbly wheels. | insisted on riding it


    despite my parents¡¯ reservations. ¡°You''ll hurt yourself,¡± they warned. But | was fearless, or at least, | pretended to be. The wind in


    my hair, the rush of speed beneath my wheels-it was intoxicating.


    1/6


    Pain


    Until it wasn¡¯t.


    [hit a pothole, and the world flipped upside down. The pain was immediate, a sharp jolt that reverberated through my body. |y


    there, dazed and bruised, my once invincible spirit humbled by the asphalt beneath me. But even as tears welled up in my eyes,


    there was a strange exhration, a realization that pain was just a temporary visitor.


    My parents rushed to my side, their worried faces a blur. ¡°I told you to be careful,¡± my mom scolded, but her stern words couldn''t


    mask the concern in her eyes. | grinned through the tears, feeling the warmth of their embrace. Pain, you see, was anguage


    we all spoke, amon ground that connected us in the shared experience of being human.


    As the years rolled by, | grew out of my boisterous phase. The scars on my knees faded, the bruises became distant memories. |


    traded my running shoes for a more measured stride, navigating the world with a newfound awareness of its sharp edges.


    Adulthood brought its own set of challenges, and | learned that pain wasn¡¯t always physical.


    Heartbreaks, disappointments, the sting of failure-these were the new facets of pain that | discovered. They didn¡¯t leave visible


    marks, but their impact was just as profound. The invincible girl who onceughed in the face of scraped knees now faced the


    complexities of a world that couldn¡¯t be outrun.


    Yet, in the midst of these grown-up pains, | found myself looking back at the reckless girl | used to be. The kid who thought she


    could conquer the world with scraped knees and a defiant grin.


    | wondered if she had known whaty ahead, would she have run any slower?


    Would she have chosen a more cautious path?


    Pain. | thought | knew pain, understood its various shades and nuances. Scraped knees, bruised elbows, the sting of a broken


    heart-I¡¯ve danced with these forms of pain before. They were familiarpanions, teachers in the school of life.


    But what happened with Victor, that was a different kind of pain.


    1/6


    08:36 Sat, 9 Mar N


    Until it wasn¡¯t.


    [hit a pothole, and the world flipped upside down. The pain was immediate, a sharp jolt that reverberated through my body. |y


    there, dazed and bruised, my once invincible spirit humbled by the asphalt beneath me. But even as tears welled up in my eyes,


    there was a strange exhration, a realization that pain was just a temporary visitor.


    My parents rushed to my side, their worried faces a blur. ¡°I told you to be careful,¡± my mom scolded, but her stern words couldn''t


    mask the concern in her eyes. | grinned through the tears, feeling the warmth of their embrace. Pain, you see, was anguage


    we all spoke, amon ground that connected us in the shared experience of being human.


    As the years rolled by, | grew out of my boisterous phase. The scars on my knees faded, the bruises became distant memories. |


    traded my running shoes for a more measured stride, navigating the world with a newfound awareness of its sharp edges.


    Adulthood brought its own set of challenges, and | learned that pain wasn¡¯t always physical.


    Heartbreaks, disappointments, the sting of failure-these were the new facets of pain that | discovered. They didn¡¯t leave visible


    marks, but their impact was just as profound. The invincible girl who onceughed in the face of scraped knees now. faced the


    complexities of a world that couldn¡¯t be outrun.


    Yet, in the midst of these grown-up pains, | found myself looking back at the reckless girl | used to be. The kid who thought she


    could conquer the world with scraped knees and a defiant grin.


    | wondered if she had known whaty ahead, would she have run any slower?


    Would she have chosen a more cautious path?


    Pain. | thought | knew pain, understood its various shades and nuances. Scraped knees, bruised elbows, the sting of a broken


    heart-I¡¯ve danced with these forms of pain before. They were familiarpanions, teachers in the school of life.


    But what happened with Victor, that was a different kind of pain.


    2/6


    08:36 Sat, 9 Mar


    Pain


    A pain that tore through my defenses, leaving me breathless and shattered.


    ¡°No... no! What did you do?!¡±


    | never asked for this. | never asked to be imed, to


    be marked as if | were some territory to be conquered. Victor, with his primal instincts and possessive desires, didn¡¯t bother with


    consent. He sank his teeth into the vulnerable skin of my neck, iming me in a way that made my soul recoil. It wasn¡¯t a dance;


    it was an


    assault, a vition that left me reeling.


    ¡°Shit!¡±


    ¡°Just shut up and take it.¡±


    The pain was immediate, a searing agony that engulfed my senses. It was so intense that it made me tear up, my vision blurred


    by the darkness creeping at the edges. If it weren¡¯t for Victor holding me up, | would have crumbled to the ground, at fragile


    vessel shattered by an act of possession | never consented to.


    It''s a different kind of pain when ites from someone you trusted, someone you let into the intimate spaces of your life. Victor


    wasn¡¯t a stranger; he was a familiar face, a presence that had be woven into the fabric of my existence. And yet, in that


    moment, he became a source of anguish, a perpetrator of a pain


    that felt like a betrayal.


    The physical pain was apanied by an emotional one, a sense of vition. that ran deep. | never wanted this, never asked


    for his im on me. But there | was, bearing the physical and emotional weight of an act that left me feeling stripped of agency,


    robbed of the choice to say no.


    As | felt his teeth sink into my neck, a gasp escaped my lips, and | tried to push him away. But Victor''s grip was like a vise,


    unyielding and possessive. | felt his hot breath on my skin, heard the low growl that reverberated through the air. In that moment,


    | wasn¡¯t Alina anymore; | was an object, a possession to be marked and imed.


    The pain intensified, radiating from the point where his teeth dug into my flesh. It was a sharp, stabbing sensation, as if he was


    carving his ownership into the very


    L


    2/6


    core of my being. | could taste the metallic tang of blood, feel the warmth trickling down my neck. It was a vition of the highest


    order, an act that left me feeling exposed and vulnerable.


    | tried to summon the strength to resist, to fight back against the invasion of my personal space. But the pain was overwhelming,


    a tidal wave that threatened to drown me. | closed my eyes, not wanting to see the triumphant glint in Victor¡¯s eyes as he imed


    his prize. | was helpless, a puppet in the hands of a puppeteer who reveled in his control.


    The tears came unbidden, silent witnesses to the pain that tore through me. | never thought | would cry in the face of pain. | was


    the girl who ran with scraped knees,ughed in the face of adversity. But this was different. This was a vition that went beyond


    the physical realm, a breach of trust that left me feeling exposed and fragile.


    ¡°Fuck!¡±


    Victor finally released his grip, and | staggered backward, clutching my throbbing neck. The tears blurred my vision, and | felt the


    weight of the darkness lifting. If it weren¡¯t for the anger simmering within me, | would have crumpled to the ground, a mere shell


    of the girl who thought she knew pain.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°No, no, no, no,¡±


    | wanted to scream, tosh out at Victor for what he had done. But the words. caught in my throat, suffocated by the weight of


    the vition | had just experienced. | never wanted this, never wanted to be marked like some possession. And the fact that it


    came from someone | had let into my life, someone | considered a confidant, made it hurt all the more.


    The pain lingered, a persistent ache that pulsed with each beat of my heart. It wasn¡¯t just the physical wounds; it was the


    emotional scars that cut deeper. | felt dirty, tainted by an act that | never consented to. The darkness threatened to engulf me,


    and | fought against it, determined not to let Victor¡¯s actions define me.


    | stumbled away from him, trying to put distance between us. The air felt heavy with the weight of what had just transpired. |


    could taste the bitterness of betrayal,


    3/6


    08:36 Sat, 9 Mar


    Pam


    a bitter pill that | struggled to swallow. Victor looked at me with a mixture of satisfaction and possessiveness, as if he had just


    aplished something monumental.


    But it was funny... | thought there would be a bond.


    Aconnection that transcended words and actions. When Victor imed me, bit into my neck as if marking his territory, | expected


    more than just pain. | thought. there would be this link, this inexplicable understanding of each other¡¯s emotions. But there was


    none of that. Only searing pain, a rawness that lingered long after the physical wounds began to heal.


    It''s funny, in a twisted way.


    |


    The stories, the myths, they all talked about this mystical bond that forms when someone ims you. | imagined it would be like


    feeling Victor¡¯s emotions, a strange intertwining of our souls. But reality had a different script. Instead of a bond, there was pain¡ª


    a kind of pain that cut through the and left me wondering if | had been naive to expect anything else.


    illusions


    As Victor bit into my neck, iming me with a possessiveness that sent shivers. down my spine, | waited for that connection, that


    inexplicable link that would make us understand each other in ways words never could.


    But it never came.


    Victor, too, looked perplexed. | could see it in his eyes, a mixture of confusion and frustration. It was as if he expected something


    more from the iming bite, something beyond the physical act of possession. But there was nothing. Just a girl, wounded and


    reeling from an act that left her questioning everything she thought


    she knew.


    ¡°Alina! NO!¡±


    And then there was Zeke. He grabbed me, his hand pressing against the wound on my neck, a look of worry etched across his


    face. It was a stark contrast to Victor¡¯s possessiveness. Zeke¡¯s touch was gentle, concerned, as if he could somehow ease the


    pain that radiated from the mark on my neck.


    ml


    4/6


    08:36 Sat, Mar N


    Pain


    | felt a strange mix of emotions in that moment-confusion, pain, and a flicker of something else. Zeke¡¯s concern felt genuine, a


    stark contrast to the possessive act that had just transpired.


    ¡°Are you okay? What hurts? Tell me. Tell me what | can do to help,¡±


    As Zeke¡¯s hand pressed against my neck, | couldn¡¯t help butpare his touch to Victor''s iming bite. One was a gesture of


    concern, an attempt to heal and soothe. The other was an act of possession, a marking that left me feeling exposed and


    vited. It made me question the nature of bonds and connections, the expectations we carry, and the reality that unfolds.


    | looked at Victor, his confusion mirroring my own. He imed me, marked met as if | belonged to him, and yet, there was no


    bond, no shared understanding. It left. me feeling adrift, like a boat without apass, navigating the turbulent waters of


    reality that refused to conform to my expectation


    And in that moment, augh bubbles up from within me. Augh that¡¯s equal parts incredulity and resignation. | can¡¯t help it; the


    absurdity of the situation is too much. Theugh surprises me, and | feel it echo in the heavy silence that hangs in the air. It¡¯s not


    a joyousugh, not the kind that bursts forth in moments of happiness. No, it¡¯s augh born out of irony, a bitter acknowledgment


    of the unpredictability of life.


    And then, as if theughter wasn¡¯t enough, | do something equally unexpected. | flip Victor off.


    GI6

 Chapter 46

    Chapter 46


    Safe


    So, here | am, watching Victor scratch his head in confusion, wondering out loud why his iming bite didn¡¯t work.


    ¡°Something''s not right.¡±


    And honestly, | can¡¯t help butugh. It¡¯s like watching a magician who messed up a trick, and now everyone is left wondering


    what went wrong. But in this case, the trick was supposed to be some mystical bond, and all | got was a painful reminder of my


    naivety.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    He mutters something about it not working as expected, and Zeke, always the voice of reason, asks if Victor even bothered to


    read the pamphlet. | can¡¯t contain myughter at this point. The pamphlet, the one that probably no one reads until things go


    south.


    ssic.


    But then Zeke drops a bombshell. The trackers inside us aren¡¯t just trackers- they''re pheromone inducers. And apparently, every


    single thing in the field was a pheromone inducer. | try to wrap my head around it.


    | can¡¯t decide whether to be relieved that there¡¯s no mystical bond or irritated that Victor literally took a bite out of me. It¡¯s absurd,


    and | find myselfughing again. Maybe it¡¯s the sheer ridiculousness of the situation or the fact that life has a way of turning


    expectations into a chaotic mess.


    Victor looks like he¡¯s about to say something, but Zeke beats him to it.


    ¡°You''re a f**king idiot, that¡¯s what you are.¡±


    Zeke deres, and for a moment, | appreciate the simplicity of his words.


    No sugarcoating, just a straightforward assessment of the situation.


    Safe


    | look at Zeke, and we share a moment of understanding. The absurdity of it all hangs in the air like a punchline to an inside joke.


    Victor finally speaks, his voice a mixture of frustration and confusion.


    ¡°But the iming bite is supposed to create a bond!¡±


    He protests, as if the universe owes him an exnation. | roll my eyes. The universe doesn¡¯t owe anyone anything, especially


    not an exnation for failed magical bonds.


    Zeke shakes his head, a bemused smile on his face.


    ¡°Did you even read the pamphlet?¡±


    He asks, his tone a mix of exasperation and amusement. It¡¯s a rhetorical question at this point. Who reads the pamphlet until


    everything falls apart?


    Zeke exins the intricacies of Hunters and Hiders, and how Victor¡¯s im was nothing more than a physical act with no


    mystical repercussions. | feel a strange mix of relief and irritation.


    Victor looks at me, his expression a mix of confusion and frustration.


    ¡°But | bit her!¡± he protests again, as if the act of biting should have automatically triggered a cosmic connection. | can¡¯t help but


    shake my head. The simplicity of his logic is almost endearing, in aically clueless way. ¡°This isn¡¯t fair!¡±


    Zeke doesn¡¯t hold back. ¡°You bit a huge chunk of her flesh, Victor. That''s all you did. Congrattions, you yed yourself.¡±


    | burst intoughter. It¡¯s aughter thates from the depths of my being, a release of pent-up tension and absurdity. Victor¡¯s


    face contorts with a mix of embarrassment and anger. It¡¯s a priceless reaction, and | revel in the absurdity of the situation.


    | wipe away tears ofughter, realizing that in this moment, I¡¯ve found a strange


    kind of liberation. Liberated from the expectations of cosmic bonds and magical connections. Liberated from the weight of


    Victor''s failed attempt at iming. It¡¯s like a weight lifted off my shoulders, reced by the lightness ofughter.


    Still bleeding. The pain throbs in my neck, and | feel a bit woozy. Zeke tears a piece of his hoodie, and without a word, he covers


    my wound.


    ¡°Keep pressing on it,¡± he says, his voice steady. ¡°But not too hard.¡±


    | nce at him, confusion etched on my face. Why?


    The world seems hazy, the edges blurred by the persistent pain and the growing sense of faintness. But Zeke doesn¡¯t answer


    immediately. Instead, he stands up, his expression hardened, and grabs Victor by the cor.


    | watch in a daze as Zeke delivers two swift punches to Victor¡¯s face. The sounds of impact echo in the air, sharp and jarring.


    Victor stumbles backward, his hand flying to his nose, blood trickling between his fingers. | blink, trying to make sense of the


    scene unfolding before me. Zeke, the usually calm andposed one, is unleashing his fury on Victor.


    ¡°You''re lucky,¡± Zeke growls, his voice low and menacing. ¡°Lucky that | have to


    take care of her first.¡±


    The words hang in the air, a palpable threat that adds anotheryer of tension. to the already charged atmosphere.


    | feel a strange mix of gratitude and confusion.


    Zeke turns back to me, his eyes softening as he sees my bewildered expression. ¡°I¡¯m here, Alina. What do you need?¡±


    The piece of torn hoodie feels rough against my skin as | press it onto the bleeding wound. The pain intensifies, but Zeke¡¯s


    presence is a reassuring constant. | steal a nce at Victor, who¡¯s still recovering from Zeke¡¯s punches. He¡¯s groaning in pain,


    crawling away from us. | don¡¯t know where he¡¯s going, and frankly, | don¡¯t


    care.


    Safe


    Zeke stands up, leaving me momentarily, and | feel a twinge of vulnerability. But then he returns with a water bottle, offering it to


    me. ¡°Drink.¡± he instructs, and | obey, the cool liquid soothing my parched throat.


    take a few sips, the water providing a momentary respite from the throbbing pain. Zeke watches me, his eyes a mix of concern


    and determination. ¡°We need to get you out of here,¡± he says, his tone leaving no room for argument.


    Losing blood, the world around me blurs, edges fading into a fog of confusion. Zeke¡¯s voice cuts through the haze, urgent and


    commanding.


    ¡°Alina, keep your eyes open.¡± he says, his words a lifeline in the disorienting swirl of sensations. ¡°Come on, | need you to do this


    for me.¡±


    | try toply, but everything feels heavy, like I¡¯m sinking into a dark pool. The pain in my neck throbs, a persistent reminder of


    Victor''s reckless actions. Zeke¡¯s hand is on my shoulder, a steadying presence in the midst of chaos. | want to ask him what''s


    happening, why there are growls and sirens echoing in the distance, but my words get lost in the fog.


    ¡°Stay with me, Alina,¡± Zeke¡¯s voice is firm, a lifeline in the growing storm. | blink, struggling to keep my eyes open. ¡°Please.¡±


    The sirens wail, a mournful symphony, and the growls intensify. It''s a cacophony that mirrors the chaos within me.


    | hear Victor scoff, his voice a grating interruption.


    ¡°No time for dramatics,¡± he deres, dismissive and callous. ¡°Just f**k off and leave me alone this time, you f**kers hear me?¡±


    Zeke¡¯s grip on my shoulder tightens, his eyes locking onto mine. ¡°Ignore him, Alina. Focus on staying awake.¡± His words guide


    me through the disorientation. | try to nod, but it feels like a heavy effort. The sirens, the growls, Victor¡¯s dismissive words¡ªthey


    all swirl around me, a chaotic dance that threatens to pull me under.


    | hear Zeke mutter something, a low growl that matches the ominous sounds in the distance. The world is dimming, the edges of


    consciousness slipping away like


    sand through my fingers. But i cling to Zeke¡¯s voice, the anchor that keeps me from sinking too deep.


    The growls grow louder, more menacing, and the sirens intensify. It¡¯s like a symphony of chaos, each note ying a part in the


    disorienting melody that surrounds us. | want to ask Zeke what¡¯s happening, why everything feels like it¡¯s spiraling out of control,


    but the words remain trapped in the fog that envelops my mind.


    Blood. It¡¯s like a scent, a signal that cuts through the air and travels far. I¡¯ve heard about certain animals being attracted to it,


    drawn to the metallic tang that hangs in the wind. And now, as | feel the warmth trickling down my neck, | can¡¯t help but wonder if


    I''ve be a beacon in the forest.


    Zeke¡¯s growing agitated, | can sense it in the tension of his shoulders, the way his eyes scan the surroundings like a hunter on


    high alert. We''re not alone. | know it. The forest seems to hold its breath, and | can¡¯t shake the feeling of being watched. The


    scent of my blood, a vulnerable invitation to unseen eyes.


    I''ve heard stories, whispered tales of creatures lurking in the shadows, drawn to the scent of blood like moths to a me. In those


    stories, the protagonist is warned not to bleed, not to be prey to the unseen dangers that roam the


    wilderness. And here | am, bleeding, the warmth of it a stark reminder of my vulnerability.


    Zeke mutters something under his breath, a low growl that mirrors the ominous sounds of the forest. He¡¯s on edge, senses


    heightened, and | can¡¯t me him. The scent of blood, my blood, lingers in the air like a haunting melody. It¡¯s a beacon that


    calls to those who prowl in the darkness.


    | close my eyes for a moment, trying to steady myself. The forest, once a sanctuary, now feels like abyrinth of hidden threats.


    The growls, the distant sirens -it''s a symphony of danger that echoes in the stillness. | can feel Zeke¡¯s gaze on me, a silent


    reassurance that we''re in this together.


    | open my eyes, meeting Zeke¡¯s gaze. There¡¯s a flicker of concern in his eyes, a silent acknowledgment of the¡ªdanger that lurks


    around us. The forest seems to close in, shadows bing more than just shadows. | press the makeshift bandage


    4¡ì against my neck, trying to stem the flow of blood, but it¡¯s like trying to hold back a river with my bare hands.


    ¡°Don''t worry,¡± he says, the warmth of his voice a balm. ¡°I''ll protect you. Just stay


    with me.¡±


    Stay with me. The words echo in the fog, a promise that cuts through the confusion. | watch as Zeke crouches down beside me,


    his eyes never leaving mine.


    ¡°I''m going to carry you,¡± he says, his words sinking in like a gentle caress, ¡°Okay?¡±


    Zeke¡¯s arms wrap around me, lifting me with a strength that feels bothforting and surprising. Bridal style. | never thought I''d


    find myself in this position, cradled in someone''s arms like a fragile whisper in the wind. But here | am, the world still spinning,


    and Zeke carrying me like I¡¯m something precious.


    | catch a glimpse of his eyes, a mixture of concern and determination. ¡°You''re safe with me, Alina,¡± he murmurs, his voice like a


    melody in the chaos. Safe. The word resonates within me, a longing for stability amid the swirling tempest. | close my eyes, the


    motion feeling like a surrender to the unknown.


    As Zeke carries me, | can feel the rhythmic beat of his heart against my back. It¡¯s a steady rhythm, a luby that soothes the


    edges of my consciousness. The fog is thick, but | catch fragments of Zeke¡¯s voice, reassuring and gentle. ¡°We''re running


    somewhere safe,¡± he says, the words like a lifeline in the disorienting darkness.


    I''m not sure where safe is. I¡¯m not sure where we''re going. But Zeke¡¯s presence, the warmth of his arms around me, bes a


    beacon in the fog.


    ¡°Don''t worry, Alina,¡± he repeats, his voice a constant reassurance. ¡°I¡¯ve got you. We''re getting out of here.¡±


    The words echo, and surprisingly, a sense of trust blooms within me.


    I can feel Zeke¡¯s steady footsteps, the world outside his embrace a distant blur. The growls, the sirens¡ªthey¡¯re like distant


    echoes, reminders of the chaos we''re leaving behind. | want to ask questions, to understand the details, but the fog


    within me refuses to lift. Instead, | focus on the rise and fall of Zeke¡¯s chest, theforting rhythm that carries me through the


    unknown.


    ¡°We''re almost there,¡± Zeke murmurs, his voice cutting through the fog. Almost where? | wonder, but the question lingers


    unspoken. Zeke¡¯s arms tighten around me, as if he senses my silent inquiry.


    ¡°Somewhere safe,¡± he adds, his words a whispered promise. ¡°I promise.¡±

 Chapter 47

    Chapter 47


    Run


    Darkness surrounds me.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    | hear echoes, fragments of sound, and the world flickers in and out like a dying me. Zeke¡¯s voice, a distant murmur, reaches


    me like ripples in a quiet pond. | try to focus, to make sense of the fragments, but everything slips away like sand through my


    fingers.


    | feel the rhythmic beat of Zeke¡¯s steps, a steady cadence that carries me through the darkness. His arms around me, a secure


    cocoon in the disorienting haze. I¡¯m aware, on the edges of consciousness, that we¡¯re moving, running somewhere. Zeke¡¯s


    growls, low and protective, punctuate the darkness like distant thunder.


    In and out.


    That''s how | drift.


    Sometimes the darkness swallows me whole, and other times | catch fleeting glimpses of the world outside. Zeke¡¯s growls


    be a familiar luby, aforting melody that cuts through the confusion. | want to ask where we''re going, what''s


    happening, but the words remain trapped in the fog that envelops my mind.


    | feel the jostle of movement, the sensation of being carried, and Zeke¡¯s growls intensify. Are we running from something? Are we


    running towards safety? The questions linger, but the answers remain elusive. All | know is the rhythmic beat of Zeke¡¯s steps and


    the growls that weave through the darkness like a protective


    shield.


    Zeke¡¯s rumbling, a deep vibration that resonates through his chest, reaches me in the cocoon of his arms. It¡¯s a sound both


    primal andforting, a reminder that I¡¯m not alone in this disorienting journey through the unknown. The darkness threatens to


    pull me under, but Zeke¡¯s presence bes a lifeline, a connection that anchors.me in the tumultuous sea of uncertainty.


    | hear him muttering, the words a blend of reassurance and urgency.


    ¡°Hold on, Alina,¡± he says, his voice cutting through the fog. ¡°Just, hold on!¡±


    Hold on to what? | wonder, but the question dissipates like a fleeting dream. Zeke¡¯s arms tighten around me, a protective


    embrace that shields me from the unknown dangers that lurk in the darkness.


    In the moments of consciousness, | catch glimpses of Zeke¡¯s face. His eyes,


    focused and determined, meet mine.


    ¡°We''re almost there.¡±


    He murmurs, and | nod, or at least | think I do.


    The fog within me is thick, a swirling tempest that blurs the edges of reality. But Zeke¡¯s words be a guiding light, a promise


    of sanctuary in the midst of


    chaos.


    We keep moving. Running, perhaps towards safety, perhaps away from danger. The darkness clings to me like a heavy cloak,


    and Zeke¡¯s growls be a protective shield that guards against the unknown.


    My arms feel heavy and limp, like they¡¯re not really mine.


    | try to lift them, but they resist, as if they belong to someone else. There''s a fog in my mind, a persistent haze that blurs the


    edges of everything. | long let of


    go the cloth, the makeshift bandage | pressed against the wound on my neck. It lies somewhere, discarded, forgotten.


    Zeke. His presence is a steady anchor in the disorienting fog. | can feel his movements, his hands working. He presses a new


    cloth against the wound, against the source of warmth that trickles down my neck.


    I''m thankful, even in the haze, for the steady hands that take care of what |


    can''t.


    | hear him muttering, his voice a distant echo. Words | can¡¯t quite grasp.


    Urgency, reassurance-it¡¯s all woven into the fabric of his speech. My eyes flutter, the effort of keeping them open feeling like a


    monumental task. | let them close, surrendering to the darkness that tugs at the edges of my consciousness.


    The new cloth is cool against my skin, a wee contrast to the warmth that lingers beneath. | try to make sense of it all-the


    wound, the blood, the fog that envelops me-but everything feels like fragments, pieces of a puzzle scattered in the disarray. |


    focus on the rhythmic beat of Zeke¡¯s movements, a steady pulse in the midst of uncertainty.


    Zeke¡¯s voice, now closer, reaches me again. ¡°You''re doing great, Alina!¡± he murmurs, the words a soothing melody in the


    dissonant symphony. Great at what, | wonder, but the question slips away like sand through my fingers.


    I''m aware, vaguely, of Zeke¡¯s movements. His growls, softer now, add ayer of reassurance to the symphony of sounds. He¡¯s


    pressing a kiss to the side of my head, a tender gesture that ripples through the darkness. Gratitude swells within me, a silent


    acknowledgment of the care he provides in the aftermath of chaos.


    | hear a relentless rhythm that echoes through the chaos. Snarls, too, like distant thunder in a storm. The world is a swirl of


    sounds, a cacophony of pursuit. Zeke¡¯s arms around me, a steady cocoon in the midst of the tempest. That''s what they¡¯re doing¡ª


    chasing us. The footsteps are relentless, a reminder that danger is a breath away. Zeke¡¯s growls, a symphony of defiance,


    punctuate the air. | feel the urgency, the need to escape, but the fog in my mind makes it all a distant blur.


    Zeke¡¯s voice, a primal roar, cuts through the chaos.


    ¡°Keep away from us!¡± he screams, the words a fierce deration that reverberates through the air. ¡°She¡¯s mine!¡±


    Keep away. Mine.


    The words hold a weight of possessiveness, a im that should irk me, frustrate me.


    But this time, in the midst of pursuit, | melt into his arms.


    Run


    The possessiveness, usually a source of frustration, bes a shield against the encroaching danger. The footsteps, the


    snarls-they¡¯re like distant shadows the periphery of our shared sanctuary. | feel Zeke¡¯s arms tighten around me, protective


    embrace that shields against the unseen threat.


    ¡°| won''t let them hurt you, Alina,¡± he murmurs, the words like a gentle breeze in the storm. ¡°I won''t.¡±


    Hurt me. The words carry an unspoken promise, amitment that | feel more than understand. In this moment, | let go of the


    usual frustrations, allowing myself to trust in the protective shield that Zeke provides.


    As soon as | open my eyes, I¡¯m greeted by this intense darkness that feels like a heavy cloak. My breath catches, a sudden


    startle that jolts me into awareness.


    Where am |?


    The question echoes in my mind, a persistent whisper that demands answers.


    | wince, a sharp pain shooting through my neck. It hurts.


    l instinctively reach for the source of the pain, my fingers grazing against something unexpected. Leaves pressed against my


    neck, a makeshift bandage that hints at a story | can¡¯t quite grasp. | press on it, feeling the texture of the leaves, the


    warmth beneath.


    Confusion settles in, a foggy disorientation that clouds my thoughts.


    ¡°W-what...?¡±


    The darkness, once intimidating, takes on the familiar contours of a cave. | sit up, the movement cautious and slow, as if testing


    the solidity of my surroundings. The fire dances in the corner, casting flickering shadows that y on the cave walls. The warmth


    of the mes is a stark contrast to the coolness of the cave.


    TL-


    thenung handaand around


    my neck-they¡¯re my onlypanions in this moment. | nce around, searching for any sign of life, any clue to the mystery that


    shrouds me. But the cave remains silent, as if holding its secrets close.


    Safe to say, I¡¯m panicking.


    It hits me like a sudden gust of wind, a whirlwind that tugs at the edges of my consciousness. I¡¯m alone in a cave, my


    surroundings unfamiliar, and my neck throbs with pain. Questions cascade through my mind, each one demanding attention.


    | press on the leaves again, as if expecting them to provide answers. The pain, a constant reminder, feels like a puzzle piece |


    can¡¯t fit into therger picture. | inspect the leaves, running my fingers over their edges, feeling the way they are carefully


    arranged. Someone did this for me, | realize, a surge of gratitude mingling with the panic.


    | nce towards the fire, hoping to find a clue in its dancing mes. A bag. That¡¯s what | see a bag ced by the fire. | reach for


    it, my fingers fumbling with the sps. The bag feels heavy, and my curiosity intensifies. What''s inside? Will it hold the answers


    I''m desperately seeking?


    | open the bag, revealing its contents. Items¡ªa medley of objects that offer no immediate exnation. A water sk, a few


    supplies, and a piece of folded paper. | grab the paper, unfolding it with trembling hands.


    Amap.


    The memories rush in like a tidal wave, and | can¡¯t help but flinch. | let go of the map, groaning in frustration as | massage my


    throbbing temples, huddled in a ball with my knees tucked tightly against my chest.


    I''m lost in the stillness, unaware of the approaching presence until a sudden shuffle disrupts the tranquility. The sudden jolt


    propels me to my feet. Panic grips me like a vice, tightening with each heartbeat. The cave, once a sanctuary, feels like a trap


    closing in on me. | strain my ears, listening intently to the approaching footsteps, my mind racing with imagined threats.


    That¡¯s my first thought¡ªa faceless figure emerging from the shadows to im


    1. me. Fear surges through my veins, a primal instinct that heightens my senses. | scramble to my feet, my eyes scanning the


    darkness for any sign of the intruder. The rock¡ªstrewn floor bes a potential battlefield, and | grab the nearest stone, my


    fingers closing around its rough edges.


    me!¡±


    ¡°No!¡± | scream, shaking my head, pressing my back to the wall. ¡°No, don¡¯t touch


    That¡¯s what pierces the air¡ªmy own voice, a desperate cry that echoes through the cave. | brandish the rock like a makeshift


    weapon, my eyes wide with terror. The mes of the fire cast distorted shadows on the walls, adding a surreal touch to the chaos


    unfolding in the confined space.


    ¡°Alina!¡± The voice cuts through my panic, a familiar timbre that momentarily freezes me in ce. ¡°Rx! It¡¯s just me! It¡¯s me!


    Zeke!¡±


    Zeke.


    The name registers in my mind, a lifeline in the storm of confusion. But distrust lingers, and | tighten my grip on the rock, my


    eyes narrowing at the figure emerging from the shadows.


    Zeke raises his hands in a gesture of surrender. ¡°Calm down, Alina.¡±


    The words collide with the turmoil in my mind, an invitation to relinquish the weapon in my hand. But trust is elusive, and | take a


    step back, the rock still poised


    for defense.


    The words unravel the tension in my muscles, a realization that the threat | imagined was nothing more than a figment of my


    fear. Zeke steps into the light, his features familiar yet shrouded in the eerie glow of the fire.


    ¡°It''s just me,¡± he repeats, his hands still raised in a gesture of non¡ª-hostility. ¡°Can you put the rock down? Please?¡±


    | blink, my eyes adjusting to the reality before me. A wave of relief washes over me, but remnants of fear linger¡ªlike echoes in


    the cave. | lower the rock, the weight of it suddenly apparent in my hand.


    Zeke sighs, the sound carrying a hint of frustration.


    ¡°| was checking the perimeter, making sure we''re safe,¡± he exins, his hands now gesturing to the darkness outside the cave.


    Perimeter. Safe. The words offer an exnation, but a thread of unease still lingers in the air. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to startle you.¡±


    | take a deep breath, the echoes of my scream still reverberating in the cave.


    ¡°You should''ve announced yourself,¡± | mutter, my eyes narrowing as | study his face for any sign of deceit. ¡°Where are we?¡±


    ¡°| don¡¯t know. | didn¡¯t reallye up with a n,¡± he admits, the simplicity of his words carrying a genuine quality. The admission


    softens the edges of my lingering apprehension. ¡°I just wanted to make sure you were okay.¡±


    | nce at the fire, the mes now a calming presence in the aftermath of the


    chaos.


    ¡°I''m fine,¡± | say, the words a reassurance to both of us. ¡°Just... thank you, for saving me.¡±


    Zeke nods, his eyes reflecting sincerity.


    ¡°| will, every chance | get.¡±

 Chapter 48

    Chapter 48


    Thoughts


    My head hurts, throbbing like a drum beaten by invisible hands.


    Darkness surrounds me, a heavy shroud that muffles the world. | try to open my eyes, but they feel glued shut. Slowly, | manage


    to pry them open, squinting against the harsh light. | see Zeke¡¯s worried face hovering above me, lines of concern


    etched on his forehead.


    ¡°Alina, can you hear me?¡± he asks, his voice a distant echo in my foggy mind.


    | nod weakly, unable to find my voice. Everything feels fuzzy, like I¡¯m floating in a dream. My body aches, and my limbs feel


    heavy, as if they¡¯re made of lead. Zeke¡¯s hand presses against my forehead, and | flinch at the cool touch.


    ¡°You''re burning up,¡± he mutters, more to himself than to me. ¡°We need to keep moving.¡±


    Moving? Where are we?


    My memories are a jumble of disjointed images, like a broken movie reel ying in my mind. | remember Victor, his teeth sinking


    into my flesh. The pain was searing, intense, but now it¡¯s just a dull ache, a distant memory.


    Zeke helped me escape, but from what?


    Where are we running to?


    Zeke lifts me effortlessly, cradling me in his arms. The world tilts, and | close my eyes against the disorienting sensation. When |


    open them again, we''re ina


    different ce a dimly lit room with a flickeringntern. Zeke eases me onto a makeshift bed, and | can feel the scratchy fabric


    beneath me.


    ¡°Drink this,¡± he says, holding a cup to my lips. | nce inside and see clear liquid. Water, maybe? | take a sip, the coolness


    soothing my parched throat. It¡¯s a small victory, a step toward rity.


    1/7


    Thoughts


    ¡°Where are we?¡± | manage to mumble, my voice hoarse.


    ¡°Somewhere safe, for now,¡± Zeke replies, his eyes scanning the room as if expecting danger to burst through the walls. ¡°You


    have a fever. | thought it wouldn¡¯t get worse, but it did.¡±


    ¡°Oh...¡±


    Zeke sighs, his jaw clenching.


    ¡°We can¡¯t stay in one ce for long. We need to keep moving.¡±


    The room blurs as Zeke lifts me again, and we¡¯re outside, the night air cool against my skin. | cling to him, feeling a strange mix


    of gratitude and vulnerability. We walk, or rather, Zeke walks while I¡¯m carried like a fragile doll. The world bes a blur of


    shadows and muted sounds, my senses dulled by the fog in my


    mind.


    We stop again, this time in a cramped space that smells of musty wood. Zekeys me down on a narrow cot, and | watch as he


    rummages through a bag. He pulls out a small vial and a syringe, and my heart quickens with unease.


    ¡°What''s that?¡± | ask, my voice shaky.


    ¡°It''s medicine,¡± Zeke replies, his gaze steady. ¡°It''ll help with the infection from


    Victor''s bite.¡±


    Infection? The word sends a chill down my spine. | hold my arm out hesitantly, watching as Zeke fills the syringe with a clear


    liquid. He finds a vein and injects the medicine. | flinch, a sharp sting coursing through my arm, but it fades quickly. Zeke


    watches me carefully, his eyes searching for any signs of distress.


    ¡°Better?¡± he asks.


    ¡°Where did the medicinee from?¡± | ask, my voice a whisper.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Zeke¡¯s gaze falters, a flicker of unease crossing his face. Zeke changes the subject, his eyes searching for a distraction.


    20


    ¡°Are you hungry?¡± he asks, a forced cheerfulness in his tone. ¡°I know you are, | heard your stomach rumbling a few seconds


    ago.¡±


    | blush, but I¡¯don¡¯t deny it.


    ¡°| could eat.¡± | admit, my stomach rumbling in agreement.


    Zeke reaches for a small pot beside him, and the aroma of porridge fills the air. | nce at him in surprise. ¡°Where did you get


    that in the middle of the forest?¡±


    He grins, a hint of mischief in his eyes. ¡°I have my ways.¡±


    | raise an eyebrow, my curiosity piqued. ¡°Your ways?¡±


    He chuckles, a sound that carries a trace of yfulness.


    ¡°Let''s just say | have a knack for finding things.¡±


    As hedles the porridge into a bowl, | can¡¯t help but wonder about the


    mysterious sources of our supplies. However, the warmth of the food in front of me is too inviting to resist. Zeke hands me the


    bowl, and | take a hesitant spoonful. The taste is surprisinglyforting, the simple vors a wee reprieve from the


    complexities of our circumstances.


    ¡°You''re a decent cook,¡± | tease, trying to lighten the mood.


    Zeke smirks. ¡°I have my talents.¡±


    We continue our makeshift meal, the silence between us filled with the clinking of spoons against the bowl. The porridge is a


    balm to the gnawing hunger within me, a reminder that even in the midst of uncertainty, there are moments of simple joy.


    As | eat, | can¡¯t shake the feeling that there¡¯s more Zeke isn¡¯t telling me. The air is charged with unspoken secrets, and | wonder


    if the darkness that haunts us goes beyond the immediate threats of the outside world.


    ¡°Zeke,¡± | begin, setting the empty bowl aside, ¡°There¡¯s more to this, isn¡¯t there?¡±


    Instead of answering me, Zeke eats more of his porridge.


    | never thought it would be like this. At the beginning of the Mating Run, | had simple dreams. Dreams of days spent with Ettie,


    the sun warming our faces as weughed. Maybe even with Victor, his cocky grin and charming words filling the air. But now,


    everything is different. The twists in the road have taken me ces i never imagined, ces filled with fear and betrayal.


    Ettie, my once-close friend, now scares me. Her eyes, once filled with warmth, now hold a glint of something darker. | never


    expected that. We were supposed to navigate the challenges of the Mating Run together, support each other. But as the days


    passed, something changed in her. Maybe it was the pressure, thepetition for survival. Or maybe it was always there,


    hidden beneath the surface.


    The realization hits me like a punch to the gut. Ettie, who was supposed to be my ally, has be a threat. | don¡¯t know when it


    happened, the shift from trust to trepidation, but it¡¯s there, a lingering shadow in the corners of my mind. The person | thought I


    knew so well has be a stranger, and the fear of what she might do


    gnaws at me.


    And then there¡¯s Victor. Oh, Victor. At the start of this twisted journey, | never would have believed that he would betray me. His


    charm, his smooth words ¡ª they were a mask hiding the true nature of the predator within. | trusted him, foolishly believed that he


    might be an unexpected ally in this chaotic game.


    The memories rey in my mind like a broken record. Victor¡¯s smile, his whispered promises, the moments when | let my guard


    down. It all seems like a cruel joke now. How could | have been so blind? How did | not see the danger lurking beneath the


    surface?


    It''s not just betrayal; it¡¯s a betrayal that cuts deep, that leaves scars on my soul. | never expected Victor to be the one to turn


    against me. In the beginning, he was a presence, a force that seemed untouchable. Now, he¡¯s a threat, a reminder that even the


    ones who seem the least likely can be the ones to cause the most damage.


    If | had known how things would turn out, would | have taken a different path? Would | have avoided the Mating Run altogether,


    chosen a simpler life with Ettie and


    Thoughts


    the warmth of familiarity?


    It''s a question that lingers.


    A few days ago, if someone had told me that i would be sitting here, having a meal with Zeke taking care of me, | wouldn¡¯t have


    believed it. The twists and turns of the Mating Run have led me to ces | never imagined, ces where trust is a rare gem, and


    allies are forged in the crucible of survival.


    Zeke, the unexpected guardian. It¡¯s a role | never assigned to him, never thought he would y in this chaotic game. But here he


    is, watching over me like a silent protector. The realization makes my heart swell with a mix of gratitude and


    disbelief.


    As | take a bite of the makeshift meal Zeke prepared, | can¡¯t help but reflect on the journey that brought us here.


    | remember what my parents used to tell me when | was just a child, wide-eyed and innocent, dreaming of a future where


    everything would be perfect. They spoke about what makes a perfect mate, a life partner who would be more than just a


    companion but a cornerstone in the edifice of life.


    The first thing they mentioned was the spark. The magical feeling you get when you touch your partner, the electric jolt that


    courses through your veins. As a child, | envisioned it as literal sparks, like tiny bolts of lightning connecting two


    people.


    Then came the qualities ¡ª kindness, wonderfulness, attractiveness. Traits that would make your heart skip a beat and your soul


    sing. | imagined someone with a heart full of warmth, someone who would make every moment wonderful, and a face so


    attractive it could light up the darkest corners of the world.


    But my parents added anotheryer to their definition of a perfect mate. They spoke about giving, about nurturing. A perfect


    mate, they said, is a perfect provider. It was a concept that took a while for my young mind to grasp. What did it mean to be a


    perfect provider? Was it just about having enough money, a big house, and fancy things?


    5/7


    Thoughts


    Now, as | sit here, those childhood lessons echo in my mind.


    Zeke, with his steady presence and his ability to provide in the harshest of circumstances, embodies those lessons in ways |


    never fully understood until now.


    The spark, the enchanting feeling that was supposed to apany the touch of a perfect mate- | felt it with Zeke. Not in the


    shy, dramatic way | had imagined as a child, but in the quiet moments, the shared nces, the unspoken understanding that


    passes between us. It¡¯s a spark that¡¯s not just about physical touch but about a connection that goes beyond words.


    Zeke, with his scavenging skills, his ability to find supplies in the most unlikely ces, has be a provider in a world where


    survival hinges on resourcefulness. He doesn''t just offer protection; he ensures there¡¯s food on the table, medicine when


    needed, and a sense of stability in the chaos.


    My parents¡¯ words take on a new meaning in this harsh reality. A perfect mate is not just about the idealized spark or the


    superficial traits. It''s about finding someone who can weather the storms of life alongside you, someone who can give and


    nurture in a world that demands resilience.


    It''s not a fairy tale, not the romanticized version | had envisioned as a child. It¡¯s a gritty, real-world connection forged in the


    crucible of survival. Zeke, with his practical gestures and unspoken support, has be a beacon of stability in the tumultuous


    journey of the Mating Run.


    And as | reflect on these thoughts, | realize that perfection, in the context of a mate, is not about wlessness. It¡¯s about finding


    someone whose strengthsplement your weaknesses, someone who stands by you when the world turns against you. In


    Zeke, I¡¯ve found a partner who doesn¡¯t just meet the childhood ideals; he surpasses them in ways that | couldn¡¯t have imagined.


    Victor pointed out to Zeke that he wascking the innate qualities that define an Alpha. He didn¡¯t get the role because he was


    deemed weak, ipetent, and not up to par. However, that statement is far from the truth.


    And | know, because | see it in the attentive way that Zeke takes care of me.

 Chapter 49

    Chapter 49


    Cameras


    While Zeke and | were desperately seeking shelter for the night, the realization of where the medicine and food came from


    dawned on me.


    Rain poured relentlessly from the heavens, a relentless downpour that soaked everything in its path. Zeke and | trudged through


    the wet wilderness, seeking shelter for the night. Each step was a struggle in the muddy terrain, our clothes clinging


    ufortably to our bodies. Zeke¡¯s hoodie, a feeble attempt at protection, was hardly a match for the deluge.


    ¡°Here, Alina,¡± Zeke said, his voice half-drowned by the rain. He attempted to drape his hoodie over my head, a makeshift shield


    against the relentless assault of water droplets.


    | pushed it away with a huff, a feeble attempt to assert my independence. ¡°I can handle a bit of rain, Zeke. You don¡¯t need to do


    that.¡±


    Zeke persisted, his earnestness evident in the way he tried to shield me from the storm. ¡°Come on, it¡¯s pouring. You''ll catch a


    cold if you get too wet.¡±


    | rolled my eyes, a mixture of annoyance and amusement bubbling within me. ¡°I¡¯ve survived worse, Zeke. A little rain won¡¯t hurt


    me.


    He sighed, his determination unyielding. ¡°Humor me, Alina. | don¡¯t want you getting sick again.¡±


    The mention of my recent bout of illness caught me off guard. Zeke¡¯s concern was unexpected, a flicker of warmth in the midst of


    the cold rain. | looked at him, his features softened by the gray curtain of raindrops. ¡°I¡¯m fine, Zeke. Really.¡±


    He paused, his expression a mix of worry and something else ¡ª a sentiment he struggled to put into words. ¡°I just... | don¡¯t want


    anything bad happening to you. We''re in this together, and | want to make sure you''re okay.¡±


    His sincerity struck a chord within me, a chord that resonated with a harmony |


    hadn''t anticipated. | felt a warmth spread through my chest, a sensation that went beyond the physical chill of the rain. ¡°Thanks,


    Zeke. | appreciate it.¡±


    He nodded, a shy smile ying on his lips. The rain continued its relentless assault, but in that moment, under the inadequate


    shelter of Zeke¡¯s hoodie, we found a shared sanctuary from the storm.


    As we trudged through the rain¡ªsoakedndscape, our search for shelter continued. The world around us was reduced to a


    blurry panorama of water and shadows. | stumbled on a particrly slippery patch of mud, and Zeke¡¯s arm shot out instinctively


    to steady me.


    ¡°Careful there, Alina,¡± he said, his voice tinged with a mix of concern and amusement. ¡°We don¡¯t want you slipping and getting


    even more soaked.¡±


    | grinned, the sharedughter a respite from the relentless rain. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t want that, would we? The rain¡¯s already doing a good


    job.¡±


    Zeke chuckled, the sound aforting melody in the midst of the storm. ¡°We''ll find a ce to rest soon. Just hang in there.¡±


    His words were a reassurance, a promise of respite from the elements. The rain continued its steady percussion on the world


    around us, but in that moment, | found a strangefort in Zeke¡¯s presence. Together, we faced the tempest, navigating the


    uncertainty with a shared determination.


    After what felt like an eternity, we stumbled upon a dpidated structure, a semnce of shelter from the relentless rain. The


    wooden beams creaked as the wind howled through the cracks, but it offered a temporary escape from the downpour.


    Zeke and | huddled inside, the raindrops drumming against the makeshift roof. The air was damp, and the scent of wet wood


    lingered. We caught our breath, the adrenaline from our journey through the storm still coursing through our veins.


    ¡°Guess this is home for the night,¡± Zeke said, his gaze meeting mine. His hair was matted against his forehead, and raindrops


    trickled down his face. Yet, there was a warmth in his eyes that transcended the difort of our surroundings.


    | nodded, a smile ying on my lips. ¡°Home it is, then.¡±


    We settled into a corner of the shelter, our clothes clinging ufortably to our bodies. Zeke¡¯s hoodie, once a makeshift shield,


    now served as a shared cocoon against the chill. The awkwardness of our close proximity lingered in the air, a silent


    acknowledgment of the unspoken tension between us.


    ¡°Thanks for trying to keep me dry out there,¡± | said, breaking the silence. The gratitude in my voice was genuine, a reflection of


    the warmth | felt beneath the hoodie.


    Zeke shrugged, a bashful smile tugging at the corners of his lips. ¡°I just didn¡¯t want you catching a cold, that¡¯s all.¡±


    The vulnerability in his admission struck a chord within me. The rain outside may have been relentless, but inside this shelter,


    something else was unfolding ¡ª a delicate dance of emotions in the midst of the storm.


    ¡°| appreciate it, Zeke,¡± | said, my voice softer than before. ¡°It means a lot.¡±


    He met my gaze, his eyes holding a depth of emotion that mirrored my own. The air between us felt charged, a maic pull


    that went beyond the physical closeness. The raindrops outside provided a rhythmic backdrop to the unspoken connection that


    lingered in the shelter.


    The awkwardness returned, an uninvited guest in our shared sanctuary. Zeke¡¯s gaze faltered, his fingers fidgeting with the edges


    of his hoodie. ¡°I... uh, didn¡¯t mean to make it weird out there. | just wanted to make sure you were okay.¡±


    | chuckled, the tension dissipating like mist in the morning sun. ¡°It¡¯s not weird, Zeke. If anything, it¡¯s... nice.¡±


    He looked at me, a mix of surprise and relief in his eyes. The vulnerability we both felt hung in the air, a shared acknowledgment


    of something unspoken but felt. In that moment, beneath the inadequate shelter of a rickety roof, the storm outside mirrored the


    uncharted territory of emotions thaty between us.


    The rain continued its steady cadence, a background melody to the unfolding


    tableau within the shelter. Zeke cleared his throat, his gaze still lingering on mine.


    ¡°Good. That''s good.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡±


    ¡°|... well, | don¡¯t want things to be awkward between us. | just care about you,


    Alina.¡±


    The sincerity in his words echoed the sentiment | felt but hadn¡¯t dared to voice. The awkward dance continued, the unspoken


    tension weaving between us like an invisible thread.


    ¡°| care about you too, Zeke,¡± | admitted, my voice a soft confession in the dimly lit shelter. ¡°So, that¡¯s good.¡±


    me.¡±


    Ablush crept onto Zeke¡¯s cheeks, a reflection of the vulnerability we shared.


    ¡°Good,¡± he said, his gaze lingering on mine. ¡°Because, well, you mean a lot to


    The rain outside continued its relentless dance, a symphony of droplets ying against the fragile shelter that encased Zeke and


    me. In the subdued light of our makeshift sanctuary, a quiet camaraderie lingered between us, a connection that had evolved in


    the midst of the storm.


    | felt a sudden impulse, an unspoken desire to bridge the distance between us. Without overthinking, | leaned my head against


    Zeke¡¯s shoulder, a simple gesture that spoke volumes in the quietude of the shelter. The fabric of his wet hoodie pressed against


    my cheek, a tangible reminder of our shared vulnerability in the rain-soaked world outside.


    To my surprise, Zeke reciprocated. He shifted slightly, his weight leaning into mine. It was a subtle movement, a wordless


    acknowledgment of the connection we had forged in the tumultuous journey of the Mating Run. In the silence that enveloped us,


    the only sound was the rhythmic tap¡ªtap¡ªtap of raindrops against the shelter, a steady heartbeat that underscored the quiet


    intimacy between us.


    As we Sat in that shared space, the question lingered in the air, unspoken yet palpable. What did this mean? The goal of the


    Mating Run was to find someone, to forge a connection in the crucible of survival. And here | was, leaning against Zeke, our


    shared warmth a testament to the bond that had unfolded organically.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    The hesitation gripped me, a fear of disrupting the fragile equilibrium between us. | wanted to ask, to put words to the uncharted


    territory of emotions that lingered in the shelter. But the fear of his answer held me back. What if this connection, this shared


    closeness, meant something different for him?


    In the quiet of our shared sanctuary, | wrestled with my thoughts. The rain outside seemed to murmur a secret melody, a melody


    that whispered of possibilities and uncertainties. | listened, my head still resting against Zeke¡¯s shoulder, the warmth of our


    closeness a balm to the chill that lingered in the air.


    | wondered about Zeke¡¯s thoughts, about what this unexpected closeness might mean to him. Was it just a moment of shared


    comfort in the storm, or did it carry a weight of significance that mirrored my own feelings? The uncertainty, both thrilling and


    daunting, hung in the air like a delicate bnce.


    The rain outside intensified, a crescendo that mirrored the tumult of emotions within me. | took a deep breath, summoning the


    courage to break the silence.


    ¡°Zeke,¡± | started, my voice barely above a whisper. ¡°Uh...¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    He shifted, a subtle acknowledgment that he was listening. | hesitated, the words caught in the recesses of my throat. What if


    this disrupted the delicate bnce we had found? What if his answer shattered the quiet intimacy we had


    shared?


    But the curiosity, the need to understand, propelled me forward. ¡°What does this... | mean, what are we now?¡±


    Zeke¡¯s response was a beat of silence, a pregnant pause that seemed to stretch into eternity. The rain outside persisted, a


    backdrop to the uncharted territory of our conversation. When he finally spoke, his words were measured, as if


    carefully choosing each one.


    ¡°| don¡¯t know, Alins,¡± he admitted, res voice carrying a snoerty that stood ne own uncertainty. ¡°I just know that being here with


    you, in this moment, tes gm. Maybe we don¡¯t need to put a tabel on


    ¡°Oh,¡±


    His response, while sincere, left a trace of disappointment in its wake, | couldht shake the feeling that perhaps my desire for


    rity shed with the inpredictable nature of the Mating Run. The rain outside seemed to mirror my internal confict-a gentle


    shower of uncertainty that persisted despite the storm having passed


    As | leaned against Zeke, a subtle tension lingered between us. The shared closeness, once a source offort, now carried


    the weight of unspoke questions. | mulled over his words, wrestling with the uncertainty that seemed to define not only our


    connection but the entire experience of the Mating Ron.


    n the quiet of our shared sanctuary, a faint sound out through the muted patter of rain ¡ª the familiar tune of a robot. My senses


    heightened as | stiffened, the recognition tugging at the edges of my consciousness. The tune grew louder, a melody that carried


    a weight of familiarity.


    | looked through the rain, my gaze scanning the surroundings. And then, just in time, | saw it ¡ª a small robot with a screen


    disying not only my name but also Zeke¡¯s. A jolt of surprise and concern ran through me.


    Why did it show both of our names?


    | didn¡¯t even know that it was allowed.


    | nudged Zeke, pointing toward the approaching robot.


    ¡°Look,¡± | said, my voice a hushed murmur. ¡°A gift from a sponsor.


    Zeke followed my gaze, his expression shifting from curiosity to a subtle wariness. The robot rolled closer, its mechanical


    movements entuated by the wet terrain. The screen disyed our names side by side-Alina and Zeke.


    Cameras


    Asense of unease settled within me.


    | frowned, my gaze narrowing as | observed the approaching robot.


    ¡°| didn¡¯t know a robot can carry a sponsor''s gift for both of us.¡±


    | try to get Zeke¡¯s attention, but he continues to ignore me, not acknowledging a single word. Instead, he lets out a heavy sigh,


    his breath visible in the crisp air. It took me a while, but | realized he wasn¡¯t just aimlessly wandering; his eyes were focused on


    something specific. His direct gaze was aimed at a camera, cleverly camouged amidst the closest bushes.


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    ¡°...Zeke?¡±

 Chapter 50

    Chapter 50


    Doubt


    The forest looms around me, a sea of towering trees that stretch towards the sky like ancient guardians. The air is thick with the


    scent of pine, and the distant sounds of rustling leaves create a soothing symphony. My heart pounds in my chest as | navigate


    through the dense foliage, aware of the unseen eyes watching my every move.


    Cameras have always been my invisible audience, casting an ever-present shadow over my actions. I¡¯ve never been one for the


    spotlight, for the artificial gaze of lenses capturing every nuance of my existence.


    It''s like being on a stage, with the world as my audience, and |, the reluctant performer.


    The idea of scrutiny unnerves me, making my movements stiff and calcted.


    The very awareness of being watched renders me self-conscious, turning every step, every word, into a choreographed dance of


    pretense. | be a puppet, strings pulled by an unseen force, and my authenticity bes a casualty of the


    lens.


    But here, in the heart of the Mating Run, where survival is the only currency that matters, the cameras fade into the background.


    It''s as if they cease to exist, swallowed by the vastness of the wilderness. The urgency of the moment, the rawness of the


    struggle, erases any conscious thought of being observed. There''s no room for self-awareness when every heartbeat is a


    reminder of the primal dance with life and death.


    Out here, | don¡¯t think about how | appear on camera. | don¡¯t think about the audience that might be watching my every move.


    The only thing on my mind was the immediate threat before me, the instinct to survive at all costs.


    | sit by the flickering fire, the warmth barely reaching the icy chill that¡¯s crept into my bones. My mind is a tangled mess, thoughts


    swirling like leaves caught in a storm. Zeke is across from me, his eyes fixed on the mes, and | can¡¯t help but


    1/7


    Doubt


    wonder if the warmth between us is real or just another illusion.


    In the beginning, it was survival ¡ª a dance of instincts, a fight against the odds. Now, the lines blur, and | can¡¯t decipher whether


    his actions are genuine or just another move in this intricate game. The Mating Rum brought us together, but now | question if it''s


    the harsh reality of our situation that binds us or something else entirely.


    Zeke¡¯s nonchnce, his casual demeanor, leaves me questioning everything. Does he care, or is he just ying his part in this


    twisted performance?


    | hate that it hurts, the uncertainty gnawing at me like a persistent ache. I¡¯ve never been good with this ¡ª the deciphering of


    intentions, the unraveling of emotions. It¡¯s like trying to hold onto smoke, slipping through my fingers, leaving me grasping at


    empty air.


    Maybe it¡¯s the nature of the Mating Run that clouds everything. Survival bes the priority, and in its relentless pursuit, the


    lines between sincerity and strategy blur. Zeke¡¯s actions, once clear in their hostility or vulnerability, now exist in a murky gray


    area. And | find myself lost in the fog, unable to discern the true nature of his intentions.


    | look at him, his profile illuminated by the firelight. The shadows y on his face, casting doubt where there once was rity.


    The small me dances in his eyes, but it¡¯s as if there¡¯s a distance between us, a space | can¡¯t breach. The gift, the note, they


    feel like breadcrumbs leading me into abyrinth of uncertainty.


    | hate that it matters, that the unknown lingers like a haunting specter.


    I''ve never been one to second-guess, to question motives, but the Mating Run: changes everything. It¡¯s a game that blurs reality,


    where alliances are formed in the crucible of survival. And in the midst of it all, Zeke¡¯s gestures, once a lifeline, now feel like a


    puzzle | can¡¯t solve.


    He nces at me, and for a moment, our eyes meet.


    Is there a glimmer of something beyond the surface, or am | reading too much into it?


    The doubt festers, a poison that seeps into the cracks of my thoughts.


    Zeke stretches, the firelight casting shadows on his face. He seems at ease, unaffected by the whirlwind in my mind. Does he


    not feel it, or is he just better at hiding it? The fire¡¯s warmth should be a balm, but it feels like a distantfort. The mes


    dance, casting flickering shadows on the forest floor. In this moment, | want rity, a straightforward answer to the questions that


    torment me.


    The night wraps around us like a heavy cloak, the darkness broken only by the flickering mes of the fire.


    | sit beside Zeke, our silentpanionship punctuated by the distant sounds of the wilderness. This time, there¡¯s a respectable


    distance between us. He reaches beside him and produces a small bundle, a sleeping bag ¡ª another gift from our sponsors. |


    take it robotically, my fingers tracing the fabric, the texture unfamiliar against my skin.


    The sleeping bag lies in myp like an unwee weight.


    | hate the gifts ¡ª hate the way they symbolize a connection that feels forced,


    his eyes manufactured for the invisible eyes of the cameras. Zeke watches me, searching for a reaction.


    | can¡¯t bring myself to meet his gaze, can¡¯t shake off the robotic numbness that has settled over me. Another gift, another gesture


    in thisplex dance we find ourselves entangled in. | wish | could reject it, throw it into the fire and let the mes consume this


    charade.


    But I can''t.


    Zeke¡¯s voice cuts through the silence, breaking the spell.


    ¡°It''s a good one,¡± he says, his tone almost casual. ¡°Should keep you warm through the night.¡±


    | nod mechanically, my lips forming a tight line.


    my hande


    a tangible reminder of the blurred


    lines between reality and performance. | want to scream, to ask him if this is all just an act for the cameras. But the words lodge


    in my throat, a silent scream trapped


    within.


    Zeke¡¯s eyes linger on me, and there¡¯s a flicker of concern in his gaze.


    He knows something is off, senses the tension that hangs in the air. | almost open my mouth, the words hovering on the tip of my


    tongue, but | hesitate. The forest seems to hold its breath, waiting for a revtion that I¡¯m not sure I¡¯m ready to


    voice.


    ¡°What''s wrong?¡±


    Zeke¡¯s question cuts through the stillness, demanding an answer I¡¯m not prepared to give.


    I stare at him, my mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. How do | articte the turmoil within me? How do | voice the


    suspicion that gnaws at the edges of my consciousness? The sleeping bag in my hands is a physical manifestation of the


    complexities we face, and | can¡¯t bring myself to look at it without feeling a surge of


    resentment.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± | mumble, my voice barely audible over the crackling fire.


    Zeke¡¯s brows knit together, his concern deepening. ¡°It¡¯s not ¡®nothing.¡¯ | can tell something¡¯s bothering you.¡±


    His words hang in the air, a challenge to break the silence, toy bare the unease that simmers beneath the surface. | want to,


    oh how | want to, but the fear of the truth of confirming my suspicions ¡ª keeps me silent. The firelight dances int his eyes,


    shadows ying on his face, and | find myself searching for answers in the lines of his expression.


    ¡°|...¡± My voice falters, the words catching in my throat. | nce down at the sleeping bag, the fabric taunting me with its


    presence. ¡®I just... | don¡¯t know.¡±


    Zeke¡¯s gaze sharpens, an intensity in his eyes that leaves me feeling exposed.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know what? Alina, talk to me.¡±


    I''ve seen it, felt it, the subtle shifts in his demeanor when the cameras are pointed at us.


    The way he softens his gaze, the careful choice of words ¡ª it¡¯s a dance, a performance designed to elicit pity from the sponsors.


    And they fall for it, the unseen eyes showering us with gifts, supplies that be our lifeline in this brutal


    game.


    It hurts, a sharp ache that lingers beneath the surface. The knowledge that Zeke is ying a part, that the sincerity | once


    believed in is just a well-executed act. But even as the hurt festers, | grudgingly acknowledge the pragmatism of his approach.


    Zeke nces at me, his eyes a canvas of emotions that | struggle to decipher. Does he sense my realization, my silent


    acknowledgment of the charade? Or is it just anotheryer in the performance, a carefully crafted expression to maintain the


    illusion of authenticity?


    | take a deep breath, the air heavy with unspoken truths. The fire¡¯s warmth should beforting, but all | feel is the chill of


    disillusionment settling within me. Zeke, with his calcted gestures and scripted vulnerability, has be a stranger in the


    familiar guise of apanion.


    The gifts from the sponsors lie beside us, a testament to Zeke¡¯s ability to manipte the unseen audience. It¡¯s a skill, a survival


    tactic that | can¡¯t dismiss, no matter how much it stings.


    The supplies ¡ª food, nkets, a sleeping bag ¡ª are tangible proof of his sess in this performance.


    the very gifts that sustain us are also a And yet, the irony is not lost on me reminder of the artifice that taints our connection.


    It''s smart, | have to admit, this act that Zeke puts on for the sponsors. In this ruthless game where survival is not just about


    physical prowess but also about garnering favor, he¡¯s found a way to secure resources. It¡¯s a strategy born out of


    necessity, a response to the demands of a game that doesn¡¯t just test physical strength but also the ability to navigate the


    intricate dynamics of perception.


    And yet, it hurts. The sting of betrayal, the ache of realizing that the vulnerability | shared with Zeke was not reciprocated but


    exploited. The fire crackles, casting its glow on the gifts that now feel tainted by the knowledge of their origin. It¡¯s a bitter


    realization that | grapple with.


    ¡°Alina?¡±


    | feel a heaviness in my chest, a weight that seems to grow with each passing


    moment.


    | shake my head, a feeble attempt to dismiss the thoughts that linger like


    shadows.


    ¡°It''s nothing, really,¡± | offer with a forced smile, hoping to mask the unease that lingers beneath the surface. ¡°Probably just tired.¡±


    Zeke¡¯s brow furrows slightly, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken. ¡°You sure? You can talk to me, Alina. I¡¯m here for you.¡±


    His words carry a sincerity that brushes against my defenses. | appreciate the offer, the warmth in his eyes a balm to the


    unsettled emotions within me. But even as gratitude swells in my chest, an undercurrent of doubt tugs at the edges of my


    consciousness.


    ¡°| appreciate it, Zeke. | do,¡± | reply, my voice soft. ¡°But really, it¡¯s just fatigue. Don¡¯t worry about me.¡±


    He smiles, a slow, genuine curve of his lips that lights up the night. ¡°If you say so. But you know, if you ever need anything,


    anything at all, you can tell me. I''ll do everything | can to help you.¡±


    His sincerity is undeniable, aforting assurance that washes over me like a gentle wave. My heart swells with gratitude, and


    for a moment, the weight within


    me eases.


    Deut


    ¡°| know, Zeke. Thank you, | say, my words carrying the weight of sincerity. But even as | express my gratitude, a shadow lingers


    in the quiet spaces between us.


    He reaches for my hand, a gesture that feels both reassuring and tender, ¡°We''re in this together, Alina. Don¡¯t hesitate to lean on


    me when you need to.¡±


    His words are a melody that resonates within me, a soothing refrain that stirs emotions | hadn¡¯t fully acknowledged. The night


    breeze carries a hint of coolness, and | feel a sudden warmth in my eyes. | blink back the tears that threaten to spill, not wanting


    to betray theplexity of my emotions.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Zeke¡¯s eyes search mine, a gentle concern etched in their depths. ¡°Are you sure you''re okay, Alina?¡±


    | nod, a reassurance that feels almost automatic. ¡°I! am. Just tired, like | said.¡±


    He squeezes my hand, a silent understanding passing between us. The fire crackles, the mes casting dancing shadows on the


    forest floor. | take a deep breath, trying to steady the tumult within me.


    ¡°| appreciate your concern, Zeke. It means a lot to me,¡± | admit, my voice carrying a vulnerability | hadn''t intended to reveal.


    His smile softens, a reflection of the genuine care he holds for me. ¡°You mean a lot to me, Alina. If there¡¯s ever anything you


    need, don¡¯t hesitate to ask. We''re a team, after all.¡±


    His lips graze my forehead in a gentle kiss, a gesture that carries a warmth that lingers even after he pulls away. | want to


    believe in the sincerity of this moment, in the authenticity of the connection we share.


    But | can see the camera positioned right in front of us.


    And with each passing moment, my heart shatters a little more.

 Chapter 51

    Chapter 51


    Foe


    Sometimes | can¡¯t help but wonder if Zeke¡¯s got it all figured out.


    mean, he¡¯s not dumb, that¡¯s for sure. I¡¯ve seen that look in his eyes, that calcting glint when he realizes something. And | can¡¯t


    shake this feeling that he¡¯s onto something big.


    | sit here in the dim light of our makeshift camp, the flickering mes of the fire casting dancing shadows on the trees around us.


    Zeke is sharpening one of the weapons we were given today, his gaze focused, his hands steady.


    It''s moments like these when | can¡¯t help but let my mind wander, let it delve into the tangled web of thoughts that seem to weave


    themselves around me.


    We were given weapons today, not meals. No surprise packages floated down from the sponsors, no tantalizing aroma of a hot,


    prepared dish. Just weapons. A cruel twist, maybe, or maybe it¡¯s just the pack¡¯s way of telling us that survival is on us now, that


    we need to fend for ourselves.


    It''s like they¡¯re pushing us to rely on our hunting skills, like they''re testing us. And | get it, survival of the fittest and all that. But it''s


    more than that, | think.


    | watch Zeke, the way his brow furrows in concentration, and | can¡¯t shake the feeling that he¡¯s figured something out. Something


    crucial. It¡¯s in the way he nces at me when he thinks I¡¯m not looking, a knowing glint in his eyes. We''ve been ying this


    game long enough to understand the rules, even if they keep changing


    on us.


    The thing is, Zeke¡¯s not just my partner in this grim dance of life and death; he¡¯s be my anchor. And | can¡¯t help but wonder


    if he¡¯s realized the same thing have ¡ª that our survival in this forest depends not just on our skills but on the whims of those


    elusive sponsors. And the key to unlocking their generosity?


    Well, it might just be the illusion of a romance between us.


    1 look down at my hands, calloused and stained with the dirt of this forest. The truth is, | never expected to find myself in this


    position ¡ª strategizing not just about hunting and staying hidden, but about how to manipte the sponsor¡¯s perception of us. It¡¯s


    a bitter pill to swallow, but in this ce, there¡¯s no room for naivety.


    It''s not like we''re getting any younger in here, and the Mating Run, it¡¯s not a game of hearts and flowers. It¡¯s about surviving,


    in and simple. If Zeke¡¯s worked out that cozying up to me means more gifts, more chances at staying alive, then who am | to


    argue?


    Zeke finishes sharpening the weapon and looks up, meeting my gaze. There¡¯s a flicker of something in his eyes, a silent


    understanding. Maybe he¡¯s thinking the same thoughts, wrestling with the same dilemmas. We''re in this together, after all, bound


    by circumstance and the shared goal of making it out of here alive.


    And now, as the days blur into nights in this treacherous forest, | can¡¯t shake the feeling that Zeke has cracked the code. That


    he¡¯s realized the power we hold, not just in our skills with weapons or our ability to navigate the terrain, but in the narrative we


    spin for the sponsors.


    It''s a realization that sits heavy in the pit of my stomach.


    | watch as Zeke stands and walks over to where I¡¯m sitting. He doesn¡¯t say anything, just sits down next to me, his gaze fixed on


    the mes. We''re both lost in our thoughts, navigating the uncharted territory of this twisted game.


    ¡°Alina.¡±


    Zeke calls out, his voice breaking the peaceful silence.


    | look up, meeting his gaze. Zeke stands there, tall and sturdy, his eyes scanning the forest as if assessing the surroundings for


    any potential threats.


    ¡°Ready to go?¡± Zeke asks, a half-smile ying on his lips.


    I nod, slipping the knife into its sheath. ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s do this.¡±


    Zeke offers his hand, a silent invitation to join him in this dance of survival.


    | hesitate for a moment, my fingers hovering in the air. There¡¯s something about the simplicity of the gesture that catches me off


    guard.


    But then my practical side kicks in.


    This is the Mating Run, after all.


    Nothing is as simple as it seems. | nce around, and there it is ¡ª the ever¡ªwatchful eye of the sponsors, the hidden cameras


    that capture our every move. This is not just about hunting for food ¡ª it¡¯s about ying to an audience, about putting on a show


    to earn those crucial sponsor gifts.


    | take a deep breath, pushing aside my reservations.


    | reach out and grab Zeke¡¯s hand, the warmth of his touch grounding me. For a moment, it¡¯s just the two of us, partners in this


    deadly dance. But then I catch sight of the camera, discreetly tucked away among the branches, and | remember the rules of this


    game.


    As we start walking, Zeke nces at me, a question in his eyes. ¡°You alright?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± | reply, trying to sound nonchnt. ¡°Just gearing up for the hunt.¡±


    We walk in silence for a while, the tension in the air palpable. The trees cast long shadows, and the rustle of leaves beneath our


    feet is a reminder of the constant presence of danger.


    We continue walking, hand in hand, and as we do, | can¡¯t shake the feeling that this is a dangerous game we''re ying ¡ª not just


    with the other contenders left but with the pack itself.


    The line between reality and fiction blurs, and | find myself caught up in the narrative we¡¯re weaving.


    As we move deeper into the forest, the air thickens with the scent of pine and damp earth.


    | focus on the rhythm of our steps, the way Zeke¡¯s hand feels warm and


    reassuring in mine And then, in the distance, a camera captures our every move, Turning this private moment into a piece of


    entertainment for the sponsors.


    But then, just as we pass a particrly uneven patch of ground, | stumble, my foot catching on a root that seems to materialize


    out of nowhere.


    In that split second, | let myself fall, exaggerating the stumble for maximum effect. And then, Zeke is there, his arms wrapping


    around me, breaking my fall.


    | look up at him, feigning surprise, and he chuckles,


    ¡°Smooth, Alina,¡± he says, a yful glint in his eyes. ¡°Real smooth.¡±


    | blush, pushing myself upright, ¡°Hey, it¡¯s not my fault that tree was out to get me.¡±


    Zeke grins, brushing a strand of hair from my face.


    ¡°You certainly know how to make me notice you.¡±


    | yfully hit his chest.


    ¡°You''re such a cornball, Zeke.¡±


    Heughs, leaning in to kiss my forehead.


    ¡°Guilty as charged. But you''re lucky I¡¯m here to catch you if you fall.¡±


    | roll my eyes, but there¡¯s a warmth spreading through me, a feeling that goes beyond the charade we''re putting on for the


    cameras. In the midst of this deadly game, there¡¯s a strangefort in having someone by your side, someone who''s willing to


    y along, to dance through the darkness with you.


    As we resume our journey, | can¡¯t help but steal nces at Zeke. The way the fading sunlight catches the edges of his profile,


    the way his eyes gleam with a mixture of anusement and something more.


    It''s easy to forget, even if just fora moment, that we¡¯re in the Mating Run, that


    he¡¯s just pretending, that every step we take is a step closer to the unknown.


    The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting long shadows through the trees as Zeke and | moved quietly through the dense


    foliage. We''d been looking for hours now, the hunger gnawing at our stomachs, a relentless reminder of the brutal realityThis belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    of the run.


    | squinted, my eyes scanning the ground for any signs of movement.


    Every rustle of leaves, every snap of a twig, sent a jolt of adrenaline through my veins. Survival in the forest demanded not just


    skill but a keen awareness of the surroundings, an ability to read the forest¡¯s subtle cues.


    ¡°Stop.¡±


    | whispered, my hand shooting out to grab Zeke¡¯s arm. He froze, his eyes narrowing as he followed my gaze. A few feet away,


    hidden in the shadows, a small rabbit nibbled on a patch of grass, oblivious to the danger that lurked nearby.


    | felt a surge of excitement.


    The hunger in my belly seemed to intensify, driving me forward. Zeke looked at me, his eyes questioning, and | nodded toward


    the unsuspecting rabbit. We needed this, a small victory in the midst of the ruthless game that surrounded us.


    ¡°Stay quiet,¡± | murmured, my voice barely audible. ¡°I''ll take it down.¡±


    | crouched low, my fingers wrapping around the hilt of the hunting knife strapped to my thigh. The forest seemed to close in


    around me, the rustling leaves and distant calls of birds creating a symphony of nature.


    | focused on the rabbit, calcting the distance and the angle of my approach.


    Zeke watched, his eyes locked on mine, a silent understanding passing


    between us.


    In the Mating Run, every meal was a preciousmodity, every opportunity to secure food a small triumph. | inched forward, my


    movements deliberate, my senses


    attuned to the slightest sound.


    As | drew closer, the rabbit''s ears twitched, its nose lifting in the air as if sensing danger.


    My heart pounded in my chest, each beat echoing in the silence of the forest. | slowed my breathing, willing myself to be


    one with the shadows, a predator closing in on its prey.


    The rabbit froze, its eyes widening in rm.


    In that moment, time seemed to stretch, the world narrowing down to the space between me and the small creature. As | gripped


    the knife, its coolness. provided aforting reassurance in this unforgiving forest.


    | lunged forward, the knife cutting through the air with a swift, controlled motion. The de connected with the rabbit''s throat, and


    a surge of triumph coursed through me. The small creature struggled for a moment, its delicate form twitching, and then ity


    still.


    | stood there, my chest heaving, the rush of the hunt still echoing in my ears.


    Zeke approached, his eyes wide with a mix of admiration and relief. We needed this, the sustenance that the forest provided, a


    brief respite from the constant threat of hunger.


    ¡°Nice one,¡± Zeke said, a smile ying on his lips. ¡°You make it look easy.¡±


    | couldn''t help but return the smile, a shared moment of victory in a world that sought to break us.


    ¡°We needed this,¡± | replied, gesturing toward the lifeless rabbit. ¡°Let''s get it back to camp.¡±


    ¡°Alina, I¡¯ve got to say. | never thought you had it in you.¡±


    | couldn''t help but smile at his words.


    ¡°Yeah, well, | guess the Mating Run bring out unexpected skills.¡±


    Zeke turned to me, his eyes locked onto mine.


    ¡°No, seriously. You handled that knife like a pro. | never knew you could hunt


    like that.¡±


    ¡°| didn¡¯t know either. Guess survival instincts kick in when you¡¯re thrown into a forest like this.¡±


    He chuckled, a low, soothing sound that resonated in the stillness of the night.


    ¡°Well, I''m impressed. You¡¯re full of surprises, Alina.¡±


    | felt a warmth spread through me, a mixture of pride and gratitude. Aplimenting from Zeke, they held a significance


    that went beyond the words themselves.


    | shifted uneasily, ncing around the camp as if expecting the cameras to reveal themselves. The forest remained silent, but


    the presence of the unseen audience loomedrge.


    Zeke noticed my change in demeanor, his brows furrowing in concern. ¡°Hey, you okay?¡±


    | forced a smile, masking the turmoil within.


    ¡°Never better.¡±


    As if sensing my internal struggle, Zeke reached for my hand, his touch gentle yet reassuring. ¡°Hey, don¡¯t worry. You did good.¡±


    But then, as if on cue, a soft hum emanated from above.


    | looked up, my eyes narrowing at the small drone hovering in the night sky.


    A bitter taste filled my mouth, a blend of resentment and resignation.


    Just as if it was nned, Zeke slid his arm around me, his touch simultaneously soothing and strategic. | tried to suppress the


    twinge of difort, my mind reminding me that this was all just an act to safeguard the fragile connection we had built for the


    sponsors to think was true.


    ¡°Hey, Zeke,¡± | said, my voiceced with a hint of hurt, ¡°Are you proud of me for the whole hunting thing?¡±


    He kissed my forehead, a gesture that felt both tender and rehearsed.


    ¡°Very proud. You¡¯re proving yourself in this forest, Alina. | couldn¡¯t ask for a better partner.¡±


    My heart ached, the conflicting emotions threatening to spill over.


    ¡°Just doing what | can to survive. Nothing more.¡±


    He looked at me, his eyes searching mine.


    ¡°Right, just trying to survive.¡±

 Chapter 52

    Chapter 52


    Fake


    My eyes flutter open, and | am met with theforting sensation of being held. by Zeke.


    In any other circumstance, being held in such an embrace upon waking up offers a sense offort, a quiet reminder of our


    strong connection. As my consciousness fully returns, a disconcerting truth settles heavily on my shoulders.


    Zeke¡¯s arms, which were once aforting embrace, now feel constricting and suffocating. It isn¡¯t the gentle embrace | expect


    upon waking; it''s a hold that leaves. me feeling confined.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    | shift, feeling increasingly ufortable as my senses pick up on the presence of another camera. The camera¡¯s unblinking


    lens is fixed on us, as if freezing the vulnerability of the moment in time. It¡¯s as if a punch to the gut, the realization washes over


    me ¡ª we are being watched again, our every intimate moment exposed to unseen eyes.


    And | just know that it is Zeke¡¯s idea, as the sound of his voice echoes in my


    mind.


    Anger and betrayal surge through me, overwhelming my emotions.


    | carefully untangle myself from Zeke¡¯s embrace, the once gentle motion now filled with a hint of desperation. The weight of my


    emotions threatens to spill over, creating a heavy atmosphere around me. | crave distance, a breath of air to bring rity to my


    thoughts.


    | feel manipted, like a pawn on a chessboard with every move carefully plotted.


    The sound of something shifting beside me causes me to tense up, and | let out a quiet curse.


    ¡°Alina, what''s wrong?¡±


    Through the silence, Zeke¡¯s voice rings out, carrying a palpable sense of worry. Standing there, | can feel his gaze on me, his


    eyes filled with confusion. With a tired sigh, he rubs his eye and lets out a quick yawn. Although | despise it, a surge of concern


    for him floods my being.


    At first, | remain silent, not answering. As he continues to stare at me, | let out a frustrated sigh. | mumble under my breath, the


    words barely escaping my lips.


    ¡°| just need to get out and get some air.¡±


    As | speak, my voice trembles with the same intensity as the brewing storm


    within.


    Zeke¡¯s voice echoes through the air once more, tinged with both anxiety and


    perplexity.


    ¡°Alina, please. Tell me what¡¯s wrong.¡±


    In that fleeting moment, the weight of my emotions makes me contemte opening up to him, as if the words are begging to be


    released. | want to ask the question that lingers in my mind ¡ª what are we? And what does this mean for us? | fall silent, that we


    are still being watched, and that someone or something is


    aware


    observing our every move.


    And the fact that he probably orchestrates all this, making himself appear like a concerned potential mate, fills me with anger.


    ¡°| need a moment to myself,¡± | mutter, unable to tear my eyes away from the rain¡ªsoaked ground. ¡°Just, you know, think about


    things, alright?¡±


    Zeke lets out a sigh, his tone filled with a frustrating and helpless blend of


    emotions.


    ¡°Alina, we''re already in this together, so let¡¯s stick together. If things aren¡¯t right, we should face them together.¡±


    I can hear the authenticity in his words, and in any other situation, | would wee the sentiment. However, things are anything


    but normal, and judging by


    11:42 Sun, 10 Mar


    Fake


    his appearance, he seems far from sincere.


    | turn to him, our eyes locking in an intense gaze.


    ¡°Can you just please give me some space, Zeke?¡±


    Reluctantly, he nods, his face etched with a frown. The unspoken tension hangs in the air, and with each step | take away from


    him, it feels as though an invisible barrier is forming, separating us both physically and emotionally.


    | find a hidden nook, shielded from the intrusive gaze of the cameras, and allow the rain to drench me. As the rain pours down,


    my tears blend with the raindrops, silently releasing the emotions that have been suffocating me. Like a bitter aftertaste, the


    feeling of being used as a pawn in an uncontroble game lingers


    within me.


    As | stand there, thinking to myself, | can¡¯t help but wonder ¡ª is there anything real about our connection? Even when Zeke and |


    have tender moments, it feels wrong because we are just part of a messed-up drama.


    I return to the camp, soaked to the bone and feeling exposed, and Zeke¡¯s worried eyes lock with mine.


    He stands there, his figure casting a striking silhouette against the backdrop of the shelter, his eyes mirroring a mix of worry and


    tenderness. | can feel the stark difference between theforting warmth of the shelter and the biting cold of the rain-soaked


    world outside, intensifying the emotional storm brewing within me.


    With a sense of urgency, Zeke swiftly covers me with a warm towel, likely


    sourced from another sponsor.


    The gesture, so small yet so powerful, surrounds me with a soothing sense of security. | hug myself tightly, feeling the dampness


    seep through my clothes.


    ¡°Alina, what happened?¡± Zeke¡¯s voice, dripping with genuine concern, pierces through the heavy silence of the rain. With a


    gentle touch, he reaches out and brushes away my tears, his thumb leaving aforting warmth on my cheek. ¡°What¡¯s the


    problem? What''s making you cry?¡±


    Under my breath, | whisper, careful not to disturb our surroundings.


    My voice falls on deaf ears.


    ¡°What?¡±


    | take a deep breath, the weight of the unspoken truths pressing on my chest. ¡°Zeke,¡± | begin, my voice a fragile whisper. ¡°What


    are we?¡±


    His eyes, once filled with warmth, stiffen. There is a brief flicker of uncertainty on his face as he opens and closes his mouth,


    unable to find the right words. The heavy weight settling between us is palpable in the silence that follows.


    Frustration surges through me, the intensity of my emotions bing


    palpable.


    ¡°Zeke, we can¡¯t keep running away from this. | can¡¯t keep ignoring this or I''ll lose my mind. Give it to me straight. Tell me, what


    exactly are we?¡±


    As the rain falls like a cascade, | feel the dampness seeping into my bones, mirroring the storm inside me. Facing Zeke, my


    emotions boil over with anger, frustration, and the acrid taste of betrayal.


    Emotions surge through me like an unstoppable flood, and | can no longer keep them in check.


    Each blow |nd on Zeke¡¯s chest carries the weight of my frustration, confusion, and anger as | unleash my pent-up emotions.


    As raindrops fall, they mingle with my tears, distorting my view of the person who has be both myfort and my


    torment.


    ¡°Is any of this actually real?¡± Each word | ask him is apanied by the impact of my punch to his chest. ¡°Stop doing all this


    stuff to me if you can¡¯t even learn to like me in return!¡±


    Zeke stands there, stoic and silent, taking in every blow without uttering a single word. Thebination of understanding and


    regret etched on his face makes the silence all the mor¨¦ infuriating. As if in sync with our emotions, the rain


    intensifies, pounding on the ground and drowning out any other sound.


    ¡°Answer me!¡± Tears stream down my face as my voice cracks with a blend of frustration and hopelessness. ¡°Is anything between


    us even real?¡±


    #


    Zeke¡¯s lips part, but all that fills the silence is the sound of his shallow breaths. Instead, he just takes all my punches, silently


    watching as all my hidden emotionse pouring out. | feel lost, realizing that the answers | want are as hard to find as the


    raindrops falling around us.


    ¡°Say something!¡± | plead, my fists pounding against his chest. ¡°Tell me this is real. That you¡¯re not acting!¡±


    As our eyes meet, | can see a whirlwind of emotions brewing within Zeke¡¯s


    intense stare.


    In the midst of chaos, Zeke¡¯s arms encircle me, creating a moment of calm. The sudden embrace takes me by surprise, causing


    me to momentarily stop in my tracks. As he holds me close, | can feel theforting warmth of his touch, providing sce from


    the cold deluge around us. Instantly, my senses are greeted by the calming pheromones he emits.


    ¡°Calm down, Alina,¡± Zeke¡¯s whispered words flow like a soothing melody, harmonizing with the sound of the rain. ¡°We''ll figure this


    out.¡±


    But my anger, the frustration that has fueled my outburst, refuses to be tamed by the call for calm. | push against him,


    desperation creeping into my strained voice, burdened with unspoken questions.


    | let out a forced chuckle, the sound strained and unnatural, while shooting him a piercing re. ¡°Tell me, Zeke. Is this real, or


    are you just acting again?¡±


    Zeke pulls away, and | can¡¯t escape the intensity of his gaze.


    Instead of answering, he cups my face in his hands, his thumbs delicately brushing away the tears that mix with the rain on my


    cheeks. Even with the tender gesture, doubts continue to haunt me, refusing to fade away.


    ¡°| care about you, Alina,¡± Zeke finally speaks, his voice a soft murmur that barely reaches above the rain¡¯s steady drumming. ¡°I


    do.¡±


    | want to tell him that his response doesn¡¯t address my question.


    But then his gaze flickers to my lips, and | feel a sudden tension in the air, unsure of what his unspoken invitation means.


    In an instant, Zeke closes the distance between us, leaving me startled. His lips gently brush against mine, creating a tender,


    cautious kiss. His lips unexpectedly brush against mine, sending a jolt of electricity through my body.


    I stand frozen,pletely caught off guard.


    | never see iting, the kiss thates out of nowhere.


    When Zeke¡¯s lips meet mine, they feel warm, but instead of bringing mefort, a wave of difort and confusion floods my


    senses. | feel the impulse to pull away, my mind racing with questions about the boundaries that have been crossed.


    But right as | am about to pull away from the surprise kiss, something changes. inside me. It is like something inside me wakes


    up, a strong desire that doesn¡¯t make sense. In that moment, my initial instinct to pull away vanishes as my arms. embrace


    Zeke¡¯s neck, his hair entwined with my fingers.


    The kiss deepens, and in that moment, we share an unspoken understanding.


    It goes from awkward to a rollercoaster of feelings | can¡¯t even describe.


    Zeke¡¯s lips collide with mine, conveying a desperate longing and a hunger that consumes us both. As our kisses be


    hungrier and more intense, the air seems to crackle with electricity. His mouth parts, and our tongues entwine in a passionate


    struggle.


    Astifled cry ws its way up my throat as he unleashes a low growl, hungrily nipping at my lips.


    With a bold move, Zeke effortlessly lifts me off the ground, and | instinctively wrap my legs around his hips, feeling the intimate


    connection between us. Zeke¡¯s hands end up on my lower back, pulling me closer like he wants to get rid of any doubts. | grip


    his hair with my fingers.


    The kiss goes wild, his hands tangle in my hair, pulling me closer as our mouths meld together. | am curious about what this


    means, and | want to see if there are any cameras watching us. However, there is a part of me that is unbothered. That part is


    desperate to cling tightly to Zeke, as if it never wants to let go.


    Zeke¡¯s head lowers, and | can feel the touch of his lips on my shoulder as he moves away. | can feel the warmth and dryness of


    his lips as they travel up my throat, leaving a trail of delicate kisses in their wake. | feel the slight pressure of his canines grazing


    against the side of my neck, reminiscent of a mating bite.


    | throw my head back, pulling him further against the crook of my neck, feeling the tingle of electricity jolts coursing through my


    body.


    It dawns on me.


    | want more.


    I need more.

 Chapter 53

    Chapter 53


    Touch


    In a single fluid motion, my hoodie and tank top are tossed aside, leaving me exposed.


    Zeke carries me through the pouring rain, our footsteps muffled by the wet forest floor, until we reach the shelter we''ve built side


    by side. | would like to believe that | remain silent as he carries me, but knowing myself, | likely rely on the raging rain to drown


    out my groans and whispers.


    It doesn''t.


    | feel the cool air gently caressing my wet and exposed skin, causing a shiver to run down my spine. The cold sensation quickly


    fades away as Zeke positions himself between my legs, his hands providing a reassuring grip on my waist. Thank goodness I¡¯m


    not a virgin, because Zeke looks like he knows his stuff.


    Without saying a word, he pulls me into him, our bodies pressing together. Just as his mouth hungrily meets mine again, he


    seals us together from the chest down. He leans in, his lips parting to meet mine in a soft, lingering kiss. Our tongues collide and


    explore each other¡¯s mouths. His kiss leaves me feeling weak and dizzy, our mouths moving in sync as we devour each other.


    Then, he grabs me by the neck, pulling me towards him with a roughness that leaves me breathless. As his hand moves across


    my stomach and back to my spine, | feel his gentle tugs on my bra. His lips find the spot where my neck and shoulder meet,


    lightly sucking on it.


    With a loud moan, | throw my head back, his name escaping my lips.


    ¡°Oh, goddess.¡±


    Zeke chuckles, yfully nipping my skin, causing a tingling sensation.


    ¡°That¡¯s not my name. Mind telling me my name?¡±


    Touch


    His mouth is all over me, and my brain struggles to process the overwhelming sensations. The only thing | can do is let out a low


    moan and groan as | wrap my sensations. The only thing | arms tightly around his shoulders, pulling him closer to me.


    Zeke sensually traces his lips along my shoulder, his tongue following suit, until he gently sucks on a particr spot. As he


    reaches for my bra, his fingers deftly begin to undo the sp. In just a few seconds, he skillfully undoes it, and | feel the release


    as my bra loosens and slips lower, eventually falling off.


    Finally tearing my mouth away, | inhale sharply, savoring the taste of his warm, slightly salty skin on my tongue. | lift my head


    slightly, running my tongue along his neck, feeling the tiny hairs prickle against my lips and chin. Zeke¡¯s gentle kiss lingers on my


    upper lip before he breaks away. | can hear the sound of fabric being removed, and then | feel a bare, smooth chest press


    against my own n*ked body.


    Zeke¡¯s handsnd firmly on my hips, eliciting another moan from deep within me. Zeke¡¯s lipstch onto my nipple, causing a


    scream of pleasure to erupt from my throat. With a gentle flick of his warm tongue, he teases my nipple, before parting his lips


    and taking more of my breast into his mouth.


    ¡°Oh, goddess! F**k, that¡¯s good!¡±


    Everything seems more alive in the dim light, as if the senses are heightened and every sensation is magnified.


    As he tugs at the damp jogger pants clinging to my hips, his thumbs provide a firm grip, making it easy to slide them down my


    legs. As Zeke pulls away, | feel an involuntary whine rise in my throat, instantly missing the warmth of his mouth on my nipple.


    Zeke chooses not to respond, opting instead to shower me with kisses along the side of my corbone, my upper breast, as his


    body gradually presses closer to mine. | feel his warm breath against my skin as he nts another kiss on my ribs and then on


    my bare hip.


    air.


    As he falls to his knees, the sound of them hitting the wet ground echoes in the


    Touch


    His lips brush against my thigh, and his warm breath sends shivers down my spine as he explores the intimate space where my


    thigh meets the uncovered area beneath my underwear. The sensation of his moist lips moving down my body makes me


    swallow nervously and instinctively hold on to his head for steadiness.


    Zeke¡¯s sigh escapes his lips, deep and resonant, as his hands firmly hold onto the back of my thighs, anchoring me in position.


    With a mischievous grin, he uses his teeth to yfully tug down my underwear. In an instant, his tongue is pressed against me.


    The sensation of his mouth enclosing my clit sends waves of melting and burning sensations throughout my entire body.


    ¡°Oh, my god!¡±


    Zeke pulls away, hisughter echoing, and then yfully presses his lips against the warm skin of my thigh. ¡°I already told you,


    that¡¯s not my name, baby. Can you remember my name while | eat you out?¡±


    | barely have time to react before he is back on me, swallowing me whole. His mouth between my legs is a force of nature,


    ravishing me with a ravenous appetite, his tongue exploring every crevice, and his lips creating a powerful suction on my


    clit.


    Simultaneously, his tongue explores my depths while his thumb yfully flicks my clit, causing a loud gasp to escape as


    pleasure surges through me.


    With my chin dipped down, our eyes lock on each other, and time seems to stand still.


    ¡°Don''t stop.¡±


    With desperation, | beg him, moving my hips rhythmically against his mouth.


    His eyes turn dark as he pulls away. Then, he thrusts his fingers deep inside me, and | can feel every movement intensify.


    ¡°Baby, you want some of my dick in here?¡±


    My brain turns to mush, | disappear.


    -Touch


    I can only nod, my mind consumed by the thought of him inside me.


    With a final flick of his tongue on my clit, he drives his fingers inside me, moving with a quickness and roughness that sends


    waves of pleasure through my body. | can¡¯t help but arch my neck and back, a long, silent moan slipping out from deep


    within me.


    With a gentle tug, the hands on my thighs guide me forward until | am directly in front of him. The taste of my own essence


    lingers on his lips as we kiss. | can¡¯t resist running my hands over his chest and feeling the firmness of his rippled abs beneath


    my touch.


    Then, he plops down into one of the sleeping bags by the door. With mepletely exposed, he gently guides me onto hisp,


    positioning me astride his hips. Something hard, thick, and scorching hot presses against my abdomen, catching me off guard.


    | slowly bring my hands down to myp, feeling the weight and heat of the stiff, throbbing dick that bobs between us. | lick my


    lips, unable to tear my eyes away from the impressive sight of his enormous cock. Zeke has a girthy, lengthy cock, his precum


    leaving a slick trail on both my fingers and his own stomach.


    ¡°F**k,¡± As he drops his forehead to my shoulder, a low and broken hiss escapes his lips, the sound echoing in my ears. ¡°That


    feels f**king great.¡±


    I grip his dick tightly, marveling at its impressive size. | then move my hands up, tracing g every inch, and back down, toward the


    base of his shaft. Zeke lifts his head, fixing his intense gaze on me, his dark irises locking onto mine as he takes a sharp intake


    of breath.


    In a quick movement, Zeke pushes me onto my back on the sleeping bag, and before | even manage to let out a breath, he is


    over me. It is quiet for a while, just the sound of our own mixed breathings. | look at him, and he looks at me. He kisses me,


    tongues against tongues, and | want to cry again.


    His strong grip parts my legs, and | can sense the moist tip of his cock touching me. As | lift my hips, it feels as though this


    connection with him is the most effortless thing in the world, and | slowly meet him halfway. | can¡¯t tear my eyes


    away from him, even as I¡¯m gasping for breath with each slow inch of his cock entering me.


    ¡°Baby,¡± He whispers softly, his warm breath tickling my lips, before pressing another gentle kiss on me. ¡°You know how good it


    feels inside? | can¡¯t even begin to exin it. | could stay inside you forever.¡±Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    | am left speechless, unable to utter a single word. Over and over, | willingly ept his substantial, elongated cock until it finds


    its ce within me. | suck in a breath, feeling my lungs strain, as | reach the end of what has to be twelve solid, unyielding


    inches.


    ¡°Holy f**king shit.¡±


    Right as my butt meets his warm knot, | let out a sharp hiss. Zeke then begins thrusting into me slowly, his wiry hair gently


    brushing against my clit with each movement. His mouth drags across my neck, leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake. With a


    teasing motion, his tongue flicks across each of my nipples. He skillfully takes one into his mouth, feeling its warmth against his


    lips before repeating the motion with the other.


    My eyes are drawn back to his face, and | notice the tightness in his jaw.


    ¡°More. | want more.¡±


    Zeke releases my nipple with a distinct popping sound.


    ¡°Anything you want.¡±


    Out of nowhere, our bodies jolt upwards on the bed, and | snap my head up to see that he has effortlessly lifted us both. His


    arms are positioned, the muscles visibly contracted and tense in his biceps, the veins in his forearms prominently visible. Our


    hips meet in a rhythm that is rough, hard, fast, and deep, and | can¡¯t tear my gaze away from his face.


    In an instant, his hands are in motion, and | can feel the firmness of his touch as one hand curves around my breast. As the other


    one grabs my hair, his lips forcefully meet mine, causing a tingling sensation to course through my body. My


    tongue is enveloped by its warmth as he sucks it into his mouth, and | willingly surrender to the intimate connection.


    He presses his thumb firmly against my nipple, eliciting a pleasurable sensation that makes me moan into his mouth. Our bodies


    move in sync, our hips picking up speed.


    ¡°F**k,¡± He lets out a deep groan, his hips arching, as if trying to push me even further onto him. As he curls his hips once more, a


    strong twitch runs through him, resulting in our bodies being pressed together even more firmly. ¡°Shit, I¡¯m really f**king close.¡±


    As he sucks in a breath, | can feel his hands and body tighten around mine. Momentster, Zeke forcefully pushes me down


    onto him. He pushes me so forcefully that my muscles quiver around him, his throaty groans reverberating in my ears and


    against my lips as he climaxes within me. His enormous figure trembles, his cock throbbing with a deliberate rhythm.


    i greedily take everything in. His cock and knot.


    Mine. All mine.


    When | scream, my voice is silent, and my body convulses on top of him, saliva and tears streaming from my mouth. |e,


    wrapping my arms tightly around him as | let out a muffled cry.


    Our bodies intertwine, and | drape myself over him afterward, our arms locked around each other¡¯s necks, our chests damp and


    heaving as we fight to catch our breath. | feel the embrace of those massive arms, holding me tightly in their grasp. He continues


    to cum inside of me, his knot securely lodged deep within, ensuring not a single drop of his seed escapes.


    | press my nose against his throat, and the sweet scent of him fills my senses.


    ¡°| love you,¡± My lips brush against his neck as | whisper in hushed tones. As | tug him closer to me, more tears escape my eyes,


    blurring my vision. ¡°I love you so much, Zeke.¡±


    Touch


    Zeke remains silent, his body tensing up as he cautiously rubs my back.


    After a long pause, he finally finds his voice and speaks.


    ¡°Get some sleep, I''ll wake you up when my knot goes down.¡±

 Chapter 54

    Chapter 54


    Darkness


    Love and lust, intertwined in the tapestry of human connection, each with its own unique essence.


    Love, a word heavy with meaning, holds the promise of a connection that goes beyond mere physical attraction. It¡¯s the lingering


    warmth that remains after the storm, a gentle caress of understanding that transcends the physical. On the other hand, lust is a


    me that flickers and dances in the shadows, its heat fueled by a primal desire that wavers and weakens with the shifting winds.


    As | try to make sense of the conflicting emotions within, the line between love and lust blurs in my mind.


    | think back to my confession, where | reveal the depths of my feelings for Zeke amidst this dark and twisted backdrop. Does he


    catch those words, whispered in the hushed sanctuary of our shared vulnerability, or do they get swallowed by the overwhelming


    symphony of emotions that surrounds us?


    Uncertainty hangs in the air like a heavy fog, making it difficult to see what lies ahead. | wonder if Zeke catches wind of my


    confession but brushes it off, discarding my words like faint whispers in the breeze. The ache within me intensifies, weighing


    heavy on my chest, as | grapple with the possibility that my vulnerability is met with an eerie silence.


    | wonder if the pain I¡¯m experiencing is legitimate or if it''s simply a result of my own expectations.


    The faint echoes of our lovemaking linger in my ears, amplifying the heaviness in my heart. The weight of unspoken words


    seems to have settled in the spaces between us, casting a shadow on the sticky warmth between my legs, a testament to a


    moment that now feels distant and disconnected.


    As | lie here, | am acutely aware of the vulnerability that used to unite us, now reced by a delicate fragility.


    Did Zeke see past the surface, or was | just a temporary distraction in this messed up game? The disconnect between fun and


    feeling empty lingers, reminding us that doing something doesn¡¯t always mean it¡¯s fulfilling or loving.


    The physical sensations, when our skin and breath collide, are not without pleasure. But lying here, | feel hollow despite any


    momentary satisfaction. It¡¯s like a paradox, pleasure and emptiness all mixed up. It¡¯s a confusing mess of human connection.


    | figure I''d feel better in the intimacy and vulnerability. Instead, I¡¯m just lost in the aftermath, feeling more empty as | try to make


    sense of all these emotions.


    | feel used, and the feeling lingers like an unpleasant aftertaste. It¡¯s not about pointing fingers, but rather acknowledging that


    when the physical actcks emotional depth, it bes a mere transaction instead of an authentic connection. The emptiness


    within me intensifies, growing like a vast void that no amount of physical pleasure can satisfy.


    Thankfully, Zeke¡¯s knot detes.


    Wincing, | feel a persistent soreness between my legs that | desperately want to ignore. My entire being is in pain, but the


    anguish within me is unparalleled. He positions me on top of him, his arms tightly wrapped around me, providing aforting


    embrace to ease my pain.


    him.


    Zeke is snoring like a freight train,pletely oblivious to the world around


    | might think he is cute, but | want to punch him.


    With caution, | contort my body, gently separating myself from his grasp. He slips out of me swiftly, and a rush of warm cum


    trickles down my thighs, causing me to grimace. Despite the great s*x, | feel unsatisfied and ufortable, as if a sticky film


    clings to my skin.


    The heaviness in my chest lingers, a constant reminder of the vulnerability we just shared, fading away like a distant dream..


    11:43 Sun, 10 Mar


    Daitness


    80%


    As | crawl beside him, | feel the weight of exhaustion in my limbs, and a sigh escapes from deep within. In the stillness of the


    shelter, Zeke¡¯s rhythmic snores fill the air, a reminder of our intimate encounter. As the reality of the moment sinks in, | scramble


    to grab the nearest article of clothing to shield myself.


    His hoodie, abandoned on a nearby log, beckons me with itsforting presence. The moment | slip into it, the fabric embraces


    me, creating a cocoon-like sensation. The oversized garment hangs on me, swaying with every movement, feeling more like a


    dress than a hoodie.


    It''s a physical reminder of Zeke, a fabric connection that holds his scent.


    As the hoodie envelops me, | can¡¯t help but let out a small, contemtive sigh, feeling its softness against my skin. It¡¯s a shield


    that protects us and a bridge that connects us to the vulnerability we just shared. The fabric carries the lingering scent of Zeke, a


    comforting reminder of our brief moment of closeness that surpasses the confines of the Mating Run.


    As | pull the hoodie around me, I¡¯m instantly reminded of Zeke as his unique scent fills my senses. It¡¯s aforting blend of


    warmth and familiarity, like a gentle hug for my senses. Inhaling deeply, I¡¯m met with a strange blend of emotions ¡ª aforting


    familiarity tinged with confusion and sadness.


    | sit there, in the oversized hoodie, feeling its soft fabric against my skin, lost in thought. The silence around me is a paradox, at


    once overwhelming and soothing. Zeke remains oblivious to my departure, his snores echoing through the room, undisturbed by


    the changing atmosphere.


    As | stand up, | notice the shelter ispletely silent, with only the soft squishing of the ground beneath me. Zeke lies peacefully


    in his slumber, a still and silent figure amidst the tranquil early morningndscape. | nce at his peaceful sleeping form,


    wondering if his eyelids will flutter open, if he¡¯ll catch a glimpse of my absence.


    He remains motionless, lost in the realm of dreams, as | confront the stark reality of our intimate connection.


    As | move towards the door, a strange mix of emotions washes over me. The


    hoodie, a soft barrier against the vulnerability that now lingers, drapes loosely around me. | tug it closer, feeling the fabric brush


    against my skin as | pull the hood over my head. The oversized garment provides a shield, offering both protection and


    anonymity, like a cocoon to navigate the emotional aftermath in secret.


    The surroundings are enveloped in the lingering, humid and foggy air, a reminder of the early morning. A quiet haze nkets the


    world, creating a foggy and cold atmosphere. Inhaling deeply, | feel the hood enclosing my breath, creating a swirling haze in the


    chilly atmosphere.


    The fog¡ªden morning embraces me with a sense of peaceful istion as | take each step. The hoodie, still carrying Zeke¡¯s


    scent, serves as a constant reminder of the vulnerability we shared in that room. | pull the hoodie closer, savoring the softness of


    the fabric against my skin as it shields me from the chilly morning air. The hood engulfs me, blocking out the outside world,


    granting a semnce of privacy during this moment of departure.


    As | navigate through the quiet morning, my breath forms a visible cloud in the chilly air. Reaching for the strings of the hoodie, |


    struggle to find them in the mistden air. | walk with purpose, my steps resonating through the emotionalndscape that


    stretches before me.


    The mist surrounds me as | walk, intensifying my longing for a cool drink of water. Just a stone¡¯s throw away, there is a serene


    lake. | feel an intense longing to cleanse myself of the emotional residue that clings to me.


    Emerging from the mist, theke appears as a serene expanse, reflecting the emotional tranquility | long for. Stepping towards


    the water¡¯s edge, | can hear the soothing sound of gentle wavespping against the shore. The desire for a small bath, a


    moment of solitude amidst the rippling waters, grows more intense.


    | take a sip of the water, the coolness soothing my parched throat.


    The small waves of theke create a gentle symphony, a rhythmic melody that resonates with the quiet solitude of the morning. |


    sit still, my fingers grazing the surface of theke, absorbing the tranquil energy that emanates from the rippling


    waters.


    The world around me bes a muted backdrop as | walk towards theke, The water beckons, its surface a canvas of


    possibilities that mirrors theplexities within. | find myself drawn to its edge, the softpping of waves inviting me into a


    moment of quiet contemtion.


    Iga by the water¡¯s edge, the hoodie still draped over my shoulders,


    The waves kiss the shore in a gentle dance, a luby that echoes the emotionalndscape within me. | dip my feet into the water,


    letting the coolness envelop my


    ankles.


    The air is crisp, carrying the scent of theke and the promise of a new beginning. It¡¯s a moment of stillness, a pause in the


    relentless march of time that defines the twisted reality | find myself entangled in.


    | close my eyes, allowing the symphony of theke to envelop me.


    The small waves create a soothing melody, a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, there are pockets of tranquility waiting to


    be discovered. | let the quietude seep into my being, a respite from the emotional tumult that still lingers within.


    The soreness between my legs is a painful reminder of the choices | made, the vulnerability | sumbed to. | hate how easy it


    was to give in to Zeke, to let the boundaries blur in the heat of the moment. The physical intimacy, once a respite, now feels like


    a weight on my conscience, a mark ofpromise in the face of


    desire.


    | take another sip of the water, hoping its coolness will wash away not just the physical residue but also the emotional aftermath


    of shared intimacy.


    | open my eyes, the world around me a blur of muted colors. The water stretches before me, a reflective surface that mirrors the


    questions | carry within.


    Why did my life turn out this way? The question lingers in the depths of my mind, resonating with a bittersweet curiosity about the


    path that brought me here.


    | trace the outline of the hoodie with my fingers, the fabric a tangible link to the choices I¡¯ve made. The soreness between my


    legs intensifies, a physical


    manifestation of the vulnerability 1 allowed myself to embrace.


    it annoys me how effortless it was. | hate how | let everything get all blurry, boundaries fading like whispers in the wind. | hate


    how | lost my cool when things got intense | can¡¯t believe | let myself be drawn in like that.


    It''s a weight on my chest, this realization.


    A heavy burden that lingers in the quiet spaces of my mind, | didn¡¯t think it would be this easy, this quick to give in. But desire has


    a way of clouding judgment, of making the forbidden seem like an inevitable path,


    | can¡¯t stand how | let myself get caught up in wanting so much. | can¡¯t stand how everything crumbled, and | was left


    defenseless.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    In the quiet, the faint rustling of leaves catches my attention from behind.


    I''m thinking Zeke might be awake and came to find me.


    | take a deep breath, but the scent is unfamiliar, not his.


    The tense air makes me tense up, my senses heightened and on high alert.


    Asense of unease washes over me, and a shiver travels down my spine. As the movements draw closer, the pounding of my


    heart in my chest intensifies, resembling a wild animal desperately seeking escape. | turn, my heart racing, ready to confront


    whatever danger hides in the shadows.


    Panic engulfs me, and my trembling fingers desperately clutch onto a nearby rock, my knuckles turning pale.


    But it¡¯s toote.


    Suddenly, before | can see what approaches, a powerful blow to the back of my head sends a jolt of agony through my body.


    Everything shifts, and a wave of ckness consumes me entirely.


    | try to stay awake, but it¡¯s like trying to hold onto sand.


    All| could see was darkness.

 Chapter 55

    Chapter 55


    Abducted


    Darkness surrounds me, a suffocating shroud that smothers my senses.


    An unpleasant throbbing sensation lingers persistently at the back of my head.


    My eyes flutter open, but there¡¯s no light, only an abyss of ckness. Panic ws at my throat, and for a moment, | think I¡¯m


    trapped in a nightmare. But the cold reality settles in ¡ª I¡¯m blindfolded.


    | try to move, to shake off the disorienting fog, but something restrains me.


    My wrists ache, and a shiver of fear courses through me. They¡¯re tied behind my back, bound by some thick rope. Where am |?


    What happened?


    My ankles and legs are bound too, the tightness of the restraints cutting into my skin. I¡¯m a prisoner in the darkness, limbs


    confined by invisible chains. | attempt to speak, to call out for help, but | can¡¯t. A cloth, rough against my skin, is stuffed into my


    mouth, rendering me speechless.


    | lie on my side, vulnerable and defenseless. The air is heavy with the unknown, a thick fog that chokes my senses. Fear courses


    through my veins, a relentless tide that threatens to pull me under. | strain against the bindings, the desperate need for Freedom


    pulsating through every fiber of my being.


    My mind races, trying to piece together the fragments of memory.


    | just had s*x with Zeke, needed to breathe, so | ditched our ce. I¡¯ve got. nothing on except his hoodie, walking over to the


    lake, taking a drink. There was this person behind me, but definitely not Zeke.


    That person smacked the back of my head with something and kidnapped me.


    Time stretches in the darkness, an endless expanse without markers.


    | strain my ears, hoping for a clue, a sound that might unravel the mystery. But


    there¡¯s only silence, a profound stillness that amplifies the drumming of my own


    heartbeat.


    The cloth in my mouth muffles any attempt at sound, a cruel gag that stifles my cries for help. | want to scream, to shatter the


    oppressive silence, but my voice is imprisoned behind the barrier of fabric. | wonder if anyone can hear me, if there¡¯s anyone to


    hear.


    Fear settles like a heavy stone in the pit of my stomach.


    What do they want from me?


    The unknown looms like a specter, casting shadows on the canvas of my thoughts. | try to shift my weight, to test the limits of my


    captivity, but the restraints hold me in a vice-like grip.


    The ground beneath me is cold and unforgiving. | feel its texture through the thin fabric of my clothes. It¡¯s a stark contrast to the


    warmth of shared intimacy that now feels like a distant memory. | long to free my hands, to reach out and touch the darkness, but


    the bindings deny me even that simplefort.


    The air carries no familiar scent, only the sterile chill of uncertainty. | listen, hoping to catch the faintest whisper of movement, but


    the silence remains unbroken. It¡¯s a vacuum, swallowing my pleas and leaving me alone with the echoes of my own thoughts.


    A sudden jolt runs through me, a realization that I¡¯m not alone. | sense a presence, a subtle shift in the air that sends a shiver


    down my spine. My breath catches, and | strain to hear, to decipher the enigma that surrounds me.


    Footsteps, barely audible, resonate in the darkness. They approach with deliberate intent, each step echoing like a distant


    drumbeat. Fear tightens its grip, a coil winding around my chest.


    The footsteps draw closer, and | can almost feel the weight of someone¡¯s gaze. I¡¯m vulnerable, exposed, and the helplessness


    intensifies. | try to wriggle away, to escape the impending encounter, but the bindings hold me captive.


    The footsteps stop, and a heavy silence descends. | strain my ears, waiting for the next move in this macabre dance. A hand,


    cold against my skin, touches my cheek.


    | stiffen


    Avoice, low and guttural, murmurs something unintelligible. | strain to


    understand, but the words elude me.


    The hand moves, trailing down my neck, leaving a trail of unease in its wake. | want to scream, to resist, but the restraints deny


    me that basic right. Fear blooms, a noxious flower in the garden of my captivity.


    What do they want?


    What will they do to me?


    The cloth in my mouth is yanked away, and for a moment, | gasp for air.


    The room is silent, and my heartbeat echoes in the emptiness. But the relief is fleeting. My limbs remain bound, my eyes


    concealed by the blindfold, and the reality of my captivity settles like a heavy shroud.


    | can feel the fabric of the blindfold pressing against my eyes, the darkness enclosing me in a ustrophobic grip. Panic rises, a


    tide of fear that threatens to drown me. | scream, the sound raw and desperate, a plea for freedom in the silence of my captivity.


    Unable to move my legs or arms, | wriggle helplessly on the ground.


    ¡°Let me go! This isn¡¯t part of the Mating Run! It¡¯s against the rules!¡±


    My voice reverberates in the room, each word a defiance against the unknown


    captors.


    The silence that follows is unsettling.


    And then,ughter. A cold, heartlessughter that sends shivers down my spine. It¡¯s a sound devoid of humanity, a mockery that


    pierces the silence like a sinister melody. | shrink back, the echoes ofughter ringing in my ears like a


    Abducted


    haunting refrain.


    Arough hand grazes my neck, and | recoil at the touch.


    It''s a vition, a tactile intrusion that sends revulsion coursing through me. | want to vomit, to purge the contamination of their


    touch. The darkness amplifies the intensity of the sensation, the unknown hand a phantom that haunts my every


    nerve.


    ¡°Please, just let me go!¡±


    Theughter subsides, reced by a heavy quiet. | can sense their presence, a malevolence that lingers in the air like a foul


    stench. My mind races, trying to make sense of the situation, but the blindfold veils the truth in an imprable shroud.


    | try to move, to free myself from the bindings that hold me captive. The ropes dig into my flesh, a reminder of my helplessness.


    My limbs ache, but the restraints refuse to yield.


    The rough hand on my neck tightens, a cruel grasp that sends a jolt of pain through me. | gasp, the agony a visceral reminder of


    my vulnerability. My captor¡¯s fingers dig into my skin, squeezing with a malicious intent that leaves me trembling.


    skin.


    Avoice pierces the silence, a voice that sends shivers down my spine.


    ¡°Look at all these hickeys on your neck. But no mating mark, huh?¡±


    The words are a taunt, a mockingmentary on the symbols that adorn my


    Hickeys. The word reverberates in my mind, and | feel a flush of humiliation. My captor¡¯s fingers release their vice¡ªlike grip, and


    I''m left gasping for breath. The ache shouldn''t be this intense, but it stubbornly persists.


    ¡°No mating mark,¡± my captor repeats, the wordsden with a sinister satisfaction. ¡°He never changes, does he?¡±


    ¡°Thought you were important to Zeke, huh?¡± The wordsnd like a barrage of


    blows, each syble a strike against my already battered spirit. ¡°But look at your now, just another body he yed with.¡±


    | want to refute their words, to cling to the belief that there was meaning in the shared moments with Zeke. But my captor¡¯s voice


    is a relentless reminder of the deception that wove its tendrils through the fabric of my existence.


    Another touch, this time gentler, traces the contours of my face.


    | flinch, repulsed by my captor¡¯s proximity.


    ¡°You thought you were special, didn¡¯t you?¡± My captor¡¯s words are a de, slicing through the vestiges of my delusions. It was a


    harsh awakening, a truth that tarnishes the fragments of warmth | clung to in the darkness. My captor¡¯s fingers linger on my


    cheek, a touch that feels like a mockery of tenderness. ¡°No mating mark. You''re disposable, just like the rest.¡±


    The captor¡¯sughter resounds, a chorus of malevolence that mocks my vulnerability.


    ¡°He yed with you, and now you''re here. Alone. Helpless.¡±


    | gather the strength to speak, my voice a tremor in the oppressive silence.


    ¡°Why am | here?¡± The words hang in the air, a plea for answers in the void of uncertainty. ¡°Why did you kidnap me?¡±


    My captor remains silent for a moment, their breath echoing in the suffocating


    darkness.


    I clench my fists, frustration bubbling within me.


    ¡°Tell me why! What do you want?¡±


    The captor¡¯sughter subsides, reced by a cold calmness.


    ¡°| need to talk with Zeke. It¡¯s kind of frustrating that | got his vor of the week instead of him. Why did you have to wear his


    hoodie? It¡¯s not like you¡¯re mates.¡± TheText property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    captors words eche with a brutal honesty that stings. | flinch, the truth a bitter pill to swallow ¡°You''re just another body for him.


    You know that, don¡¯t you?¡±


    I grit my teeth, forcing myself to speak again.


    Tven if that¡¯s true, you kidnapped the wrong person. I¡¯m nothing to Zeke,¡¯ The admission hurts, a confession that echoes with the


    captor¡¯s damning words. ¡°If you want something from him, you''ve made a mistake.¡±


    The captor¡¯s response is a cold chuckle, a sound that sends shivers down my spine.


    ¡°You think you know Zeke? He may not care about you, but there¡¯s one thing he cares about. And that¡¯s being the star of the


    show.¡±


    ¡°... What?¡±


    ¡°God, you¡¯re an idiot.¡± The captor continues, their voice a sinister whisper in the darkness. ¡°Zeke always wanted to be the hero,


    the one who could guarantee sponsors. If acting like a savior to you could secure him the spotlight, he woulde running in an


    instant.¡±


    Suddenly, the cloth is pressed against my mouth again, and panic ws at the edges of my consciousness.


    | try to scream, to resist the encroaching darkness, but the fabric stifles any attempt at vocalization. My limbs il in a desperate


    bid for freedom, the ground beneath me a chaotic blur. Fear grips me, a visceral force that propels me into a frenzied struggle


    against the unseen assant.


    ¡°Quit it,¡± a voicemands, a low growl that sends shivers down my spine. ¡°Don¡¯t make this harder than it needs to be. You


    were just at the wrong ce at the wrong time. If there¡¯s anyone to me for this, it''s that murderer that you¡¯re sleeping with.


    My captor¡¯s hand tightens around my hair, a cruel grip that yanks me from the ground. | wince, the pain radiating through my


    scalp as I¡¯m forcibly dragged across an unknown terrain.


    | want to protest, to defy my captor¡¯s hold on me, but the cloth muffles any coherent words. My attempts at resistance are futile,


    and I''m left defenseless against my captor¡¯s relentless control.


    The world around me is a disorienting blur as I¡¯m dragged into the unknown. My surroundings remain shrouded in darkness, a


    void that mirrors the uncertainty of my captivity. | squirm, my body wriggling in a desperate attempt to break free from my


    captor¡¯s grip.


    | w at the ground, my fingers scraping against dirt and gravel, seeking any anchor that might offer respite from my captor¡¯s


    relentless pull. The pain in my scalp intensifies, a sharp reminder of my captor¡¯s physical control over me.


    | attempt to twist my body, hoping to loosen my captor¡¯s hold, but their grip remains firm. The fabric against my mouth stifles my


    attempts to vocalize my fear, leaving me trapped in a silent scream that echoes in the recesses of my mind.


    My captor¡¯s pace quickens, dragging me with an urgency that heightens my sense of dread. | can feel the uneven terrain


    beneath me, each jolt a painful reminder of my captor¡¯s relentless determination.


    The captor finallyes to a stop, and | find myself dumped onto a cold surface. | gasp for breath, the fabric momentarily


    removed from my mouth. Before | can utter a word, the captor¡¯s hand mps down on my jaw, silencing any potential


    protest.


    ¡°Stay quiet,¡± the captormands, their voice a low threat that leaves no room for defiance. ¡°Or I''ll cut your f**king tongue. I¡¯m


    serious. Nod if you understand.¡±


    | nod, a meek acknowledgment of my defenselessness.


    The cloth is ced forcefully over my mouth once more, and | am thrust back into the suffocating silence.

 Chapter 56

    Chapter 56


    Drug


    The cold seeps into my bones, a relentless chill that sends shivers down my


    spine.


    The ground beneath me is unforgiving, cold and rough against my restrained body. | can feel the coarse texture beneath my


    fingertips, confirming my suspicions ¡ª must be in some cave, a dark cavern where the echoes of my silent struggle reverberate


    in the shadows.


    I''ve lost track of time in this bleak abyss.


    The blindfold denies me the privilege of witnessing the passage of days, and the cold bes a cruelpanion in this


    istion.


    How long has it been since | was forcibly dragged into this ominous darkness? Hours? Days? The question lingers, unanswered


    in the void that surrounds me.


    A sudden jolt interrupts my contemtion, a brutal yank on my hair that tears through the veil of my thoughts. | gasp, my scream


    muffled by the fabric pressed against my mouth. The captor¡¯s grip on my hair is a vise, a painful reminder of their omnipotent


    control.


    Tears prick at the corners of my eyes as I¡¯m forcibly pulled into a sitting position. The blindfold denies me vision, leaving me to


    confront the darkness with a heightened sense of vulnerability. The cold seeps into my skin, intensifying the tremors that rack my


    body.


    The cloth is yanked from my mouth, a sudden liberation that leaves me gasping for air. I''m parched, my throat dry and pleading


    for relief. The captor¡¯s hand hovers near my lips, a sinister presence that lingers in the shadows.


    I''m yanked into an even more upright position, the cold ground biting into my skin. | can feel the captor¡¯s breath against my ear, a


    sinister whisper that sends a shiver down my spine.


    ¡°Drink.¡± the captormands, their voice a low growl that sends a shiver down my spine. ¡°Everyst drop. You hear me?¡±


    | nod, the desperation for water eclipsing any semnce of defiance. The captor¡¯s fingers press against my jaw, forcing my


    mouth open. The liquid spills into my mouth, and | gulp it down with a thirst that borders on desperation. The water cool, a


    fleeting respite from the suffocating dryness that has gued me. | swallow, each gulp a momentary reprieve from the torment of


    thirst.


    But as thest drops linger on my tongue, a bitter taste creeps in.


    ¡°What''s that?¡± | manage to croak, my voice barely audible. ¡°What did you make me drink?!¡±


    Before | can protest, the cloth is stuffed back into my mouth, silencing any attempt at vocalizing my fear. I¡¯m left to grapple with


    the lingering taste of the mysterious drink. The captor releases their grip on my hair, allowing me to slump back onto the


    unforgiving ground. | pant, my breaths erratic as | struggle to regain


    composure.


    Panic tightens its grip around my chest, my heart beating a frantic rhythm against the cage of my ribs. | should be foaming at the


    mouth by now if it¡¯s poison, right? But I¡¯m not. | don¡¯t feel anything, and that¡¯s even scarier.


    My mind races, a whirlwind of thoughts and fears colliding in the confines of my bound and blindfolded existence. | try to


    rationalize, to find a shred offort in the midst of this consuming dread. Maybe it¡¯s not poison, | tell myself. Maybe it¡¯s just a


    sick game, a psychological torment crafted by my captor.


    But doubt gnaws at the edges of my reasoning, a persistent voice that echoes the possibility of a sinister truth. What if it¡¯s a


    slow-acting poison, one that takes its time to wreak havoc within me? The uncertainty festers, a poison of its own kind,


    spreading through the corridors of my mind.


    | strain my senses, searching for any signs of impending doom. The cave remains an imprable shroud, its secrets concealed


    in the darkness that surrounds me. | try to listen for changes in my own body, a desperate attempt to decipher the enigma of the


    drink.


    No foaming at the mouth, no convulsions¡ªjust an unsettling stillness that amplifies the terror within me. My breathse in


    shallow gasps, the air heavy with the weight of the unknown.


    | tug at the restraints binding my wrists, as if the physical act of resistance could dispel the growing unease.


    | try to recall the taste, dissecting it in my mind like a forensic investigator examining evidence. Bitter, yes, but with an underlying


    note of something foreign and unsettling. The realization sends a chill down my spine. There was definitely something in that


    drink.


    | can feel the beat of my heart reverberating through my body, an erratic rhythm that mirrors the chaos within. The silence is


    punctuated by the haunting echoes of my own fear, each breath a reminder of the fragile boundary between existence and the


    unknown.


    I strain my ears, hoping for any signs of an approaching presence. The captor¡¯s footsteps remain absent, leaving me to confront


    the deafening silence. The minutes stretch into an agonizing stretch of uncertainty, each momentden with the weight of


    impending doom.


    | attempt to regte my breathing, to quell the rising tide of panic that threatens to consume me. But the fear persists, a


    relentless adversary that refuses to be subdued. I¡¯m caught in the grip of an invisible tormentor, the boundaries between reality


    and nightmare blurring into a disorienting haze.


    | wonder if my captor is watching, reveling in the psychological torment they''ve unleashed. The taste of the drink haunts me, a


    spectral presence that casts a shadow over my every thought. | close my eyes, seeking refuge from the oppressive darkness


    that surrounds me.


    The minutes drag on, an unyielding procession that brings me no closer to understanding the nature of the drink. I¡¯m suspended


    in this limbo of uncertainty, my mind a battleground of fears and conjectures.


    Was this the beginning of the end, or merely a prelude to a more insidious torment?


    brud


    Sweat beads on my forehead, a testament to the fevered tumult within. | try to wipe it away, but the restraints hold my arms ina


    cruel embrace, denying me even that small sce.


    Drool escapes the confines of my mouth, an involuntary release that adds to the humiliating tableau of my distress. | can taste


    the saltiness, a bitter reminder of my vulnerability. | want to swallow it back, to regain a semnce of control, but the taste lingers


    like an unwee specter.


    My breathse in ragged gasps, each inhtion a struggle against the suffocating air. The cave bes abyrinth of


    shadows, the darkness pressing in on me from all sides. | try to calm my frantic breathing, but the air feels thick and heavy, a


    stifling presence that only exacerbates the unease.


    Muscles tense and quiver, a symphony of difort that ys across the canvas of my bound and blindfolded existence. The


    restraints offer no reprieve, and I¡¯m left to confront the relentless assault on my senses. | try to flex my fingers, to regain a sense


    of agency, but the bonds hold them captive.


    Apeculiar itch dances just beneath my skin, an elusive torment that eludes my attempts to alleviate it. | squirm within the


    confines of my captivity, the urge to scratch and w at the invisible assant intensifying with each passing moment.


    I clench my thighs, a desperate attempt to anchor myself amidst the chaos that engulfs me. The sensation between my legs


    intensifies, a disconcerting awareness that adds ayer of shame to my alreadypromised state. | want to resist, to deny the


    arousal that coils within me, but the relentless onught of physical distress blurs the lines between resistance and surrender.


    Dizziness descends like a suffocating fog, obscuring my thoughts and leaving me disoriented in this cavernous prison. The world


    spins, a dizzying carousel that adds to the disconcerting symphony of my torment. | want to cry out, to voice the anguish that


    courses through me, but the cloth stifles any attempt at artiction.


    | realized that what my captor made me drink wasn¡¯t poison. The taste of the aphrodisiac lingered on my tongue, as its effects


    began to take hold, filling me with


    an overwhelming sense of lust.


    Hunger gnaws at the edges of my consciousness, a primal need that amplifies the desperation within. | feel a yearning, not for


    sustenance, but for Zeke. The hunger transforms into a visceral craving, an ache that resonates through the very core of my


    being. | whimper and cry, the sound muffled by the oppressive silence that envelops me.


    f


    My body feels like a battleground, a war between the physical and the intangible. I¡¯m swept away on a tide of sensations, each


    one a merciless reminder of my helplessness.


    Droplets of tears mingle with the sweat on my cheeks, a silent testimony to the emotional tumult that apanies the physical


    ordeal. The itch persists, an insidious presence that burrows deeper into my psyche. | clench my teeth, a futile attempt to stave


    off the rising tide of difort.


    The blindfold lifts, and my vision swims through a blur of tears.


    | squint, trying to make sense of the shapes that materialize before me. Faces, twisted and malevolent, emerge from the


    shadows, their features contorted into smirks that deepen the horror etched across my expression.


    | blink through the tears, and the nightmarish reality solidifies. It¡¯s not just one captor ¡ª there was five.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Four men, their sinewy muscles glistening and their visages smeared with blood, dominate the scene as they hover above me.


    They wear smirks like prized treasures, finding pleasure in the taste of my pain. Among them stands a woman, exuding an


    equally menacing aura, her gaze resembling a frigid ember that radiates with sadistic intensity.


    | writhe on the cold ground, a puppet in the hands of these tormentors.


    The echoes of my cries bounce off the cave walls, a haunting symphony that apanies the malevolent dance of my captors. |


    try to crawl away, to escape their leering gaze, but my movements are feeble, and the restraints mock my futile attempts at


    defiance.


    One of therger men, a towering behemoth with muscles rippling, seizes my jaw in a grip as strong as iron.


    | feel his hands on my chin, forcefully tilting my head back, leaving me feeling vited. The widening of his smirk allows me to


    see his teeth, stained with the same darkness as our surroundings. With the taste of bile lingering in my throat, | am further


    humiliated by the man¡¯sughter, which only grows more intense.


    | try to speak, to beg for mercy, but the thumb in my mouth silences mepletely. Reduced to whimpers, my pleas for help go


    unheard under the oppressive hold of my captors. In the darkness, the woman''s eyes gleam with an untamed intensity,


    foreshadowing the horrors yet toe.


    ¡°Don¡¯t me us, me him.¡±


    The woman hisses, her voice a cruel serenade that dances on the precipice of my understanding. The woman crouches in front


    of me, her eyes cold and unforgiving. She drags the hood of my hoodie down, exposing my neck to the cruel scrutiny of her


    gaze.


    | can¡¯t help but shiver as her fingers explore the curves of my skin, leaving me feeling vulnerable and exposed.


    Then, she tugs the cor of her hoodie, exposing the soft, vulnerable curve of her neck. As she lifts her hair, a delicate pattern of


    bruised skin bes visible on her neck, a distinct mating mark. The mark holds my gaze, and a sudden wave of dizziness


    overwhelms me, as if the cave walls are constricting, amplifying the shadow of revtion upon my understanding.


    As our eyes meet, | catch a glimpse of malice lurking within the depths of her


    gaze.


    Leaning in, she exhales a noxious whisper that sends a shiver down my spine.


    ¡°He killed my mate,¡± The woman confesses, each word a heavy anchor that drags me further into the abyss of despair. ¡°And so


    I''m going to kill his.¡±

 Chapter 57

    Chapter 57


    In His Eyes: Lost


    Zeke¡¯s POV


    The first thing | be aware of as | wake up, groggy, is the sound of birds chirping outside our makeshift shelter.


    My senses are immediately met with a void, as | notice the absence of any sights or sounds around me. The bed feels cold,


    colder than it should be. Instinctively, my hand reaches out and pats the empty space beside me, hoping for warmth, only to be


    met with cold.


    Like an unwanted visitor, panic begins to infiltrate my being amidst the hazy morning.


    My eyes dart around the shelter, desperately searching for any trace of her presence, but it remains vacant. Alina¡¯s gone. She


    didn¡¯t return. Just as she has gone missing, so has my hoodie, adding to the sense of loss and confusion.


    ¡°Shit!¡±


    The realization hits me with the force of a gut-wrenching blow.


    ¡°Alina?¡±


    Desperately, | call out, my voice bouncing off the walls of the empty space. There¡¯s no response, and the silence bes


    almost oppressive, filling the air with a haunting presence. Anxiety tightens its grip on my chest, causing my heart to ace.


    Scrambling for my clothes, | feel the urgency building inside me, urging me to


    hurry.


    | pull on my jogger pants, the worn-out material reminding me of the countless miles I¡¯ve run in them. Frustrated, | let out a sharp


    exhale of curses under my breath. The panic intensifies, my heart pounding like thunder in my chest.


    Where has she gone off to?


    Why did she leave me?


    As if she could materialize out of thin air, | frantically scan the surroundings, my


    maze, eyes darting in every direction. The familiar forest now feels like an intricate devoid of any sense of direction. My voice


    trembles with desperation as | call out for her again, the fear inside me growing stronger.


    ¡°Alina! Where are you?¡±


    My words hang in the air, lingering, waiting for a response that neveres. My pleas fell on deaf ears as the stoic forest


    remained indifferent. | stumble out of the shelter, my eyes darting anxiously in every direction, desperate to catch even the


    faintest trace of her presence.


    As | look around, all | can see are endless trees and a sea of vibrant green leaves. My throat tightens as | swallow the lump


    forming, my hand instinctively reaching up to w at my hair, all while the cameras continue to document my


    every move.


    ¡°Alina, please!¡±


    Every syble | utter is tinged with desperation, my voice wavering uncontrobly. Waking up alone sent shivers down my spine,


    a feeling of terror | never anticipated. Although I¡¯ve often woken up alone, her absence has left me feeling like a fragment of


    myself is missing.


    Avoice inside my head taunts me, saying that if | had marked her, | wouldn¡¯t be in this situation. | grit my teeth and try to block it


    out, but my growling persists, causing me to pace restlessly around our shelter.


    | trudge through the forest, the branches scratching against my skin, my steps hesitant and unsure. The dense foliage seemed to


    encroach upon me, taunting my fruitless search. With each passing moment, the fear grows stronger, twisting my stomach into a


    tight knot.


    | reach the edge of the small clearing, and the warm sunlight filters through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground.


    Alinal Where are you??


    | call again, the echoes of her name fading away, leaving behind a profound


    emptiness.


    Did she leave willingly? Was she taken?


    Each question grows more menacing, echoing through the silence.


    | stumble through the underbrush, the sound of twigs snapping under my feet echoing through the silent forest. My heart leaps at


    the slightest rustle in the leaves and the faintest sigh of the wind. A pang of regret washes over me as | wonder if | should have


    been more attentive. Should | have picked up on something being off?


    My mind races, vividly imagining different scenarios of what could have transpired. Perhaps she was overwhelmed with fear,


    causing her to hastily retreat. Maybe somebody stumbled upon us, forcing her to make the difficult decision to leave and shield


    us from harm. The possibilities stretched out before her, each one carrying a weight of foreboding.


    As | find myself back at the shelter, the emptiness of her absence is amplified by the cold bed. The panic rises, its intensity


    growing like a storm brewing inside


    1. me.


    | remember the way her presence beside me brought a sense of warmth and contentment. Now, all that remains is the chilling


    absence of a vacant bed. Frustration bubbles up inside me, causing me to mutter a curse under my breath. Why did she just up


    and leave like that?


    | grab my head, attempting to physically rid myself of the mental fog that engulfs me.


    run my fingers through my hair again, feeling the knots and tangles that only add to my frustration.


    There¡¯s no way she went far. | remember her telling me she needed some space to breathe, and | feel guilty for leaving her by


    herself. | should have gone to her, embraced her tightly, and offered sce for whatever burden she carried.


    But |


    chest.


    was a fool, and now all | could feel was the weight of regret settling in my


    I sit alone, surrounded by the shadows of the shelter we built together. The emptiness echoes in the silence, a haunting reminder


    of her absence. The cold bed, untouched and unshared, reflects the void that has grown within me. And now, the weight of regret


    settles like an anchor in my chest.


    Alina. Her name reverberates through my mind, a bittersweet melody that taunts me with what could have been. | had a chance


    to make her mine, to im her. She wanted it, her eyes revealing a vulnerability that | chose to ignore..


    Regret, a bitter taste, rises in my throat. | had the power to make her mine, to cross the threshold that separated us, but |


    hesitated. Fear clutched at my heart, whispering doubts that now echo in the emptiness of the shelter.


    Should | have taken the risk?


    The question lingers like a specter, haunting my thoughts. Alina, with her warmth andughter, deserved more than the


    uncertainty | offered. | let her slip through my fingers, and now the regret gnaws at me, an insidious force that refuses to be


    ignored.


    | thought | wasn¡¯t ready for a rtionship. Themitment, the vulnerability, it all felt like a daunting abyss that | wasn¡¯t prepared


    to navigate. But looking back, was that just an excuse? A shield to protect myself from the unknown?


    Alina was ready. She wore her heart on her sleeve, her desire for connection evident in the way she looked at me. And I, in my


    indecision, failed to reciprocate. | failed to see that she could be the anchor in this chaotic world, the one constant that could


    tether me to something more.


    | sit alone, surrounded by the shadows of the shelter we built together. The emptiness echoes in the silence, a haunting reminder


    of her absence. The cold bed, untouched and unshared, reflects the void that has grown within me. And now, the weight of regret


    settles like an anchor in my chest.


    aten through my mind a bittersweet melody that


    taunts me with what could have been. | had a chance to make her mine, to im her as more than just apanion in the


    Mating Run. She wanted it, her eyes revealing a vulnerability that | chose to ignore.


    Regret a bitter taste, rises in my throat. | had the power to make her mine, to cross the threshold that separated us, but |


    hesitated. Fear clutched at my heart, whispering doubts that now echo in the emptiness of the shelter.


    Should | have taken the risk? The question lingers like a specter, haunting my thoughts. Alina, with her warmth andughter,


    deserved more than the uncertainty | offered. | let her slip through my fingers, and now the regret gnaws at me, an insidious


    force that refuses to be ignored.


    | thought | wasn¡¯t ready for a rtionship. Themitment, the vulnerability, it all felt like a daunting abyss that | wasn¡¯t prepared


    to navigate. But looking back, was that just an excuse? A shield to protect myself from the unknown?


    Alina was ready. She wore her heart on her sleeve, her desire for connection evident in the way she looked at me. And I, in my


    indecision, failed to reciprocate. | failed to see that she could be the anchor in this chaotic world, the one constant that could


    tether me to something more profound than the fleeting moments of the Mating Run.


    | let fear dictate my actions, and now I¡¯m left with the aftermath of my choices.


    | trace the familiar path through the trees, each step a desperate plea for her presence. The branches seem to reach out like


    using fingers, pointing at the consequences of my indecision. | cry out her name, my voice resonating in the calmness of the


    forest, but its secrets remain locked away, refusing to disclose her


    location.


    Suddenly, my senses be heightened. | take a deep breath, hoping to catch a whiff of her delicate scent lingering in the air. A


    subtle mixture of wildflowers and warmth that lingers in the air. The trail beneath my feet acts as a lifeline, leading me forward


    through the vast expanse of uncertainty.


    Hope flickers as | catch the first whiff of her scent.


    Asmall, involuntary smile tugs at the corners of my mouth. Right, it was possible that she had taken a bath in the cool waters of


    the nearbyke. The thought warms me like a cozy firece, providing a glimmer of sce in the midst of this relentless search.


    But as | keep following the smell, things start to shift.


    The air thickens, and underneath the familiar fragrance of Alina¡¯s skin, there¡¯s a metallic tang. My instincts scream, and a cold


    shiver runs down my spine.


    In the face of fear, my chest tightens, and | am left with no choice but to break into a run. | feel the rush of wind as the forest


    blurs past me, my focus solely on the scent ahead. Panic surges through me, making it hard to breathe as if my throat is being


    clenched by an invisible force. A series of fleeting images, all about Alina looking vulnerable and hurt, race through my mind.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    | can¡¯t let anything happen to her; | won''t.


    Blood.


    My senses are overwhelmed as the scent of blood and her scent merge, creating an eerie and unsettling atmosphere.


    The scent grows stronger, permeating the air, guiding me to the edge of a familiar clearing. Theke, tranquil and reflective,


    mirrors the torment in my eyes. My heart races, the sound echoing in my ears, as | scan the surroundings with heightened


    senses.


    And then, | see it.


    ¡°No, no, no, no.¡±


    In the clearing, there was a patch of grass stained with a deep crimson color. The undeniable truth confronts me, but my mind


    stubbornly clings to denial, refusing to process it. Blood. Alina¡¯s blood.


    Panic takes hold, and | feel myself teetering on the edge of cking out.


    My hands shake uncontrobly as | touch the damp earth, feeling the cold, wet texture against my skin. The overpowering scent


    fills the air, and a wave of dread washes over me, constricting my chest, | call out her name, my voice trembling as it


    reverberates through the eerie stillness of the clearing.


    ¡°No... no!¡±


    But the only response is the ghostly echo of my own voice, lingering in the silence.


    My breathing bes erratic, each breathing in short, gasping bursts. As an enraged sob threatened to escape my throat,


    my attention was diverted by something else in my line of sight. Within a few feet of Alina¡¯s blood, there were clear footsteps


    imprinted in the ground.


    Tracks that go somewhere far into the woods.


    With a menacing snarl, | sprint forward, the sound of my footsteps echoing in


    my ears.

 Chapter 58

    Chapter 58


    In His Eyes: Vicious


    Zeke¡¯s POV


    The forest is alive with the scent of Alina¡¯s blood, a trail that cuts through the crisp air like a morbid melody. Panic clenches my


    chest, each inhale saturated with the metallic tang that heralds danger. Running through the dense foliage, | can feel the urgency


    building within me, threatening to engulf my every thought.


    Navigating through thebyrinth of trees, | am constantly deceived by the yful shadows that seem to move and shift. With


    Alina¡¯s life hanging in the bnce, time seems to stretch on endlessly, each second dragging on with unbearable weight. My


    teeth clenched tightly, a wave of frustration surged through my veins, intensifying with each beat of my heart.


    She shouldn''t be suffering, not like this.


    | messed up big time by letting this happen.


    As | barrel through the underbrush, a figure emerges from the shadows. As | walked, another Hunter suddenly appeared in front


    of me, obstructing my way. My desperate sprint is abruptly interrupted by his jarring presence, throwing me off course. | can feel


    the anger simmering beneath my skin, a fiery intensity that threatens to erupt.


    ¡°Don''t f**k with me.¡± Snarling, | can feel the tension in my muscles, rippling just beneath my skin. ¡°I ain¡¯t got the time for this shit.¡±


    Asmug smirk spreads across the Hunter¡¯s face, intensifying my frustration. He points a spear in my direction, a crude weapon


    that mirrors the primitive hostility of our surroundings. Coming to a standstill, | can¡¯t help but feel my fists clenching involuntarily. |


    don¡¯t have a single moment to spare, especially when Alina¡¯s life hangs in the bnce.


    ¡°| know you,¡± The Hunter¡¯s sneer deepens, his eyes narrowing with contempt, leaving no doubt about his disdain. ¡°You''re the one


    who murders people for sport,


    aren''t you?¡±


    | shake my head, a mocking sound escaping my mouth. A low, seething voice escapes my lips, resonating through the forest like


    an echoing growl of frustration. Surveying the area, | frantically searched for an alternative route to avoid this pointless


    obstruction.


    ¡°Hey.¡± The Hunter repeats his words, his footsteps growing louder as he approaches, the tip of his spear pressing firmly against


    my chest. | stand my ground, not even wincing as he thrusts the spear lightly into my chest, the sharp point puncturing my flesh.


    ¡°l asked you a question, for f**k¡¯s sake. That''s you, ain¡¯t it? The Alpha¡¯s goddamnpdog.¡±


    The question gnaws at me like an incessant ticking sound. I¡¯m so over this, | just want him to move aside and drop dead. Killing


    him is out of the question for me. The cameras are all on me, and he wasn¡¯t exactly wrong either. | am limited to taking out


    targets solely at the Alpha¡¯s discretion. It frustrates me, but other than that, | can¡¯t simply end someone¡¯s life without justification.


    | can¡¯t kill his son, even though | really, really want to.


    | was given strict instructions to intimidate him enough that he would give up on the Mating Run.


    And the bastard didn''t.


    But the others don¡¯t know that, do they? To them, | am nothing more than a merciless instrument of death. And maybe | am,


    maybe that¡¯s the true essence of my being. Still, | couldn¡¯t care less anymore.


    Without knowing if Alina is safe or not, nothing else holds any significance.


    But the Hunter remains obstinate, his spear a barrier between me and the desperate pursuit of Alina¡¯s fading scent. The forest


    seems to close in around us, a ustrophobic space where the echoes of our conflict blend with the rustling leaves and ominous


    whispers of the trees.


    The Hunter¡¯s smirk widens, his confidence bolstered by myck of weaponry.


    ¡°You think you can just run through here like you own the ce? Not today. murderer. Today, you pay for your sins.¡±


    His words serve as both a challenge and a deration, stoking the mes of my


    anger.


    With each step | took, my narrowed eyes served as a silent warning. | grip the spear tightly, feeling the rough texture of the wood


    against my palm as | effortlessly snap it in half.


    ¡°| won''t hesitate to kill you if you get in my way. Move aside, now.¡±


    Of course, that was a lie, especially given the cameras now fixated on me. The stakes were high, and a single mistake could


    cost me my life. The Alpha wasn¡¯t someone you wanted to mess with. And this is another reason why Victor Craft


    would be a worthless sessor.


    He¡¯s a dumbass who knows jack shit.


    Despite everything, the Hunter¡¯s defiance persists, his arrogance unwavering. With a swift motion, he lunges at me again, the


    weight of half the spear threatening to knock me off bnce. Instinct kicks in, and | quickly sidestep, narrowly escaping the


    deadly trajectory with a rush of adrenaline.


    My veins pulse with anger, electrifying my senses with a surge of adrenaline.


    ¡°| already said | don¡¯t have any time for this!¡±


    ¡°Die!¡±


    | need to wrap this up as soon as possible. With every passing moment, Alina slips further away. With each step, the Hunter


    moves with calcted precision, his eyes locked on his target. As | flex my fingers, a desperate longing for thefort of a


    weapon consumes me, yet the forest remains silent, offering no sce, no respite from this primal confrontation.


    The scent of blood, a haunting reminder of Alina¡¯s plight, saturates the air. | can¡¯t afford to be sidetracked by this petty skirmish,


    but the Hunter remains a


    stubborn obstacle. As he lunges again, | dodge, my movements fueled by a raw determination to break free.


    With a swift motion, | disarm the Hunter, the ng of the spear hitting the ground echoing through the air. | take advantage of the


    surprise in his widened eyes, seizing the moment of vulnerability. A powerful strikends across his jaw, a testament to the


    frustration and anger that courses through me.


    He stumbles backward, his head spinning for a moment.


    Closing the distance between us, | take advantage of the opportunity. With each calcted strike, my fists unleash a torrent of


    controlled fury, a cathartic release of the building tension within me.


    | don¡¯t punch him with enough force to end his life, but it¡¯s sufficient to render him unconscious. Or at least, | hope it does, he¡¯s


    still blinking, his eyelids fluttering as he battles against it, even though it¡¯s a lost cause. Gasping for breath, the Hunter struggles


    to orient himself, his senses overwhelmed by the relentless assault.


    ¡°You... You aren''t... It''s toote... to save her-¡±


    Betweenbored breaths, he coughs and spits out saliva. A nerve pops in my head, and | let out a feral growl, delivering one


    final, forceful punch. As heughs, blood stters from his mouth, and he quickly turns to the side to spit out a few teeth coated


    in blood.


    | grab him by the cor, my eyes aze with determination.


    ¡°Tell me where the f** she is!¡±


    With a low and menacing voice, | made my demand. Through his swollen lips, the Hunter''s smirk is a twisted defiance that


    infuriates me. But he remains silent, an imprable barrier against the desperate pleas that pour out of me.


    The forest pressed closer, its looming shadows transforming into macabre figures that silently observed my desperate attempt to


    regain my sanity. | tighten my grip on him, feeling the surge of frustration urging me to unleash my anger on this Hunter.


    4/7


    In this Eyes Vicious


    But the scent of Alina¡¯s blood lingers, a chilling reminder of the true enemy that awaits beyond this petty skirmish.


    Aprimal roar erupts from me, reverberating through the forest as | unleash the Hunter. In a final act of desperation, | deliver a


    powerful punch, leaving him. unconscious and defeated. He crumples to the ground, the weight of defeat evident. in his slumped


    shoulders and defeated posture. | spare no more thoughts for him.


    Alina¡¯s scent fills the air, beckoning me closer.


    I run, my steps fueled by an unrelenting determination to reach her. The Hunter''s taunts linger like a bitter aftertaste, but | push


    them aside. The forest seems to pulse with the urgency of my pursuit, the shadows converging as if guiding me towards the


    source of Alina¡¯s suffering.


    The scent of blood, though faint, bes a beacon that guides me through thebyrinth of trees. My heart pounds in tandem


    with my footsteps, the rhythm a desperate plea for her survival. The shadows seem to retreat, acknowledging the gravity of my


    quest.


    As | break through the dense foliage, a clearing emerges before me.


    The ground is stained with the unmistakable hue of blood, a sinister tableau that churns my stomach with dread.


    Two men stand in my path, their figures cloaked in shadows that dance with the eerie glow of moonlight. The air is heavy with a


    metallic scent, the unmistakable tang of blood that sends a shiver down my spine.


    These men, armed with weapons tightly grasped, embody the impending threat of violence, their intentions made clear by the


    chilling sight of a bat decorated with rusty nails and a machete coated in crimson.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    My steps falter, as a sudden surge of instinct warns me to proceed with caution. The clearing resembles a battlefield, with fallen


    branches and trampled grass, and | find myself standing on the edge of danger. The air is heavy with the scent of Alina¡¯s blood,


    creating an eerie atmosphere that clouds the way forward.


    The men¡¯s faces are hidden in the shadows, but their determined expressions reveal their intent. They bore the marks of


    violence, a grim trail etched upon their bodies. Standing like protectors of a forbidden realm, the bat-wielder and machete¡ª


    bearer¡¯s looming shadows added a foreboding aura to the clearing.


    | narrow my eyes, my throat emitting a low growl that reverberates through the


    air.


    ¡°Where the f**k is she?¡± | inhale deeply, desperately searching for a hint, a scent that will guide me to her. Behind them, a small


    cabin looms, its presence sending shivers down their spines amidst the forest. And | just knew, Alina was inside. ¡°Give her back!¡±


    ¡°Give her back?¡± The man, with a bat in hand, let out a mockingughter directed at my face. ¡°No mark on her neck, she doesn¡¯t


    belong to anyone.¡±


    My mind goes nk, leaving behind only a boiling rage. The sound that escapes my lips is a low, guttural growl,pletely


    unrecognizable as my own.


    ¡°Give her back to me!¡±


    The bat¡ªwielder takes a step forward, a wicked grin stretching across his face. The nails on the bat glint with a malevolent


    gleam, a cruel parody of a weapon designed to inflict pain. The machete¡ªbearer remains silent, his gaze fixed on me with an


    intensity that sends a shiver down my spine.


    ¡°Why are you in such a rush? How about we have some fun ying a game and getting to know each other? Since we know a


    lot about you, it¡¯s only fair you want to know more about us too.¡±


    My fists clench at my sides, frustration and anger swirling within me.


    My instincts scream for me to charge, to tear through these men and reach Alina¡¯s side. Yet, caution prevails, a calcted


    awareness that this is not a battle to be rushed into blindly.


    Finally, they lunged towards me, their eyes filled with aggression.


    The bat¡ªwielder lunges, a savage cry tearing through the air. | sidestep, a dance of evasion that mirrors the primal choreography


    of the forest. The machete-bearer follows suit, a silent predator closing in on its prey.


    My movements are a fusion of instinct and calcted precision. | weave through their attacks, a seamless dance that defies the


    encroaching darkness. The bat-wielder¡¯s swings be frenzied, desperation creeping into his every motion. The machete¡ª


    bearer remains a silent enigma, his every strike measured and deliberate.


    | retaliate, my muscles tense as a surge of raw power courses through me, driving me forward.

 Chapter 59

    Chapter 59


    In His Eyes: Executioner


    Zeke¡¯s POV


    Pain ripples through me, a searing current thatnces down my spine as the bat, adorned with rusted nails, connects with a


    brutal force.


    My lips release a wild and unrestrained howl, its echoes resounding through the forest like a mournful cry for the pain pulsating


    within me. In the air, the mingling scent of blood, both mine and theirs, lingers, intensifying the raw intensity of the brutal dance


    happening in the moonlit clearing.


    I snarl, my teeth exposed in a menacing disy, as defiance zes in my eyes. The bat-wielder stands before me, his face


    contorted into a twisted grin, savoring the suffering he has unleashed. However, | am not one to back down easily. A surge of wild


    anger propels me towards him, my unsheathed ws a testament to my transformation into a creature of darkness, instinctively


    fighting for survival.


    The bat descends again, a malevolent arc seeking to crush bone and sinew.


    | dodge, a dance of evasion that defies the pain radiating from my back. The forest bes a shadowy arena, where the sh


    of wills and weapons echoes through the night.


    My growl is guttural, a symphony of defiance that punctuates the darkness.


    Momentarily taken aback by my resilience, the bat¡ªwielder tightens his grip on the weapon, preparing for another strike. But |


    have the advantage of speed. In response, | swiftly counter with a retaliatory strike, my ws slicing through the air. The smell of


    fear permeates the atmosphere around him, intensifying my determination.


    In the midst of our brutal dance, a sh of movement catches my eye. The machete-bearer, silent and stoic, advances with


    lethal intent. My senses, honed by years of survival, alert me to the impending threat.


    With a predator''s instinct, | twist away from the bat-wielder, narrowly avoiding a collision with the looming machete,


    The forest watches, its towering trees casting long shadows over the chaotic scene below, Waves of pain shoot through me, a


    constant reminder of the merciless beating from the bat. Despite everything, the me inside me continues to rage.


    Undeterred by my evasion, the machete-bearer lunges with calcted precision, the gleam of the de reflecting in their


    determined eyes. Without thinking, | unleashed a swift kick directly towards his stomach. As the blownds, the machete¡ªbearer


    stumbles back, momentarily dazed and struggling to regain their bnce. It is a fleeting advantage, a temporary edge that |


    pursue with unrestrained determination.


    | seize the opportunity, swift and decisive. With a lightning¡ªquick motion, | disarm him, wrenching the machete from his grasp.


    The bnce of power shifts, a pendulum swinging in my favor. The machete, now in my hands, bes an extension of my


    feral prowess.


    The bat¡ªwielder regains hisposure, eyes narrowing with a mixture of rage and desperation. He lunges again, but this time, |


    am ready. The machete meets the bat in a sh of metal and wood, a primal symphony that reverberates through the clearing.


    The forest stands silently, bearing witness to our fierce struggle, a battlefield where destiny teeters on the edge. The pungent


    scent of blood lingers in the air, a stark reminder of the sacrifices necessary for survival. | snarl, a creature of the night, my


    canines bared as | battle against the encroaching darkness.


    With each swing of the bat-wielder, the earth shook beneath me, the force of their attacks bing increasingly fric. With


    each parry, the piercing sound of ws scraping against wood echoes through the air, adding to the sh of primal forces. With


    each swing of the machete, | feel its weight and power as it effortlessly cuts through the thick vegetation, creating a symphony of


    echoes that bounce off the trees.


    The machete-bearer, recovering from the kick, reenters the fray. The forest seems to exhale a collective breath, as if anticipating


    the resolution that looms on


    the horizon. | stand my ground, a lone figure against the backdrop of shadows.


    The machete gleams in the moonlight, a silent testament to the ferocity of our struggle. The bat-wielder, sensing the tide turning,


    grows more erratic in his


    attacks.


    My lips part and a roar escapes, reverberating through the forest. With each strike, the bat-wielder¡¯s resolve weakens, his


    movements bing sluggish under the weight of my relentless onught. With a swift swing, the machete connects, delivering


    a decisive strike that sends him sprawling to the ground.


    The machete-bearer attacks, a desperate bid to salvage the waning battle. | meet each strike with a calcted parry, ws and


    machete colliding in a symphony of chaos. The scent of blood intensifies, a potent cocktail of fear and determination saturating


    the air.


    With each sh, the forest seems to pulse with an otherworldly energy. The machete bes an extension of my will, a tool of


    survival wielded against the encroaching darkness. The bat¡ªwielder, still sprawled on the ground, watches with helpless fury.


    In a final, desperate gambit, the machete-bearer lunges, sweat dripping from his brow. With a swift maneuver, | counter, the


    sh of ws and machete echoing through the air, sealing his fate. The machete connects with a resounding thud, causing him


    to stagger backwards.


    The forest falls into a hushed silence, with only the sound of mybored breaths breaking the stillness. | stand amidst the


    aftermath, machete in hand, a lone figure in the sea of shadows. The bat-wielder and machete-bearer lie defeated, their forms


    silent witnesses to the unforgiving dance of survival.


    The scent of blood still hangs heavy in the air, a visceral testament to the price paid for victory. | take a moment to breathe, the


    adrenaline-fueled haze gradually dissipating. The clearing, once fraught with tension, now holds a solemn stillness.


    In the moonlight, the machete gleams, its de marked by the remnants of past conflicts. As | lower it, my fingers loosen their


    grip, and | feel the tension in my muscles slowly easing away. In the silence that follows, my ears strain to pick up


    any sounding from the cabin. The unmistakable odor of blood fills the air, beckoning me towards the heart of darkness.


    At the beginning of the Mating Run, it¡¯s a different kind of game for me.


    The Alpha, with his eyes colder than the winter night, hands me a list of names. No words needed; | get it. These are the ones |


    have to eliminate. It¡¯s a silent pact, an understanding forged in the shadows of our pack.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Why? No need to ask.


    The Alpha doesn¡¯t waste words, and | don¡¯t waste questions. These names, they''re not just random. They''re problems, thorns in


    the pack¡¯s side that need plucking.


    Punishments in the realm of the Alpha arecking in strength and fail to yield the intended oues. The Mating Run transforms


    into a macabre celebration, where the ground bes stained with blood and the pack erupts in cheers, rejoicing the end of


    their troubles.


    As | scan the list, a montage of faces rushes through my thoughts. Among them. are familiar faces, some areplete


    strangers, but each person has earned their spot in this somber game of chance. Their existence deemed a threat, their demise.


    sanctioned by the Alpha¡¯s decree.


    The Mating Run isn¡¯t just about finding a mate; it¡¯s a calcted purge, a culling of those deemed undesirable. It¡¯s a brutal dance,


    a macabre waltz where | y the executioner to the twisted apuse of the Alpha.


    Each name on the list carries a story, a narrative of rebellion, defiance, or perhaps just unfortunate circumstance. But in the


    Alpha¡¯s eyes, they¡¯re all obstacles, challenges that must be eradicated for the pack¡¯s prosperity.


    | don¡¯t revel in this role, but I¡¯ve learned not to question the Alpha¡¯s motives, no matter how unconventional they may be. Survival


    depends on obedience, an unquestioning and steadfastmitment. The Mating Run is the Alpha¡¯s way of


    asserting dominance, of maintaining order in our chaotic pack.


    It''s a test of my loyalty, a measure of one¡¯s allegiance to the pack. It¡¯s a challenge that will determine who truly stands by their


    pack.


    Like a master puppeteer, the Alpha skillfully tugs the strings, and | obediently dance to his orchestration.


    The list in my hands is more than aption of names; it¡¯s a testament to the Alpha¡¯s authority. To question it is to sow seeds


    of doubt that threaten to tear our pack apart. So, | ept the burden, shoulders heavy with the weight of inevitability.


    [kill for the Alpha, that much | can admit.


    The Alpha, a cunning puppeteer, maniptes the strings of my destiny. He dangles the allure of power like a forbidden fruit, and


    |, entrapped in the vines of obligation, find myself sumbing to the macabre rhythm of the Mating Run.


    If 1 were to kill, the throne of the Alpha could be mine ¡ª an irresistible temptation that casts a dark cloud over the atrocities |


    commit.


    As | navigate thebyrinth of the Alpha¡¯smands, each life extinguished bes a stepping stone to an uncertain future.


    The pack, oblivious to the machinations at y, celebrates the Mating Run as a festival of unity.


    Little do they know that beneath the veneer of camaraderie lies a darker truth ¡ª a truth | am forced to confront with every strike of


    my lethal blows.


    ears.


    The Alpha¡¯s voice, like a ghostly whisper carried by the wind, echoes in my


    ¡°Zeke,¡± he tells me, ¡°The road to leadership is constructed upon the bodies of those considered disposable. There is no


    alternative but to make this sacrifice, no questions asked.¡±


    Acold shiver runs down my spine as | ponder the implications of his words. The Alpha, a master maniptor, exploits my


    yearning for purpose, for a ce of significance within the pack.


    The Alpha¡¯s promises are questionable, leaving me uncertain about the truth behind his assurances. Will the towering pile of


    lifeless bodies | create truly elevate me to the coveted position of Alpha? Could it be that | am nothing more than a pawn,


    maneuvered in a wicked game that eludes my grasp? My conscience is gued by uncertainty, but | dare not question the


    Alpha¡¯s motives, for | cannot afford such a luxury.


    With each kill, a dissonance grows within me ¡ª a conflict between duty and morality, between blind obedience and the yearning


    for truth.


    And isn¡¯t it simply unfair, no matter how you look at it?


    Victor Craft, the Alpha¡¯s privileged son, revels in the warm glow of undeserved rewards, while I, a mere pawn in the Alpha¡¯s


    scheme,bor in the dark, my endeavors lost in the cacophony of the Mating Run.


    Victor, with his silver spoon and golden path, walks through life unburdened by the weight of the kills and sacrifices that mark my


    journey. His every step echoes with entitlement, a stark contrast to the relentless grind that defines my existence.


    In the relentless pursuit of power, the Alpha¡¯s favoritism bes an ugly disy of influence.


    Why does he reap the fruits of mybor while |, a mere instrument of the Alpha¡¯s whims, am left with the bitter taste of unfulfilled


    promises?


    The cabin¡¯s door squeaks open, and my scattered thoughts are shattered by the scene inside. There¡¯s thisdy, aplete


    stranger, sitting on the floor, holding Alina close. My breath catches, the sound of my pounding heartbeat echoing in the


    air.


    In the dim light, a glinting knife is pointed threateningly at the delicate throat of


    Alina.


    The world freezes, only this grim moment matters. The woman, a puppeteer in this eerie performance, locks eyes with me, her


    piercing stare cutting through the darkness.


    In the eerie silence, the woman¡¯s voice cuts through, a sinister whisper that sends shivers down my spine. My shoulders sag


    under the weight of responsibility, a burden | never asked for but now carry in this critical moment. With each passing moment,


    the tension in the air bes more apparent.


    ¡°One wrong move, and your mate pays the price in blood.¡±

 Chapter 60

    Chapter 60


    In His Eyes: Nightmare


    Zeke¡¯s POV


    Inside the cabin, an atmosphere of tension hangs in the air, the suffocating silence only emphasizing the gravity of the situation.


    Alina, with her delicate frame, appeared even more vulnerable as she was trapped in the woman¡¯s malicious grasp. In the midst


    of an impossible decision, | raise my arms in surrender, hoping for reason to triumph over the impending danger.


    ¡°Drop your weapon!¡±


    Shouting with urgency, my voice carries across the room. As | let go of the weapon, it made a loud tter as it hit the floor, its


    sound echoing the defeat | felt in every fiber of my being. Regrettably, | had to earn the woman¡¯s trust, and this was the lone


    option.


    With a smoldering rage, the woman narrows her eyes in response to my surrender. | nce over at Alina, only to find her


    unmoving, her eyes concealed by a blindfold and her mouth muffled by a gag. The sight triggers intense anger within me, but |


    must stayposed to ensure Alina remains unharmed.


    As the woman¡¯s eyes locked with mine again, she pressed the knife against Alina¡¯s delicate throat, sending a shiver down my


    spine. | understand her intentions she¡¯s reminding us of the fragility of this equilibrium, one that could be disrupted by even the


    slightest tremor.


    ¡°Drop it. Please.¡±


    | raise my voice again, the desperation evident in my plea as it echoes through the stifling air of the cabin. The woman, however,


    remains unmoved, her eyes reflecting the weight of her despair. The sound of herughter bounces off the walls, devoid of joy,


    intensifying the weight of our predicament.


    ¡°Enough games,¡± Growling, my words are tinged with frustration. ¡°Release her!


    If you''re pissed off at me, take it out on me. Alina never did a damn thing to you!¡±


    ¡°Zeke, you fool,¡± With a sneer, the woman¡¯sughter transforms into a venomous retort. ¡°Did you really think surrendering would


    change anything?¡±Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Her words, filled with contempt, sliced through the air, shattering the delicate optimism | had clung to in my desperate attempt.


    My teeth grind together as frustration courses through my body.


    | know the woman, at least by her familiar name and recognizable face. She¡¯s working at the supermarket and decided to


    participate in the mating run. She couldn¡¯t have been more than 19. She¡¯s got her whole life ahead of her.


    She¡¯s not among the individuals | need to terminate, but if she persists, she''ll be a target. I''ll make her death a mirror image


    of the pain she¡¯s subjecting Alina to ¡ª searing and relentless.


    ¡°Let her go,¡± | pleaded again, my voice filled with the urgency of a heartbeat pounding in my chest. | watch as the woman''s


    posture stiffens the moment | start moving forward. | stop abruptly, my hand shooting up in surrender for the second time.


    ¡°Listen, | apologize if | took out your mate, but my own survival has toe


    first.¡±


    ¡°Survival? He wasn¡¯t even bothering you.¡± The woman spits, her eyes burning with an anger that | struggle to understand. ¡°We


    were so close to getting out of this goddamn game. We talked about having a whole bunch of babies! Why do you get to have a


    happy ending and | don¡¯t? This bitch never did shit to me, but what did | ever do to you?¡±


    Her words, heavy with bitter disappointment, lingered in the air like a dense fog. The woman, however, remains unyielding, her


    grip on Alina a vice that tightens with each passing moment, leaving Alina gasping for breath.


    Worry consumes me, making it impossible to ignore her words, no matter how much | want to. But I don¡¯t have much of a say in


    the matter. She just doesn¡¯t get it, does she? Every pack member here is treated as nothing more than pawns, while the Alpha


    and his family enjoy all the privileges on a silver tter.


    | know her mate, | think | might have caught a glimpse of him at the beginning of the run. Even though he is a man, he exudes a


    small and shy demeanor, as if he were a timid little thing. He appeared to be around my age, or perhaps a bit older. He was on


    the list, and the Alpha¡¯s strict instructions echoed in my mind.


    He was not only clever but also cunning, making a profit by selling pictures that revealed the secrets of our pack to others. It was


    a reasonable expectation that the Alpha would want him eliminated, and he was fully aware of the danger he was facing. His


    cleverness, unfortunately, only extended to matters of money and nothing beyond that.


    | couldn''t fathom why the fool would agree to attend the High Council''s invitation to participate in the Mating Run.


    There was nothing else | could do.


    When the Alpha gives me an order, | can only obey without question.


    But she¡¯s in the dark about it. In her eyes, I¡¯m seen as a heartless killer who took the life of her kind-hearted mate. And there¡¯s a


    chance that he could be. He had the ability to exhibit both kindness and treachery, even towards the pack that had been his


    source of care and security.


    He might have had a chance at survival if he had done those things to a different pack.


    But in the Springcrest pack, traitors were dealt with harshly.


    ¡°Trust me, you don¡¯t want this to turn into a fight.¡±


    ¡°I''m fighting for what should''ve been taken care of days ago!¡±


    ¡°Let her go and we can talk.¡±


    ¡°Talk?¡± Her eyes ze with fury as she scoffs, defying all reason. ¡°You don¡¯t get it, do you? This isn¡¯t about talking. It¡¯s about


    justice, about making things right.¡±


    My frustration simmers beneath the surface, a cauldron of conflicting emotions


    In His Eyes Nightmare


    that tests myposure.


    ¡°| know you want me dead,¡± | admit, my voice carried the weight of exhaustion. Any attempt to have a conversation with her


    proved to be pointless. If | want to spare her life, | need to brainstorm a different solution. Anything. My eyes scan the entire


    cabin, but in the dimness, everything is shrouded in shadows. ¡°But holding Alina hostage won''t solve anything.¡±


    Her piercing scream reverberates through the air, sending shivers down spines and leaving a lingering sense of unease. The


    woman¡¯s eyes burned with an intense ferocity, bordering on madness, as she pointed the knife at me, demanding my silence.


    ¡°Shut up!¡± With a snarl, her wordsshed out like venom, suffocating the air with their toxic intensity. ¡°You should pay for what


    you''ve done, you f**king asshole. If someone does something to you, it¡¯s only fair to do it back, right?¡±


    As she speaks her deration, an eye for an eye, the cabin bes suffocated by an oppressive sense of doom.


    ¡°Alina didn¡¯t do anything to you, | did!¡±


    ¡°Look at you,¡± Her lips curl into a sneer as she utters her words, her voice oozing with contempt. ¡°A killer who thinks he can


    escape the consequences. | might have thought you were a loyal mate, but maybe you''re just waiting around and nning to kill


    her as well. I¡¯m probably the one saving her from you. Well, it¡¯s time to pay the piper.¡±


    My heart races, pounding so hard that it feels like it might burst from my chest, leaving me breathless. | scanned every camera in


    the vicinity, feeling a surge of unease as they all seemed to be aimed directly at us. | could feel the weight of the audience¡¯s


    gaze, knowing that every pack member was watching. They¡¯re probably all shouting with excitement, cing bets, oblivious to


    the fact that someone in this cabin will meet their demise tonight.


    With that in mind, words effortlessly spill from my lips without a second thought.


    In His Eyes: Nightmare


    ¡°lm not not even her mate.¡±


    | reason, my words a feeble attempt to drown out the thunder rumbling in the distance. The woman, however, scoffs at my


    protest, herughter echoing through the room, taunting my feeble defense.


    ¡°Not her mate?¡± Her retortes out as a hiss, filled with venom and anger. ¡°You think I¡¯m blind? I¡¯ve seen the way you look at


    her, the lengths you''d go to for her. You¡¯re more tangled in this mess than you realize.¡±


    The woman''s usation, like a sharp knife, tears through the flimsy walls of denial I¡¯ve constructed. A mocking cadence


    escapes her lips in the form of a harshugh, echoing through the cabin.


    ¡°Zeke, just ept it. You¡¯re as crazy about this woman as | am about my mate. Your hands are stained with the same blood that


    stained mine. You''re a heartless murderer and she¡¯s the only one who has your heart. How poetic is that?¡±


    My hands, once tools of the Alpha, now shake under this burden.


    Am | in love with Alina? | have no idea.


    All | know is if | am, | shouldn''t be.


    I''m at my breaking point. The woman¡¯sughter, a chilling cacophony that adds to our shared torment, sends shivers down my


    spine. | survey the cabin again, my eyes darting from one object to another, seeking any sign of an advantage.


    Then, | notice a coil of rope tucked away in the corner, a sight that offers a glimmer of salvation. A lifeline in the suffocating


    darkness of this cabin. With a slow and deliberate movement, | carefully keep my eyes on the woman, ensuring she remains


    unaware of my intentions to reach for it.


    | can feel the intensity of her gaze as her eyes, swirling with anger and grief, watch me. Her gaze pierces through me, a burning


    intensity that fills me with a sense of impending danger at every step.


    Suspicion etched into every line of her face, her narrowed eyes scanned the


    room.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± With a sneer on her face, she held the knife with deadly precision. | raise my hands in a gesture of false


    surrender, hoping to distract her and keep her focus on me. ¡°Stop f**king moving!¡±


    However, the woman sees through the deception. Her piercing gaze sees beyond my fake surrender, exposing the truth beneath


    the surface.


    ¡°You think I¡¯m stupid?¡± she snaps, the knife quivering with menace.


    ¡°No, of course not.¡±


    | can feel the weight of the woman''s distrust as her eyes remain locked on my every move. Alina¡¯s shallow and tense breaths


    echo through the cabin, intensifying the urgency of our shared plight. | seize a calcted moment and swiftly make my move,


    leaving no room for hesitation. The anticipation builds as | creep closer, the sound of my own breath drowning out all other noise,


    the rope tantalizingly close. Sensing the shift in the air, the woman tightens her grip on Alina, anticipating something amiss.


    ¡°Stay back!¡±


    The sharp sound of hermand was followed by the swift swing of the knife, narrowly missing me as | barely managed to


    dodge. | flinch as the knife¡¯s tip grazes my chest, and a sharp pain shoots through my body as blood begins to trickle down my


    skin.


    Right, enough is enough.


    With a single fluid motion, | seize the rope and dash off, disappearing into the cabin¡¯s faintly illuminated darkness. The woman,


    taken aback, releases a scream that shatters the silence and lingers in the air. The knife moves swiftly through the air, leaving


    behind a faint metallic scent as it dances in the woman¡¯s hand. The pounding of my heart drowns out all other sounds as


    adrenaline courses through my body, pushing me to stay one step ahead of her.


    | circle back, the rope tightly coiled in my hands, its texture rough against my


    palms.


    ¡°You think you¡¯re so clever, but I¡¯ve still got her in my hands, loverboy!¡± Her roar echoes in the air, the knife in her hand glimmers


    with a menacing intent. She lifts it up in the air, herughter growing louder and more unhinged with each passing moment. ¡°Say


    goodbye!¡±


    With a sudden burst of speed, | lunge forward, the rope aiming for the woman¡¯s


    n*ck.

 Chapter 61

    Chapter 61


    In His Eyes: Desperation


    Zeke¡¯s POV


    I''m in the thick of it now.


    The woman, her eyes wide with madness and desperation, swings the knife with an unhinged fervor. My instincts kick in, and |


    move around her with the grace of a shadow in the night. Her scream pierced the air, a guttural sound that reverberated


    throughout the cramped cabin. The scene is pure chaos, a whirlwind of violence, and | find myself desperately needing to restore


    order.


    Despite the woman''s desperate bucking and thrashing, | manage to maintain my grip.


    With a glinting menace, she wields the knife, cutting through the air. With quick reflexes, | duck and weave, narrowly escaping


    the deadly arc of its swing. | tightened the rope around her neck, knowing that | now had the advantage. With a swift kick, the


    knife goes soaring through the air, creating a metallic tter that breaks the silence.


    It''s just her and me now, the sound of our heavy breathing echoing in the room as we fight desperately. Despite her petite


    stature, she moves with remarkable speed and fights with the ferocity of a cornered animal. As the woman ws at the rope, her


    desperate gasps for air fill the room, but | refuse to let go.


    | can¡¯t help but steal nces at Alina, my heart pounding with a conflicting surge of fear and frustration. Helpless and bound, she


    writhes in agony, her body convulsing in ways beyond my understanding. Drool spills from her gagged mouth, and she


    convulses, trapped in the clutches of an unseen menace.


    We scuffle, a frenzied sh of limbs and wills. With sheer desperation driving her, the woman unleashes a relentless assault of


    blows. With precision, | block her strikes and swiftly counter, skillfully utilizing the rope to restrict her mobility.


    Ss


    But she¡¯s persistent, never giving up. As the rope tightens around her neck, the


    woman¡¯s fierce resistance takes me by surprise. A knee to the gut, a punch to the jaw ¡ª she¡¯s not going down without a fight.


    | tighten the rope, struggling to restrain her, but she wriggles free, slipping through my grasp like a slippery fish. In the dim light,


    our movements merge into a blur of tangled bodies. The woman¡¯s breaths are strained and uneven, filling the air with a sense of


    urgency. | manage to get her to the ground, her gasping breaths mingling with the scent of the rough rope. But she¡¯s not done.


    The woman wriggles and squirms, her body contorting in a desperate attempt to free herself from the tight grip of the rope.


    | struggle to concentrate, torn between the insistent woman standing in front of me and the heartbreaking image of Alina,


    huddled on the floor. She¡¯s not well, that much is clear, and confusion gnaws at me as | grapple with the woman.


    With precision, the woman seizes the opportunity and delivers a powerful punch to my jaw. The throbbing pain in my face


    threatens to distract me, but | push through. After being struck, | shake off the blow and redirect my attention back to the fight. |


    manage to gain the upper hand for a moment, feeling the adrenaline surge through my veins as | grapple with the woman and


    push her toward the corner of the cabin.


    The sense of urgency grips me tightly, as if time itself is slipping away with every passing second, bringing Alina closer to an


    unknown danger.


    The woman turns to look at me, and for the first time since we fought, | see a glimmer of vulnerability in her eyes. She¡¯s scared,


    tears streaming down her face, and the desperation in her eyes tugs at something within me.


    But | can¡¯t afford to be swayed.


    Gripping the rope tighter, | forcefully m her head against the unyielding wall, the sound of impact echoing through the room.


    She lets out a sharp gasp, her lips trembling, before a loud wail escapes.


    She pleads for mercy, a cacophony of desperate words spilling from her trembling lips.


    ¡°Let me go, please! | was scared, | didn¡¯t mean to-¡±


    Her voice trembles, strangled by the burden of her fear. The sound of her sobs is apanied by a mixture of tears, blood,


    sweat, and drool cascading down her face. On her forehead, arge wound burst open, gushing blood. Three more violent ms


    against the wall, and she would be on the brink of death.


    In the dimly lit room, | find myself lost in contemtion of her words, as the line between survival and cruelty blurs. She cries the


    same way as Alina when she¡¯s scared, but | can¡¯t show mercy. The stakes are too high, and | find myself paralyzed by the weight


    of this agonizing decision.


    ¡°Let me live,¡± Her desperate gaze meets mine, reflecting the same sense of urgency that consumes me. Hesitation washed over


    me, a fleeting moment of uncertainty clouding my thoughts. Her touch is different this time; instead of scratching, she grips my


    wrist with a tender squeeze. ¡°Please, please. | don¡¯t want to die. Not in here. Not with them watching. No, please.¡±


    Like a heavy fog, the idea of mercy hangs in the air, enveloping everything. The woman sobs uncontrobly, her body shaking


    with each heart-wrenching cry. As my frustration mounts, it feels like a storm brewing inside me, and | let out a heavy sigh,


    loosening my grip on the rope.


    With a surge of anger and weariness, | flung her across the room, the force of the throw reverberating in the air. Colliding with


    the cabin¡¯s wooden walls, she lets out a pitiful moan, the sound reverberating in the stillness.


    The woman lies on the cold, hard floor, her body battered and shattered. The forest outside echoes with her tearful sobs and


    haunting cries. | watch her, the soft glow of the moonlight highlighting the trails of tears on her face.


    ¡°| loved him,¡± Between sobs, she mutters with a voice filled with defeated resignation. ¡°He was mine, the love of my life, and you


    ripped him away from me. Why? We never caused you any harm, our only wish was to live happily. Why, why, why?*


    | shake my head, feeling the weariness seep into my very bones.


    It''s not like | wanted to do it either, but it was the only way to be the Alpha in this pack. If she had been offered the same


    chance to follow her dreams, | have no doubt she would have taken it. She wouldn''t be telling the truth if she said. anything else.


    Nothing else matters except for yourself in this world.


    The dim light casts a faint glow around her as she curls in on herself, her body barely distinguishable. The room is filled with an


    unsettling stillness, only interrupted by the asional whimper that slips from her mouth. As | turn away from the broken woman,


    the sound of Alina¡¯sbored breaths bes the sole thing | can hear.


    | stagger towards Alina, my steps unsteady and my body heavy with the lingering exhaustion of the recent struggle. The cabin is


    suffocatingly quiet, save for the sound of her uneven breathing. With each step, my chest tightens as worry constricts its hold,


    threatening to suffocate me. Slumping down beside her trembling form, | can sense the palpable tension in the air of the room.


    With delicate movements, | draw her into myp, reveling in theforting touch of her warmth against me. With urgency, |


    quickly untie the blindfold and remove the gag, my hands moving swiftly and desperately. With the fabric removed, | brace myself


    to encounter her unconscious form, entangled in a troubled sleep.


    But her eyes meet mine, wide and ssy, reflecting a profound emptiness.


    ¡°Alina?¡±


    Her name escapes my lips, tinged with concern.


    There¡¯s no immediate response, her distant gaze suggesting her mind is elsewhere. Taking in the full extent of her condition, my


    heart quickens in response to the gravity of the situation. She¡¯s not simply tired or worn out; she¡¯s physically and emotionally


    drained from the events that unfolded in this wretched cabin.


    Something''s wrong with her.


    | carefully examine her for any visible wounds, my hands gently gliding over her body, seeking any signs of injury.


    ¡°Hey... Are you okay?¡± A desperate plea escapes my lips, hoping for any sign that she is still by my side. Yet, the stillness that


    follows is overwhelming. Alina¡¯s lips stay tightly closed, her eyes locked onto a distant point that eludes my grasp. ¡°Hey,e on


    now. What''s wrong? Tell me, what''s wrong?¡±


    Ashiver courses through me as I¡¯m overwhelmed by the intense heat emanating from her body. The fever, like an unwee


    visitor, has taken hold, leaving her body trembling. The edges of my consciousness are under siege by panic, poised to engulf


    mepletely.


    ¡°Alina, please, say something!¡±


    l implore, my voice trembling with the weight of uncertainty.


    Her body hangs lifelessly in my arms, the inner turmoil evident in the violent tremors that shake her fragile frame. | reach out and


    tenderly hold her face in my hands, desperately trying to pull her away from the abyss that has taken hold of her.


    ¡°Talk to me, Alina,¡± | murmur softly, the desperation in my voice creating an eerie echo within the deste cabin. The emptiness


    in her eyes is a striking contrast to the usually vibrant spirit that lights them up. | feel a sharp sting in my eye, but | fight back the


    urge to cry, keeping my forehead pressed against hers. | whisper, the sound barely escaping my lips. ¡°Tell me you''re okay. Tell


    me you''re still


    here.¡±


    But she remains silent, her eyes hollow and piercing, resisting my every attempt to connect with her. As fear takes hold, my heart


    feels constricted, squeezed with an intense and unrelenting force.


    Losing her now is out of the question.


    No. | won''t allow it.


    Clutching her tightly, my quivering hands silently convey the extent of my promise, reverberating in the hollowness of my heart. |


    won''t let her slip away. And so, | clutch onto her, not allowing even an inch of space between us. | won''t let go. Not now. Not


    ever. | can¡¯t bear the thought of losing her in this deste ce, where the darkness feels suffocating.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Exps Desperation


    And then, a scream- a raw, furious cry that echoes through the quietness.


    The air is punctuated by the distinct sound of metal being moved.


    In a split second, | pivot, my muscles tensing in reaction.


    Aprimal surge of adrenaline ignites my instincts, urging me into immediate action. Alina, unresponsive, bes my immediate


    concern, and with a swift and gentle motion, | carefullyy her down on the soft ground, shielding her from the impending chaos.


    With a sharp, agonizing thrust, the knife digs deep into my shoulder, causing a piercing pain that echoes through my entire


    being. It¡¯s not a life-threatening strike, but it''s powerful enough to stir up the primal wrath deep within me.


    If | didn¡¯t move, the knife would''ve stabbed me in the neck.


    The agonizing pain makes me groan as | reach for the knife, buried deep in my shoulder, and forcefully fling it aside. It falls with


    a loud tter onto the ground. | groaned in pain as | turned to face the woman who had stabbed me, my hand clutching the


    wound. Her wild, desperate eyes locked onto me, with dried tears and blood staining her face, while her forehead wound


    festered with dirt.


    She starts taking hesitant steps away from me, her head shaking in disbelief as | make my way over to her. ¡°Die, you should die.


    You deserve it. | don¡¯t. No, no, no.¡±


    | reach out with my hands, marked by the sticky residue of sweat and blood from our earlier struggle, and firmly grasp her by the


    head. As my grip tightened, the woman¡¯s eyes widened in fear, the realization hitting her like a bolt of lightning. As we locked


    eyes, the world around us faded away, leaving only the unspokennguage of survival.


    ¡°No, no, no.¡±


    ¡°| spared you, and you tried to kill me.¡±


    As she grabs my wrist, the woman¡¯s eyes shoot daggers at me, her ws


    digging into my skin. But she¡¯s not strong enough, and her eyes betray her fear. ¡°You stole him from me!¡±


    ¡°Don''t worry. I''ll take you to where he is.¡±


    With a swift motion, | m her head into the unforgiving ground.

 Chapter 62

    Chapter 62


    In His Eyes: Fear


    Zeke¡¯s POV


    I... | couldn''t stop myself. ¡ª


    The rage pulsed through me, roaring like a hurricane in my thoughts. She threatened Alina, tried to hurt her. My hands tightly


    clung to her head, relentlessly pounding it against the unforgiving floor. With each strike, | could feel her bones yielding beneath


    my fists, the sickening thud resounding in my mind. | felt a wet and metallic substance stter on my face, chest, and arms,


    covering mepletely.


    Alina... she was there, right beside us.


    | couldn''t stand by and watch harme to her, so | took it upon myself to be her protector. The world faded into a blur, leaving


    me with one goal: keeping her out of harm¡¯s way. | spat on the broken mess I¡¯d made of that woman¡¯s face, feeling a mix of


    satisfaction and disgust.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    | turned back to Alina, her head resting against my chest as | cradled her.


    Her open eyes stared into nothingness, devoid of any expression. | shook her softly, desperately trying to get her attention.


    No response. Nothing.


    Panic took hold of me, paralyzing my thoughts and sending shivers down my spine. | held her tighter, my words of reassurance


    mingling with the scent of her


    hair.


    Was she hurt?


    Was it something the woman did to her?


    | don¡¯t know. I¡¯m scared shitless.


    1/7


    His Eyes Feat


    1.me.


    | had no idea | could even feel this much, the rush of emotions overvintring


    | hold Alina close, her fragile form trembling within my arms.


    The cold reality of the situation bites at my soul, and | feel the weight of guilt pressing down on me like a thousand-ton boulder.


    Her body feels so small against mine, and the rhythmic rise and fall of her chest is the only sign that she¡¯s still breathing.


    | press my forehead against hers, the warmth of her skin sending a shiver down my spine. It''s as if | can feel the fever radiating


    from her, a scorching heat that matches the mes of regret burning within me. The air is thick and suffocating, a constant


    reminder of the weight of my guilt.


    She looks ahead, her eyes vacant and distant, as if lost in her own thoughts. It¡¯s a sight that pierces through me, and | feel a


    lump forming in my throat. | want to reach into the depths of her soul and pull her back from wherever she¡¯s gone, but |


    know it¡¯s a ce only she can navigate.


    ¡°Alina,¡± | whisper, my voice barely audible as it cracks. ¡°| messed up, Alina. I''m so sorry. It¡¯s my fault, all of it. | should¡¯ve been


    there for you, protected you.¡±


    She doesn¡¯t react. She¡¯s not looking at me.


    It''s like she¡¯s lost in some ce | can¡¯t reach.


    ¡°Please, pleasee back to me.¡±


    Her breaths are heavy and strained, filling the room with an ufortable sound. It¡¯s a painful reminder of what I¡¯ve done, of the


    consequences that | can¡¯t escape. If only | had been there for her, things might have been different. That was the responsibility |


    took on for myself. | had the freedom to do one thing, and | couldn¡¯t seize the opportunity to do it as best as | could.


    | blink repeatedly, trying to clear my blurry vision, only to realize that tears are streaming down my face. Words escape my lips in


    a hushed whisper as | press gentle kisses on the side of her head. ¡°I know you won''t believe me, but | never


    2/7


    In His Eyes: Fear


    wanted this for you. | never wanted any of this. | should have been more careful, more aware. It¡¯s because of me that they did


    this to you.¡±


    | lift my head, my eyes searching hers for any sign of recognition.


    But all | find is emptiness, a void where her vibrant spirit used to reside.


    ¡°Til fix this,¡± | mutter, my voice barely audible. ¡°I promise.¡±


    The room echoes with the heavy sigh that escapes my lips. It feels like I¡¯m drowning in my own inadequacies, the weight of my


    failures pulling me under. But | can¡¯t let her see my weakness. | have to be strong for her, even when | feel like the


    weakest link in the chain.


    ¡°I''m sorry,¡± | whisper one more time, the words carrying the weight of a thousand regrets. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry.¡±


    | carefully lifted Alina into my arms, her frail body resting against mine. The weight of her is both unbearable and necessary. The


    lifeless bodies of those who brought about this chaosy before me, their eyes locked in a haunting emptiness as | carefully step


    over them.


    The air is heavy with the scent of blood and the bitter taste of my own guilt. | nce at her, hoping for a sign that she¡¯s still with


    me. Nothing. | sigh.


    As | carry her out of the cabin, | feel the gaze of unseen eyes upon us. Hidden cameras peer from behind the trees, capturing


    our every move. The anger builds within me, a fire fueled by the vition of our privacy. My re meets each lens, a


    silent warning that they won¡¯t break me.


    ¡°Leave us alone,¡± | growl, my voice low and fierce. ¡°Even just for now.¡±


    But the cameras continue to watch, indifferent to my plea. Their unblinking gaze follows us, a reminder that we¡¯re trapped in a


    twisted game we have no choice


    but to be in.


    I step over the small robots, their screens disying our names and details.


    In His Eyes Pear


    | don¡¯t need anything. Not from sponsors. Not from the Alpha,


    What | need is Alina, and she¡¯s slipping away,


    The forest is eerily silent, as if mourning the tragedy that unfolded within es depths. The path ahead is treacherous, and |


    navigate it with a determination ton from desperation. The sensation of Alina¡¯s body against my chest offers sce tinged with


    the bitter taste of regret,


    The trees cast long shadows, and the distant sounds of nature are drowned out by the echoes of our footsteps. The weight of


    Alina in my arms bes heater with each step, a burden | willingly bear, | stumble over roots and rocks, my foous solely on


    Alina.


    In that moment, everything else bes a distant blur, and all | can feel is the warmth of the woman in my embrace,


    How did | not realize this sooner?


    The familiar path to our cabin, lined with tall trees and fallen leaves, serves as a bittersweet reminder of what we once shared.


    Finally, the cabin emerges through the foliage, a small haven that once held echoes of ourughter and shared moments. |


    tenderly settle Alina onto the makeshift bed we constructed, the warmth of the nkets embracing her. The worn nkets and


    pillows carry the weight of the countless nights we spent here.


    | lie down next to her, wrapping my arms around her tightly. | hold her delicate body in my arms, nuzzling my face into the


    softness of her hair. Her scent lingers in the air, a sweet and intoxicating fragrance.


    ¡°I''m sorry, Alina,¡± | whisper, my voice choked with regret. ¡°I should have realized sooner how much | need you.¡±


    As | ce my chin on top of her head, the tears flow, burning and impossible to control. They fall onto her hair, mingling with the


    strands. My apologies spill out between sobs, a desperate plea for forgiveness.


    ¡°| don¡¯t know why it took me so long to understand,¡± | confess, my voice a


    4/7


    In His Eyes Feat


    broken murmur. ¡°I can¡¯t live without you, Alina. | should have known it from the


    start.¡±


    | hold her tighter, as if my embrace could erase the scars of the past.


    ¡°| missed you so much,¡± | admit, my voice barely audible. ¡°Every moment without you was torture. | should havee for you


    sooner.¡±


    The weight of my guilt hangs heavy in the air. | rey the moments leading to her abduction, each second a missed opportunity


    to save her from this nightmare,


    ¡°| thought | could live without you,¡± | continue, my words a desperate confession. ¡°But every breath felt like a betrayal. | can¡¯t do


    it, Alina. | can¡¯t live without you.¡±


    My fingers glide in circr patterns on her back, as if trying to erase the emptiness reflected in her eyes. As | gaze upon her


    bruises and scars, | am reminded of the unimaginable horrors she has faced, and | yearn to wipe away every trace.


    ¡°Why did it take me so long to realize?¡± | murmur, my voice breaking. ¡°I should have seen it in your eyes. | should have known


    you needed me. Just as much as | needed you.¡±


    | press my lips against her forehead, feeling the warmth of her skin against mine, a gentle kiss that speaks volumes of the love |


    couldn¡¯t put into words.


    ¡°| love you, Alina,¡± | say, the words a solemn vow. ¡°I won''t let you go again. |


    can''t.¡±


    With tenderness, | hold her face in my hands, my fingertips tracing the contours of her cheeks. Her eyes, once full of life, now


    hold an empty gaze. | lock eyes with her, my gaze filled with the profound regret and overwhelming affection | have for


    her.


    ¡°| can¡¯t lose you again,¡± | whisper, my voice raw with emotion. ¡°I can¡¯t bear it, Alina.¡±


    5/7


    In His Eyes: Fear


    Nothing.


    ¡°| can¡¯t change what happened,¡± | admit, a heavy truth hanging between us. ¡°But I''ll do everything to make it right. | promise.¡±


    | pull her into another embrace, acutely aware of how delicate she feels in my arms. She lies still, her fragile form resembling a


    shattered porcin doll. | cradle her in my arms, swaying softly in an attempt to soothe the nightmares that linger.


    As | finally sumb to sleep, darkness engulfs the cabin, making me hold onto Alina tighter, as if afraid she might disappear in


    the night. My tears have left salty trails on her hair, silent witnesses to the pain etched in every breath. As the night grows quiet, it


    wraps around us, providing sce for our shattered souls. As | drift off to sleep, | am reluctantly pulled into a realm teeming with


    nightmares.


    Startled, | wake up abruptly, my body jolting upright from the makeshift bed.


    | can feel the pounding of my heart, like the distant beat of a drum, filling the silence around me. The lingering effects of a


    nightmare cling to me, dissipating into thin air as | desperately inhale.


    Suddenly, | am struck by the cold and emptiness of the space beside me.


    ¡°Alina?¡±


    I call out, my voice barely audible in a raspy whisper. My throat constricts with panic as | desperately scan the darkness,


    searching for any sign of her.


    ¡°Shit!¡±


    With a desperate urgency, | curse aloud, the word escaping my lips like a bolt of lightning. | struggle to stand up, my mind


    overwhelmed by a whirlwind of fear. My breaths escape my lips in ragged gasps, as if each one is desperately seeking


    reassurance.


    Leaving the cabin behind, | sprint into the open, the chill of the night air awakening my senses. The trees stand tall, silent


    sentinels that guard our isted sanctuary. With wild eyes, | scan the surroundings, desperate to catch even the


    617


    In His Eyes Fear


    slightest sign of her presence.


    ¡°Alinal¡±


    I scream her name, the piercing sound shattering the calm of the night. My desperate plea is met with a mocking echo that


    reverberates in the air. | can feel my heartbeat thumping in my ears, masking the sound of leaves rustling and an owl hooting in


    the distance.


    Each fleeting shadow seems to taunt my senses, creating a constant state of uncertainty and suspicion. Tripping over the


    uneven ground, | frantically nce around, trying to take in every detail. | feel the forest pressing in, the towering trees creating


    an intimidating presence like dark giants in the night.


    | press on, my legs propelling me deeper into the darkness, fueled by a sense of urgency that defies logic. My clothes get caught


    on the branches, creating a constant tug and pull as | navigate through the uneven forest floor.


    The realization crashes over me like a wave


    she¡¯s been taken again.


    The nightmare that haunted my sleep hase true, and now | am living in a waking nightmare. The anguish in my chest


    intensifies, a burning sensation that engulfs mepletely.


    ¡°Alina!¡±


    I scream again, my voice echoing through the empty silence, a raw plea that hangs in the air. Tears stream down my face,


    distorting my view, as | lurch forward, consumed by reckless desperation. The world around me bes a swirling mass of


    shadows and shapes, each one concealing the potential hiding ce of the monsters that took her.


    And then, | hear a faint sound a branch breaking.

 Chapter 63

    Chapter 63


    In His Eyes: Karma


    Zeke¡¯s POV


    My heart raced as | followed the sound, the pounding echoing in my ears.


    As the trees part, a small clearing is revealed, and in its center stands a figure, concealed in darkness.


    ¡°Alina!¡±


    | gasp, feeling a rush of relief wash over me like a tidal wave. | rush towards her, feeling the adrenaline pumping through my


    veins with each clumsy step. There is a distant look in her eyes as she stands there, lost in her own thoughts. My hands shook


    uncontrobly as they made contact with her face, desperately searching for any evidence of bruising. Luckily, there¡¯s none.


    ¡°Alina, are you okay? What happened?¡±


    She keeps quiet, her focus unwavering as she looks past me. | can¡¯t help but notice the feverish heat that engulfs her skin as |


    run my fingers over it, sending shivers down my spine.


    ¡°Alina, talk to me.¡± | pleaded, my voice trembling with desperation. Her lips part, but no sound emerges from her mouth. A heavy


    silence fills the space between us, making it unbearable. ¡°Are you hurt anywhere?¡±


    | wrap my arms around her, feeling the warmth of her body against mine.


    ¡°It''s okay, Alina. I¡¯m here. You''re safe.¡±


    The memory of losing her resurfaces in my mind, the raw fear flooding back. | press my lips to her forehead, feeling the warmth


    of her skin and the softness of her hair against my face.


    ¡°| thought | lost you again,¡± | admit, my voice breaking. ¡°I can¡¯t bear it, Alina. |


    1/7


    can¡¯t lose you. Why don¡¯t we go back to the cabin? You have to rest to let the fever subside.¡±


    Her eyes flicker with a glimmer of recognition, giving me a surge of hope. Without saying a word, her body eases into mine,


    offering a sense of sce that | desperately grasp onto. | feel her head resting gently on my shoulder, and with that simple touch,


    my panic begins to dissipate. Her scent reminds me of home, and it¡¯s where | long to be.


    ¡°-Ke-¡±


    Just as quickly as the calmness spreads through me, | hear her voice, soft and melodic.


    | stiffen, feeling a wave of relief wash over me as my lips twitch into a smile.


    ¡°Alina?¡±


    ¡°...get...away from...me-¡±


    Suddenly, a searing pain shot through my stomach, blinding me momentarily.


    | stumble back, the pain causing a sharp groan to escape my lips.


    | feel a cloud of confusion descend upon my mind, causing my eyes to widen in shock as | nce downward.


    The sight of blood spilling from my gut from four holes sent a wave of nausea through me, as it pooled and spread across my


    skin. Waves of panic surge through me, overpowering my senses and threatening to drown out reason. ncing at Alina, | could


    feel the warmth of my own blood seeping through my hands pressed against my stomach.


    ¡°Alina, what did you-


    But my words falter as | see her, her piercing gaze fixed upon me, her ws stained crimson with my blood. A vacant look settled


    in her eyes, as if she were watching the scene unfold from afar, detached from her own actions.


    In His Eyes: Karma


    The forest spins, shadows dancing on the periphery of my vision. | take a step back from her, my hand instinctively clutching the


    wound, my face betraying the desperation | can¡¯t hide. She lifts her hands, and her sharp ws are aimed directly at me. She


    stares at them as if they belong to someone else. Apart from the flicker of profound sadness in her eyes, there was an


    overwhelming sense of emptiness.


    | watch as she takes unsteady steps towards me, her body moving in an uncoordinated manner. The ws on her hands glint


    ominously, a stark contrast to the gentleness they once held. | raise one of my hands, palms out, feeling the sweat trickle down


    my trembling fingers, in a feeble attempt to stop her.


    There is no recognition in her vacant eyes as she unexpectedly swipes at me with a fierce intensity. Her ws graze my cheeks,


    causing a sharp sting as | stagger back. Ignoring the blossoming pain, my focus remains fixed on the turmoil consuming her.


    ¡°Alina!¡± | call out, the desperation in my voice escting. ¡°Snap out of it!¡±


    But she remains lost in the shadows of her own mind, the feral glint in her eyes undiminished. Her ws sh, and in a split


    second, | duck, narrowly escaping the attack, the rush of air grazing my face. | can¡¯t bring myself to retaliate.


    Even if it¡¯s in self-defense, | can¡¯t bring myself to hurt her.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± | scream, my voice hoarse. ¡°What did they do to you?!¡±


    Pausing briefly, she looks at me with a vacant stare, as if lost in thought. In a fleeting moment, a spark of recognition dances in


    their eyes, before disappearing without a trace. With a predatory gleam in her eyes, she lunges forward once more.


    My body jerks backward, my heart thumping loudly in my ears.


    ¡°You''re stronger than this! Fucking fight it!¡±


    But she remains unresponsive, her eyes vacant and distant, a mere shell of the


    woman | once knew.


    What the heck am | supposed to do? It breaks my heart to see her like this.


    3/7


    With a swift motion, she lunges again, her ws shing through the air like a deadly weapon. With each step | take back, the


    forest transforms into a battlefield, where reason has no role to y. There¡¯s no more room to evade her, and | can¡¯t keep finding


    ways to avoid her. The inevitable sh draws near, and | can feel the tension in the air, thickening with each passing moment.


    OSxx


    Awave of frustration crashes over me as she charges forward. Anguish and helplessness collide, causing me to stagger


    backwards as my vision blurs. | fall. The sensation of the cold ground meeting my back amplifies the overwhelming feelings of


    pain and despair.


    But | can¡¯t afford to stay down. Fueled by determination, | push myself up, my muscles straining as | strive to reach her and


    break through the suffocating


    darkness.


    ¡°Alina!¡±


    With a powerful roar, my voice pierces through the stillness of the air. Our eyes meet, and in that fleeting moment, | see a spark


    of familiarity before it disappears. It¡¯s a cruel sight, a fleeting glimmer of hope quickly overtaken by the haunting emptiness in her


    eyes.


    With a surge of desperation, | deftly dodged her next swipe, narrowly escaping her grasp. With a swift motion, | grab her wrist,


    my fingers closing around it tightly, refusing to let go.


    ¡°Snap out of it, Alina!¡±


    | screamed at the top of my lungs, my voice strained and filled with raw emotion. Her vacant eyes lock onto mine, and for a


    moment, a glimmer of recognition flickers within them, reminding me of the Alina | love. In her eyes, the turmoil within is evident,


    a silent war being waged. | cling to the hope that she¡¯ll break free, that the woman | adore will emerge from the shadows with a


    newfound strength and resilience. But the vacant look returns, and the weight of disappointment settles in my chest. Holding


    onto her wrist, frustration coils in my gut, tightening with every passing moment.


    ¡°Alina, please,¡± | b¨¦g, the weight of the situation bearing down on me. ¡°You can¡¯t


    4/7


    let it control you. Remember who you are. Remember us. Remember me.¡±


    Instead of getting a response from her, she twists forcefully in my hold and shes her sharp ws in my direction. | stumbled


    backward, taken aback by the unexpectedness of her attack and | let her go. Waves of intense pain shoot through my shoulder,


    leaving me gasping for breath.


    ¡°Fuck!¡±


    The word echoes in the empty forest around us, a cry of anguish and desperation. My breathing bes erratic as | clutch both


    the gaping wound in my stomach and my shoulder. As blood continues to pour from my wounds, my vision bes increasingly


    blurred. | am left with no other option but to evade, to distance myself from the woman | love, as her ws lunge through the air


    with a deadly intent.


    When I''m dead, there¡¯s no way | can save her.


    As | turn and run, the haunting sound of her ws cutting through the air sends chills down my back. The sound of her footsteps


    reverberates in my ears, a clear indication of her determined pursuit. My chest tightens as panic takes hold. | can¡¯t keep running


    from her indefinitely, and the mere idea of her injuring herself in pursuit pains me deeply.


    As | navigate through the dense foliage, the branches scrape against my face, leaving behind stinging pain. | steal a nce over


    my shoulder, my eyes barely catching a glimpse of her fleeting figure. With an ethereal grace, she glides through the night, her


    ws shimmering in the moonlight.


    Even though she wants to kill me, she¡¯s never looked more beautiful.


    Tears stream down my face as | run, my vision bing a blurry mess. Desperation fuels my escape as | push my legs harder,


    the pounding of my footsteps echoing in my ears. With each step | took, the forest seemed to expand infinitely, and the weight of


    my fear grew stronger in the air.


    ¡°Alina, please!¡± | cry out again, my voice strained and raw. ¡°I can¡¯t bear to see you like this!¡±


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    In His Eyes: Karma


    But my pleas fall on deaf ears. With each stride, the sound of her ws piercing the air bes louder, drawing nearer. The


    pain in my wounds intensifies, throbbing in sync with the rapid beats of my pounding heart.


    Asmall clearing emerges before me, bathed in an eerie glow from the moon above, revealing the unevenness of the ground. |


    can¡¯t keep running, my lungs are burning with each breath. Exhaustion sets in, and my legs tremble, threatening to copse.


    With a sudden halt, | skid to a stop, my body twisting around to face her.


    Emerging from the shadows, her eyes are empty, devoid of any recognition.


    ¡°Alina, please,¡± | whisper, my voice cracking. ¡°Don¡¯t make me do this.¡±


    As she moves forward, her ws gleam in the moonlight, leaving no doubt about her menacing intentions. Helplessness washes


    over me, causing my body to protest as | take a reluctant step back.


    ¡°| love you,¡± | dere, the words catching in my throat. ¡°But | can¡¯t let you hurt yourself.¡±


    Alina¡¯s gaze fixes on me, but her eyes seem hollow, as if all the life has been drained from them. And then she raises her hands


    again, her ws poised to sh at my throat, undoubtedly with the intention of ending my life. | frantically search the area,


    desperately seeking an item that can be used to bind her.


    Nothing.


    Oh, | get it now. This is my karma.


    I''ll get killed by the woman | love for killing people.


    ¡°Shit.¡±


    | hiss under my breath, feeling the surge of adrenaline as | prepare to charge at her and render her unconscious. | barely took a


    step towards her, but when | look at her face again, | notice the silent tears streaming down her cheeks. My body freezes in an


    instant, as if time itself has stopped, and | can only stare at her in disbelief.


    217


    Tears welled up in her vacant eyes and slowly made their way down her cheeks, even as her body remained stiff.


    ¡°Zeke... | have no control over my... body,¡± Alina¡¯s muttered whispers barely escape her tightly sealed lips as she menacingly


    positions her ws towards me once more. More tears trickle down her cheeks as she gazes at me with vacant eyes. ¡°...I¡¯m


    scared....please... leave me-...d¡ªdon¡¯t wanna hurt you... any more-¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡±


    Without thinking, | find myself moving closer to her, and her sharp ws hover dangerously close to my neck. With a prating


    gaze, she locks eyes with me, her hands trembling, barely suppressing the urge to strike.


    ¡°I''m not leaving you.¡±


    Gripping her wrist tightly, | tell her, feeling the tremor in her hand. This time, her lips tremble with an unspoken sorrow, as if she¡¯s


    holding back a wail. And as her hands shake again, | gently take hold of them, intertwining our fingers.


    ¡°Not again. Never again.¡±


    Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

 Chapter 64

    Chapter 64


    In His Eyes: Curse


    Zeke¡¯s POV


    Alina¡¯s movements were noticeably faster this time around.


    As she twists, her body slips through my fingers and | lose my grip on her. Before | knew it, her ws were outstretched, glinting


    dangerously as they aimed straight at my neck. | don¡¯t duck as quick as | hoped, and her ws stratches a part of my jaw. Pain


    courses through my body as | bleed, causing me to groan and wince.


    Just as | was about to reach for her again, Alina takes a step back, her body tense and rigid. At first, | thought she was doing so


    because she was in a trance again. But as | look at her face, | notice the tense set of her jaw and the creases on her forehead,


    all signs of frustration. With a snarl on her lips and her fingers twitching, it was clear that she had a desire to hurt me once more.


    But instead of walking towards me, she¡¯s now moving away with stiff, measured


    strides.


    | approach her, but she responds by shaking her head, her vacant eyes staring straight through me. Watching her, | couldn¡¯t help


    but notice the way she moved with purpose towards the nearest tree. Right in front of it, she stops abruptly, her body tense as


    she firmly presses both hands against the rough bark of the tree.


    ¡°Alina...?¡±


    With a wince, | try again, feeling the sharp ache in my stomach. | look down, feeling my eyes blink rapidly as the world around


    me bes a blur. Blood was pouring out of me in an rming quantity. The urgency of our situation bes apparent ¡ª if |


    don¡¯t act quickly, we will both die.


    Then Alina started violently smashing her head against the tree trunk.


    Once. Twice. Thrice.


    Each time, she would smash her head against the tree with even greater force than before.


    ¡°Alina!¡±


    Shouting at the top of my lungs, | rush towards her. My steps be


    unsteady, my eyesight growing hazy, yet | persist. The impact of her head hitting the tree sends a shudder through my chest, a


    resounding echo of the torment she suffers. Desperate to save her, | reach out with trembling hands, but she stands firm,


    refusing to be moved.


    Her words tumble out in fragmented stutters, her voiceced with anguish and an overwhelming sense of urgency.


    ¡°I-I have to stop... the voices-¡±


    ¡°What? What voices, Alina?¡± My heart races, its pounding echoing in my chest, as | feel utterly helpless at this moment. My


    hands tremble uncontrobly as | plead with her, desperately trying to pull her away from the destructive hold of the tree.


    ¡°Please, you have to let me help you.¡±


    But she resists, the vacant look in her eyes mirroring the struggle within her tortured mind. The forest seems to close in around


    us, bearing witness to a battle unseen, unheard.


    ¡°Zeke,¡± she mutters, her voice a fragile whisper amidst the chaos. ¡°The... voices... voices won''t stop. They¡¯re... tearing me


    apart.¡±Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    My mind races, desperately seeking a solution to reach her, to release her from the unseen chains that hold her captive.


    ¡°| don¡¯t hear any voices, Alina,¡± My voice trembled with desperation as | spoke. ¡°It¡¯s just you and me here. What are the voices


    saying?¡±


    With a gaping wound on her forehead, blood trickles down her face, leaving a trail of red in its wake. Wincing, | hastily reach out


    and grab her again, using all my strength to separate her from the tree. This time, shees to a sudden halt, blood trickling


    from her forehead andnding on her nose. Gripping the sides of her head,


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    In His Eyes: Curse


    she tries to cling to her sanity, slipping away like sand slipping through her fingers.


    ¡°| can¡¯t... | can¡¯t make them stop,¡± she confesses, her wordsced with anguish. ¡°They''re telling me things, horrible things. | just


    want them to go away!¡±


    As i struggle to understand the pain she is going through, tears cloud my eyes and make it hard to see. My fingers gently brush


    against the back of her neck as | reach out for her again. Hesitantly, | press her head against my shoulder, feeling the weight of


    her pain and the warmth of her blood seeping through my skin.


    ¡°We''ll find help, Alina. We''ll get through this-¡±


    ¡°Stop...Stop it-¡±


    | know this time, her words are directed at someone else, not me. As her hands press against my chest, | feel the slight quiver in


    her touch. | can feel the struggle within her, the desire to keep me at arm¡¯s length battling with the urge to wrap me in a tight


    embrace.


    ¡°What are they telling you? The voices?


    Now | know the serum they''ve injected her with, and its effects are bing evident. I¡¯ve witnessed it countless times. The


    Alpha¡¯s long list of enemies led him to devise a strategy that involved his pawns like me using this very thing against


    them.


    AHupnos. The serum had a deceptive effect, making the victim feel as though they were in a deep slumber, unaware of the


    control someone else had over them. It is probable that she was injected with a serum by those who abducted her, and they


    subsequently instructed her to inflict pain upon me.


    My fingers glide through her hair, and | sense her body stiffening beneath my touch.


    ¡°...Kill...you.¡±


    She remains motionless in my embrace, her empty gaze fixated on a world only she can fathom. | attempt to draw her nearer,


    longing to surround her with the


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    In His Eyes: Curse


    tender warmth of my hug, but her body remains stiff and unresponsive.


    ¡°| hate seeing you like this,¡± | confess, the weight of my words lingering in the air. ¡°I hate that | can¡¯t do anything to help you.¡±


    f


    My frustration seemed to reverberate through the forest, carried by its echoing sounds. As | press my lips against her forehead, |


    can¡¯t help but feel the weight of a thousand apologies, each one spoken through the touch of my lips.


    ¡°You''re not alone, Alina,¡± | whisper, my words a feeble attempt to pierce the veil of her suffering. ¡°I¡¯m here with you.¡±


    Atremor passes through her, sending shivers down her spine as she tries to contain the pain within. | hold her tighter, feeling the


    warmth of her body against mine.


    Reluctantly, | break away from the embrace, my heart yearning for just a few more seconds of warmth. Tears cascade down her


    cheeks, even though her eyes remain empty and emotionless. As my hand rises slowly, | delicately wipe away her tears, the


    warmth of her skin against my fingertips.


    Her skin was pale, except for the vivid crimson mark on her forehead, a testament to a recent wound. With utmost care, | gently


    remove the blood, my touch mimicking the gentle rustling of leaves.


    ¡°I''m sorry,¡± | say, my voice a murmured apology as my fingers linger on the wound. ¡°I wish | could protect you from everything.¡±


    Alina remains silent, her lips tightly sealed.


    The unspoken words create a dense atmosphere that fills the space between us. With a gentle motion, | lean in and press my


    lips against her forehead. | pull away and find myself captivated by her face, scrutinizing every nook and cranny with intense


    curiosity. Her beauty was ever-growing, and with each passing second, my love for her deepened. | lean in, my lips finding hers


    in a slow and gentle kiss. | can still taste the saltiness of her tears on my lips.


    ¡°| won''t give up on you, Alina,¡± | vow, my words a whispered promise against her


    1182 Su 10 Mar


    Bt this Ives te


    mouth. ¡°No matter how hopeless it seems, I''ll stand by you.¡±


    The night settled around us like a soft, velvet cloak, and Alina¡¯s body went ck in my embrace, her head resting gently on my


    shoulder. A sigh of fatigue escaped me, its sound barely audible against the backdrop of the cool night air. She¡¯d fainted, her face


    finally freed from the torment that had been etched across it.


    ¡°| wish it didn¡¯t have to be like this,¡± | murmured to the silent forest, my words carried away by the night breeze. ¡°But maybe, just


    maybe, this is the rest you


    need.¡±


    Holding Alina in my arms, | carefully navigate the well-known path, conscious of the hidden cameras observing our every move.


    Their watchful gaze never wavered, tracking our every step, and | felt an intense urge to rip their eyes out. The moon''s glow


    illuminated the lenses, turning them into malevolent eyes that bore into the privacy we so desperately sought.


    ¡°You''ll be okay,¡± | whispered to Alina, as if the words could pierce through the veil of her unconsciousness. ¡°We''ll find a way to


    make it okay.¡±


    As she breathed, a sense of calmness washed over me, her rhythmic exhales echoing against my chest. | could feel the


    weariness in every inch of my body, a testament to the enduring impact of our shared struggle. | walked through the silent night,


    the only noise breaking the stillness being the crunch of leaves under my steps.


    Its wooden frame stood tall and sturdy, contrasting against the dark shadows that surrounded it as the cabin neared. As the door


    creaked open, a musty smell


    wafted out from the dim interior.


    With utmost care, | gently ced Alina on the improvised bed, the soft glow of moonlight illuminating her paleplexion.


    ¡°I''ll be right here,¡± | assured her, my fingers brushing a strand of hair from her face. ¡°Rest, Alina. I''ll be right here.¡±


    ncing around the dimly lit room, my eyes strain to find any sign of a first aid kit to tend to our wounded bodies. | can¡¯t help but


    notice a small bag that instantly


    5/7


    captures my interest. Curiosity takes over as | open it with a glimmer of hope.


    Inside, a modest first aid kit sits patiently, filled with sterile bandages and soothing ointments.


    As | reach for it, my fingers graze the smooth, cool surface of the metal kit. As | carry it to where Alina lies, a sigh of sadness


    escapes me involuntarily. | sit down beside Alina, gently settling myself on the makeshift bed, feeling its uneven surface beneath


    me.


    With a focused gaze, | utch the first aid kit and slowly lift the lid, exposing its array of bandages, ointments, and medical tools.


    My attention shifts to Alina. Tenderly, | lift her head, my hands gently cupping her delicate face, as | inspect the wound on her


    forehead.


    The sterile wipe glides over her skin. She stirs, her brow furrowing slightly as if caught between the lingering pain of reality and


    the haze of dreams. My heart is heavy as | witness the pain, longing to shield her from the torment that continues to gue her,


    even in the depths of sleep.


    The ointment is next, its cool touch a balm against the warmth of her skin. With careful strokes, | apply it, my fingers delicately


    tracing the contours of her forehead. The bandage, a in white strip, adhered to her skin as | pressed it gently.


    Then | start with myself, | carefully clean my wounds with alcohol, wincing at the stinging sensation. The wound on my stomach


    throbs with an intense, agonizing pain. Despite wincing, | soldier on, fueled by my determination to alleviate the searing pain


    coursing through my body.


    ¡°Damn.¡±


    | mutter softly, my eyes scanning the extent of the damage. The throbbing pain from the gash on my cheek and the tender ache


    of the bruise on my jaw is unbearable. The sight of the blood and dirt caked onto my body was a grim reminder of the miracle


    that | had managed to survive.


    With unwavering precision, | tend to the wounds, meticulously removing the crimson stains from my flesh. The sterile wipe stings


    as it removes the dirt, but the temporary pain is worth the refreshing feeling of cleanliness. Once cleaned, | gently


    11:57 Sun, 10 Mar


    In His Eyes: Curse


    3.78%0


    apply the ointment to my wounds, feeling instant relief as its cooling properties soothe the heated ache. The bandages snugly


    coil around my stomach, providing a makeshift shield that eases the lingering pain.


    ¡°You''re strong, Alina,¡± | murmur, my words more a plea than a reassurance. ¡°I wish you could see that.¡±

 Chapter 65

    Chapter 65


    In His Eyes: Memories


    Zeke¡¯s POV


    The soft glow of dawn seeps through the cracks in the cabin, casting a gentle light on Alina¡¯s still form. | wake up with a start, a


    knot of worry forming in my chest. Something feels off, and the quiet hum of the forest outside does little to ease the


    unease.


    Carefully, | untangle myself from the makeshift bed, the creaking floor beneath my feet betraying my movements. Alina remains


    nestled in sleep, her breathing erratic. | hover over her, concern etching lines on my forehead. Her forehead feels warm to the


    touch, and a frown deepens as | realize she¡¯s running a fever.


    | try to gently shake her awake, but she remainspletely still, her face contorting with every twist and turn as the fever takes


    hold of her.


    ¡°You''ve got a fever. Hold on, I''ll be right back.¡±


    Stepping outside, | am greeted by the forest''s fresh morning air, while a rusty bucket catches my eye. One of the sponsors gave


    me a gift, and it seems like | identally left it there. The metal feels cold and unforgiving as | wrap my fingers around it.


    With the bucket in hand, | walk over to the gurgling stream and fill it with cool, clear water before heading back to the cabin.


    Carefully, | immerse a cloth in the cool water, wringing it out to just the right dampness before softly gliding it across her


    forehead, careful not to hit her bruise. Even in her sleep, she shivers at the touch, feeling the cool water against her fevered skin.


    ¡°Sorry if it''s cold,¡± | murmur, my thumb brushing away a stray strand of her hair. ¡°But we''ve gotta bring that fever down.¡±


    As | finish brushing Alina with the cool water, a low rumble emanates from my stomach, reminding me of my hunger. The chaotic


    struggle for survival had consumed my every thought, leaving little room to even consider the growling


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    Intus Kyes: Memories


    hunger in my stomach or the passing of time since myst meal. As | watch her peaceful form, a silent promise etches itself in


    my heart ¡ª she needs nourishment, a key to her recovery.


    I lean in and nt a tender kiss on Alina¡¯s cheek as she stirs in her sleep, savoring the softness of her skin. ¡°I''ll bring you some


    food.¡±


    Before setting off into the forest, | make sure to attend to both our bandages, ensuring they are clean and secure. Alina remains


    oblivious, lost in the cocoon of dreams. My hands moved with careful precision, wrapping each bandage with practiced expertise.


    My eyes are drawn to a glint, revealing a small, weathered knife ced on an improvised shelf. Although its de is worn and


    weathered, this tool has be an indispensable part of my daily routine. As | reach for it, the weight of the knife in my hand


    feels reassuringly familiar. | could feel a surge of power awakening within me, as if my instincts were preparing for another


    exhrating hunt.


    Outside again, the air is a mix of earthy scents and the promise of the unknown.


    The forest watches as | step over the threshold, a lone figure navigating its vast expanse. The cameras, hidden among the


    foliage, track my every move, yet the weight of Alina¡¯s well-being rests solely on my shoulders.


    | pause, unable to tear my gaze away from our humble cabin, the memories flooding back with each passing second. Despite my


    desire to stay by Alina¡¯s side as she sleeps, | am left with no option but to leave. | turn away with a sigh, my determination


    growing stronger as | feel the gnawing hunger in my belly.


    The forest embraces me, its towering trees forming a serene, noiseless ceiling. Navigating the twists and turns of the familiar


    paths, | rely on my hunter''s instinct to guide me. With each step, the rustle of leaves beneath my feet amplifies, resonating


    through the forest and igniting my senses, making me acutely aware of my surroundings.


    As the leaves rustle, a small creature scurries through the underbrush, making its presence known. The knife in my hand feels


    like a natural extension of my intent, empowering me with a sense of control. With a swift movement, | secure a small


    game, feeling the rush of adrenaline coursing through my veins.


    With the weight of the small creature in my hand, | make my way back to the


    cabin.


    As i peeked inside the cabin, | could hear the gentle sound of Alina¡¯s breathing, indicating that she was still fast asleep. | noticed


    that her breathing had be less shallow, a hopeful sign since | had been away.


    Outside, | light a fire and watch as the mes flicker and emit a gentle, inviting warmth. | take the time to clean the game


    thoroughly, ensuring that all the skin is removed before skewering the meat on a stick. With the meat sizzling over the fire, its


    savory scent permeates the surroundings, while my mind can¡¯t help but wander to Alina.


    After someone¡¯s injected with a Hupnos, | can only imagine the hazy fog that fills their mind, making it hard to think clearly. |


    know that their life expectancy significantly decreases after that. It''s no surprise considering their intention to harm people, which


    is amon effect of a drug like Hupnos.


    While deep in thought, a sudden lightheadedness washed over me. Sweat drips down my forehead, causing my vision to blur as


    | clumsily shift in my seat on the log. | wipe the sweat off my face, scanning my surroundings, only to discover smoke billowing


    out from the ground.


    ¡°Shit.¡± Instantly, | mutter to myself and bring my hand up to my nose, trying to shield myself from the smell. But | know it¡¯s too


    late, | can feel the smoke coating my lungs with each breath | take. ¡°Shit, shit, shit!¡±


    Since | had a job to do within the Mating Run, the Alpha eagerly provided me with detailed exnations about their borate


    strategies to achieve their desired oue for the entirety of the game. The smoke rising from the ground ounts for the


    largest portion of it.


    They have smoke that turns Hunters into aggressive beasts. A smoke that can really mess with people¡¯s well-being. And they for


    sure have smoke that turns people horny.


    In His Eyes: Memories


    The smoke they are releasing at this moment is exactly what | expected. Looks like they¡¯re in a hurry to wrap up the game.


    Because if everyone has found a mate, there would be no other option than to vacate the field.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Standing amidst swirling smoke that billows from the ground, | can¡¯t help but feel like the universe is toying with me. Uncertainty


    hangs heavy in the air, causing me to tense up, anticipating what maye.


    And then, unexpectedly, somethingpletely unexpected does happened.


    With a protesting creak, the cabin door swings open.


    Bi


    Alina appears, her body seemingly merging with the ethereal smoke, creating a mystical aura around her. As she steps into the


    open, the shifting shadows dance across her face, captivating my attention. The moment our gazes lock, a wave of unsettling


    realization crashes down on me.


    The emptiness in her eyes has faded away, but now there is a disconcerting sense of detachment that has taken its ce. The


    way she looks at me is filled with curiosity, as if I''m aplete stranger to her.


    ¡°Hey...¡± | meet her gaze, and though her eyes linger on mine, | can feel the hesitancy that fractures the deep connection we


    once had. Urgently, | stress the importance of my words,den with concern. ¡°Cover your nose. There¡¯s something strange in the


    air. Don¡¯t breathe it in!¡±


    There is a sense of detachment in her measured response, evident by the slow tilt of her head. I¡¯m not sure if she¡¯s intentionally


    ignoring the smell or if she genuinely doesn¡¯t notice it, but she carries on without flinching. The smoke-filled air seemed to have


    left a subtle blush on her cheeks, making it difficult to determine if it was the cause or her fever. With a hungry look in her eyes,


    Alina slowly approaches me, her tongue flicking across her lips.


    ¡°Sweetheart,¡± | implore, my heart pounding in my chest. Without fail, | kept my hand covering my nose, trying to block out the


    smoke. ¡°You need to cover your


    nose.¡±


    No matter how hard | try, she¡¯s not listening, lost in her own thoughts. The air is


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    In His Eves Memories


    thick with an undeniable tension as Alina approaches me, her movements deliberate and filled with an unspoken desire. With


    soft and curious fingers, she begins to trace the shape of my exposed chest, igniting a tingling sensation throughout my body. As


    she looks at me from under hershes, a lump forms in my throat, and a surge of desire courses through me.


    She¡¯s gonna be the death of me.


    A mixture of anticipation and vulnerability washes over me, causing a low groan to escape my lips. As her fingertips make


    contact with my skin, a wave of heightened awareness washes over me, stirred by the intention behind her touch.


    Overwhelmed by the multitude of sensations, | reflexively attempt to shift


    away.


    But with an unyielding demeanor, Alina¡¯s arms drape over my neck with a sensual grace, enticing me to move closer. Our bodies


    gravitate towards each other, drawn together in an irresistible maic embrace, and | am captivated by the alluring closeness


    of her presence. Without thinking, my arms embrace her waist, drawing her closer into my embrace.


    Alina leans in, her warm breath tickling my earlobe.


    ¡°You smell good.¡±


    As she breathes, her soft exhale creates a gentle melody that stirs something deep within me. Each word that escapes her lips is


    like a captivating melody, enchanting me. | sumb to the irresistible attraction, allowing myself to be pulled into the


    gravitational force of her captivating presence. Her warm breath against my skin sends a shiver down my spine, and | feel an


    ancient instinct stirring inside me.


    In the blink of an eye, | found myself lifting her up and bringing her back into the cabin. It became a whirlwind of arms and legs, a


    chaotic jumble of bodies colliding and grappling with one another. Moaning and screaming, Alina¡¯s face was a portrait of pure


    pleasure. My chest swelled with pride and adoration, knowing that | was the reason behind it.


    As | ced my hand on her hip, | could feel the softness of her skin beneath my


    11:59 Sun, 10 Mar


    In His Eyes Memories


    touch, as | gently pressed her into the ground. With my chest pressed against her back, | repeatedly lick the side of her neck,


    savoring her taste. A mating mark.


    | realize ¡ª | want to im her as my own.


    To have herpletely.


    All mine. Mine.


    ¡°Holy shit,¡± With a gentle touch, my lips graze against her neck, causing a shiver to course through her body. My tongue traced a


    tantalizing line up her neck, leaving a trail of warmth in its wake. ¡°You taste so fucking good.¡±


    | feel my mouth opening, and as it does, my canines extend, sharpened and ready.


    Without hesitation, | sank my teeth into her neck, marking her as mine.


    ¡°Mine. All fucking mine.¡±


    As | sink my teeth deeper into her skin, she can¡¯t help but let out a pleasurable moan, fueling my desire.


    ¡°Yes, yes, yes!¡±


    ¡°Let everyone know you''re mine. Scream.¡±


    ¡°Yours! I¡¯m all yours!¡±


    | make it a point to satisfy her in every way imaginable, ensuring that she experiences pure pleasure and lets out screams of


    ecstasy. | can¡¯t hold back as she climaxes, my thrusts bing insistent, driven by her pleasure. As | gaze at her, | can¡¯t help


    but be captivated by her beauty, now that I know she belongs to me.


    | couldn''t ignore the fact that she never once cried out my name.


    | pause for a moment, my fingers tightening around her waist.


    11:59 Sun, 10 Mar 0


    In His Eyes Memories


    ¡°What''s your name?¡±


    78%


    ¡°Alina,¡± With a delicate whisper and a beautiful smile, she unknowingly confirms my suspicion that she doesn¡¯t recognize me.


    ¡°You?¡±


    Asmirk slowly spreads across my face, tugging at the corners of my mouth.


    ¡°Put that pretty brain to work and remember. You know who | am.¡±

 Chapter 66

    Chapter 66


    In His Eyes: Answer


    Zeke¡¯s POV


    As the morning light streams through the windows, it bathes the cabin in a gentle, golden hue while Alina stirs in my arms.


    Shifting slightly to the side, | make sure to give her some room and respond with a smile as | look at her. When | see the look on


    her face, the smile immediately vanishes. Her gaze is unfocused, her expression confused, as if the events of yesterday are still


    lingering in the depths of her memory.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Why are we... naked?¡±


    Her voice is barely audible, abination of uncertainty and a hint of


    nervousness.


    ¡°You... you don¡¯t remember? What about me? Do you... remember me?¡±


    With a deep breath, | steady myself, mentally and physically, readying myself for the uing conversation that lies ahead. Her


    attention turns towards me, her eyes locked onto my face, searching for something. For a moment, a wave of fear washes over


    me, doubting if she will even recognize me. However, a flicker of recognition passes through her eyes, causing her to quickly


    look away and blink.


    ¡°|... | know you. Y¡ªYou¡¯re...¡± Alina¡¯s face contorted into a frown, a mix of frustration and bewilderment evident in her expression.


    ¡°Ze...ke.¡±


    With a smile on my face, | reach out and wrap an arm around her waist, giving it a gentle squeeze. ¡°You''re right.¡±


    Once again, a frown appears on her face as she instinctively reaches for her neck.


    ¡°Why does my neck hurt?¡±


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    In His Eyes: Answer


    Apang of guilt tightens my chest as | delicately run my fingers over the faint marks on her neck. Her body trembles at my touch,


    and | catch her covertly peering at me through her loweredshes. With a sigh escaping my lips, | lean in and ce a tender kiss


    on the side of her head, causing her eyes to flutter.


    ¡°| marked you,¡± | confessed, my voice so faint that it almost disappeared into the silence. Alina¡¯s eyes widen in surprise at the


    admission, and she instinctively ps a hand to her neck, wincing in pain. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Alina. It wasn¡¯t supposed to happen like


    this.¡±


    ¡°Marked?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± | reply, my gaze fixed on her. ¡°It¡¯s a... mating mark. It means you¡¯re mine.¡±


    Pulling away, frustration and confusion are evident on her face.


    ¡°Oh, | know exactly what a mating mark is, no need to exin! Just... just, | don¡¯t understand. You were- Were we even


    anything? Seriously, how did this happen? | just... don¡¯t get it, my thoughts are all tangled and | can¡¯t make sense of anything.¡±


    With a heavy sigh escaping my lips, | found sce in the rhythmic motion ofbing my fingers through her hair. Alina remains


    close to me, but her bodynguage reveals tension, as if she is uneasy in my presence. Although her actions hurt my heart, |


    know that they may be an unfortunate side effect of the Hupnos injected into her.


    ¡°| know,¡± | say, remorse tainting my words. ¡°And if it makes you feel any better | wanted it to mean something more, something


    special. But in the heat of the moment, I... | lost control, and now you''re marked.¡±


    | had the urge to smack my forehead, but | couldn¡¯te up with a different. expression to convey my exasperation. Having a


    mate ispletely new to me as well, and it¡¯s an entirely different experience. | never once imagined that | would have someone


    like her in my life, let alone someone as incredible as her.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t make me feel better.¡± Alina¡¯s expression shifts, a subtle mix of emotions ying on h¨¦r features. ¡°I can¡¯t believe this


    happened. | feel like I¡¯m in


    2/7


    u


    In the Egos Answer


    some kind of dream¡±


    | reach for her hand, feeling the warmth and softness as | give it a gentle


    squeeze.


    ¡°I''m sorry, Alina. | never wanted to make you ufortable or do something you weren''t ready for. | just=".


    {A


    | wanted to tell her that before, there were moments when it seemed like she was inviting me to leave my mark on her. But just


    as | start my other sentence, Alina abruptly pulls her hand away from mine, leaving my words unfinished.


    ¡°So, what now? What does this mean for us?¡±


    | shift ufortably, feeling the urge to wrap my arms around her and pull her onto myp. However, she avoids eye contact,


    making it clear that she doesn¡¯t share the same desire as | do.


    ¡°Well,¡± As | begin, my fingers instinctively find their way into my hair, the familiar texture providing a sense of grounding. ¡°We can


    leave-¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    The sudden answer catches me off guard, causing me to flinch. When | look at her again, | notice that she¡¯s frowning, her


    eyebrows furrowed and her lips downturned.


    ¡°Alina?¡±


    The air in the cabin feels heavy with tension, as if every word spoken by Alina has settled and hangs in the atmosphere. | had


    thought, hoped, that after the intensity of our connection, she might be willing to leave the Mating Run with me.


    But her face is an enigma, and | can¡¯t discern the thoughts behind those unreadable eyes.


    Wanting to bridge the gap that had formed between us, | mustered the courage. to reach out to her, hoping for reconciliation.


    With a subtle retreat, she moves away,


    10 Ma


    In His Eyes: Answer


    and | can¡¯t help but feel a pang of hurt in my chest.


    78%


    ¡°I''m not sure about leaving with you, Zeke,¡± Her steady voice betrays no hint of emotion as she confesses, but her face remains


    unreadable. Standing up, she hastily grabs the nearest hoodie ¡ª my hoodie ¡ª from the makeshift bed and wraps it around


    herself. She even shields her body away from me, as though | haven''t spent countless nights tracing its contours with my


    fingertips. ¡°I need time to think.¡±


    My heart sinks, and | fight to keep my expression neutral.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    | notice a hint of vulnerability in her eyes as our gazes intertwine, something I¡¯ve never witnessed until now. Frustrated, she lets


    out a sigh and absentmindedly tucks loose strands of her hair behind her ear, her pacing on the floor bing


    more restless.


    ¡°| don¡¯t know if you¡¯re a good guy or the bad guy, Zeke. And it scares me. | can¡¯t just leave with you without knowing.¡±


    Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. Filled with offense and hurt, | forcefully rise from the bed, immediately making my way


    towards her. As she looks in my direction, her gaze falls upon my naked body, causing her to gasp and quickly look away. That


    hurts me too, much more than | would like, causing a deep ache in my heart. As | reach out and grab her forearm gently, she


    immediately recoils and forcefully shoves my touch away.


    ¡°After everything... you question whether I¡¯m good to you?¡±


    | watch as Alina ran her hand over her face, her expression filled with


    annoyance.


    ¡°Listen, | have no idea what went down. In my mind, it feels like the Mating Run just started a few days ago. | have no idea, my


    brain¡¯s a total mess. | thought you were trying to kill me. My bad if everything¡¯s too fucking strange for me.¡±


    ¡°It''s what-¡± With a click of my tongue, | walk towards her and position myself in demanding front of her. cing my hands on her


    cheeks, | tilt her head towards me,


    10


    78%


    In His Eyes Answer


    her attention. ¡°Alina, that happened ages ago. We patched things up, remember? | made sure everything was okay between us.


    Looking back, | wish | hadn¡¯t done what | did. | saved you and you saved me and-¡±


    | can¡¯t evenplete my sentence before Alina bursts into tears, ending our conversation abruptly. Her tears glisten on her


    cheeks as | gently brush them away, but when | lean in for a kiss, she flinches, her closed eyes betraying her wounded heart.


    When she pushes against my chest, | release my grip on her.


    ¡°|... | don¡¯t know anything you''re saying,¡± Crying into her hands, she whispered her words to me, making sure not to let out a


    single sound. ¡°In my brain, it¡¯s only been a couple of days. A long time ago? Seriously, how did that happen? That doesn¡¯t make


    any sense! | remember... hiding in a cave, and then you trying to kill me and then... Anything beyond that... Nothing!¡±


    | struggle to contain the hurt, feeling as if I''m being devoured by the overwhelming sense of rejection.


    ¡°You think I¡¯m still the bad guy here, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°It''s not that simple,¡± Her voice filled the air as she replied, and her eyes locked with mine once more. With her eyes bloodshot


    from crying, she res at me and throws her hands up in the air in frustration. ¡°I just need time to understand everything. This is


    all so overwhelming, and | can¡¯t make a decision in haste.¡±


    As the silence settles, it feels suffocating, and | can¡¯t help but run a hand through my hair in frustration.


    ¡°Alina, | care about you. Why can¡¯t you trust that?¡±


    ¡°You tried to kill me!¡± She lets out a piercing scream, her hand shooting up in my direction. ¡°Seriously, after you tried to kill me,


    why would I even consider mating with you?! Have | lost my mind?!¡±


    Her words cut through me like a knife, leaving a bitter taste of disappointment in my mouth.


    ¡°You loved me.¡±


    In His Eyes Answer


    ¡°| might have Stockholm Syndrome.¡±


    ¡°Alina-¡±


    ¡°What if this is a mistake-¡±


    ¡°You''re treating me like the bad guy, like I¡¯m some threat to you. After everything | did for you, you can¡¯t see that I¡¯m not here to


    hurt you?¡±


    Her expression softens, but the lingering uncertainty is still evident in her eyes.


    She lets out a sigh, the sound echoing with a profound sense of longing and sorrow. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Zeke. I¡¯m drawing aplete


    nk. | don¡¯t think I''m the person you wanted as a mate. | don¡¯t think | could bring that woman back, even if | wanted


    to.¡±


    The impact of the words was like a tidal wave, relentlessly crashing against the walls of hope | had fortified. | am caught off


    guard by the tears that form in my eyes, only noticing them when Alina¡¯s voice interrupts the quiet. Alina¡¯s voice, soft and gentle,


    acts as a calming melody that pierces through the storm raging within me.


    ¡°H-hey... Look, there¡¯s no need to cry-¡±


    As the tears flow down my face, the weight of the ache in my chest bes undeniable. How could she forget something so


    important? How could those moments be reduced to mere fragments, fleeting and forgotten in the recesses of


    her mind?


    Alina takes a step closer, her eyes brimming withpassion, as she gently reaches out to wipe away my tears. ¡°Look... | think


    we''ll figure this out. | just...¡±


    Just before she could touch my skin, my knees buckle beneath me and | copse to the ground, shattered and rejected. | had no


    idea the pain would be so intense, but | had heard stories of mates being rejected before. They use the term ¡°drop¡± to describe


    this. Never in my wildest dreams did | imagine | could have such an experience.


    | sit there on the cold floor, a broken man in the wake of Alina¡¯s confession. The


    12:01 Sun, 10 Mar 0


    In His Eyes: Answer


    378%


    rejection hangs heavy in the air, a bitter taste on my tongue. My tears, once silent, now echo in the empty spaces between us.


    Alina sighs, a sound that seems to carry the weight of our shared pain. She crouches down in front of me, her eyes filled with a


    mix of sympathy and regret. With a gentle touch, she wipes away my tears, her fingers tracing the lines of heartache etched on


    my face:


    ¡°Zeke,¡± she whispers, her voice a soft murmur in the cavern of our shared vulnerability, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. | didn¡¯t mean to hurt you.¡±


    | look into her eyes, searching for something, anything, that might look like the


    Alina that loves me.


    | don¡¯t find anything.

 Chapter 67

    Chapter 67


    In His Eyes: Regrets


    Zeke¡¯s POV


    The room is bathed in a soft, warm glow as the morning sun filters through the


    window.


    Indifferent as ever, Alina lies on the bed, her gaze fixed on the ceiling, the room filled with a sense of emptiness. We no longer


    sleep together in the same bed. The distance between us is palpable, a constant reminder of the fragments we''re trying to piece


    back together.


    eat.¡±


    ¡°Hey, Alina,¡± | say softly, gently shaking her shoulder. ¡°Breakfast is ready. Let''s


    No matter what is said or done, her gaze remains steadfast, and she shows no signs of responding. It¡¯s as if I¡¯m a stranger in her


    world. | continue to persist, yearning for the moment when her eyes will once again hold the recognition | crave.


    | prepare breakfast, a simple meal of fish that | caught earlier by theke. As the fire crackles in the small pit, its warm sound fills


    the entire cabin, creating aforting atmosphere. In the midst of cooking, | am asionally distracted by brief glimpses of her


    movement from the corner of my eye. Lost in her thoughts, she sits on the edge of the bed, staring into the distance. It feels as if


    there is an unknown expanse separating us, a void that | long to fill.


    ¡°Alina,e on. Breakfast is ready,¡± | say, setting the te of fish on the small table. ¡°Do you want to have it there?¡±


    ¡°No... No, it''s fine. Just give me a minute.¡±


    Moving at a snail¡¯s pace, her body casts a shadow against the soft glow of the morning light. The hoodie drapes loosely over her


    shoulders, swaying with each step she takes. After she settles into the gound, | find myself sitting across from her, the air


    between us heavy with an unspoken quietness.


    | watch her eat, her gaze fixed on the food as she methodically cuts and chews. The act of eating food for her became a


    monotonous routine, stripped of any pleasure or significance.


    ¡°Alina, do you need anything else?¡±


    ¡°| could use some water, | guess.¡±


    Careful not to impose, | ask with a gentle tone, my voice barely audible. | can¡¯t help but notice the shrug of her shoulders, a small


    gesture that speaks volumes. The vacant look in her eyes resonates in the void that separates us. Each passing day adds


    weight to the burden I carry, an ache that lingers within me.


    | grab a cup, filling it with warm water that steams in the cool air, and offer it to


    her.


    ¡°Here. Drink.¡±


    ¡°Uhh... thanks.¡±


    Despite taking the cup, her gaze remains unresponsive,cking any acknowledgement. | sit back, allowing her some room to


    breathe, while my te of food remains untouched in front of me. Our shared silence cast a heavy shadow over the cabin,


    making it feel smaller and more constricting. Each passing moment feels like an eternity, a constant reminder of how far apart


    we''ve be. As | watch her, a wave of emotion swells in my chest, causing a lump to form in my


    throat.


    | watch with delight as Alina takes her time, relishing everyst bite of her meal. My gaze remains fixed on her, my own te


    forgotten and untouched. As she sets the empty te down, her gaze distant, | feelpelled to break the silence.


    ¡°Do you want more? You can have this.¡± With a nod, | offer her my te, which is piled high with mouthwatering fish. Alina¡¯s gaze


    shifted from the te to me, her face contorted with a peculiar expression. ¡°I¡¯m not that hungry.¡±


    With a skeptical look in her eyes, she scoffs dismissively. She sees my offer, my attempt to care for her, as aplex puzzle that


    she can¡¯t decipher. She lets out a


    deep sigh, the sound reverberating in the stillness of the room, before finally breaking the silence with her words.


    ¡°Why are you doing this, Zeke?¡±


    Her tone is sharp, cutting through the stillness.


    Unsure of how to answer, | hesitated, my mind racing with possible responses.


    ¡°Doing what?¡±


    ¡°Treating me like some child who can¡¯t take care of herself. I¡¯m not helpless.¡±


    With every word she utters, a sharp sting pierces through me, and a knot tightens in my chest, causing difort. The ache was


    all too familiar, a painful reminder of how distant we had be. | can¡¯t bear to look at her, so | shift my gaze to my hands,


    trying to hide the remorse in my eyes.


    ¡°Look, this is weird to me, okay?¡± | can feel her anger lingering in the air, creating a palpable tension between us. | nce at the


    untouched te in front of me, feeling my stomach grumble with hunger. ¡°Zeke, | don¡¯t need your help. | don¡¯t need you to y


    the hero. Stop doing this for me. It''s weird.¡±


    ¡°Alina, | just... | want to get you what you need,¡± My voice trembled with a hint of desperation as | spoke, my words desperately


    trying to bridge the growing gap between us. My eyes instinctively wander to the mating mark on her neck, the mark that says


    she¡¯s mine. Of course, she notices me staring, and her cheeks immediately turn a rosy shade. ¡°I¡¯m your mate-¡±


    ¡°Can you stop saying that?!¡± With anger zing in her eyes, she forcefully ps her hand against the mating mark on her neck.


    ¡°It''s really weird! | already told you, I¡¯m still trying to remember those things you say happened. Stop making things. tougher than


    they already are!¡±


    ¡°| didn¡¯t mean... | didn¡¯t want it to be like this. Sorry.¡± | murmur, my voice barely audible.


    Frustration overwhelms her as she lets out a sigh, her fingers instinctively


    reaching for the bridge of her nose. ¡°No, I¡¯m sorry. | shouldn¡¯t have freaked out. But hey, you don¡¯t have to share your food with


    me. You eat it. Your stomach is making noise, | can hear it.¡±


    ¡°Oh, but...¡±


    ¡°lm serious. Eat.¡±


    Alina stands and walks towards the bed again, her eyes fixed on me as she takes a seat on the edge, her presence palpable in


    the room. | grab the te, trying to eat the food as rapidly and silently as possible, fully immersed in its vors. She was right


    about me being hungry, but | would dly give up my food if it means she


    can eat more.


    ¡°Why are you doing all this?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°This.¡± With exasperation, Alina repeats her words, gesturing wildly with her hands. ¡°Is this because you got stuck with me as a


    mate or something?¡±


    ¡°I''m doing this because | love you.¡±


    Her gaze shifts, and she freezes. Her cheeks were flushed with a vivid red, a striking contrast to the bewildered expression in her


    eyes. It¡¯s as if my confession has jolted her awake from a trance, pulling her into the present moment.


    ¡°Love?¡±


    Her voice, barely above a whisper, echoed softly within the tranquil cabin as she repeated herself. Nodding, | can¡¯t help but feel


    the weight of vulnerability settle


    upon me.


    ¡°Yes. | love you.¡±


    Asigh escapes her lips, carrying with it a blend of emotions.


    ¡°Before... before | lost my memories, did | love you back?¡±


    The question dangles in the air, a tenuous connection between our past and the present, waiting to be answered. When my eyes


    met hers, they conveyed a sense of both uncertainty and longing.


    ¡°| don¡¯t know. | never... | never confessed back then. | never knew how | felt, so | never knew how you felt.¡±


    A blend of disappointment and realization washes over her, evident in her changing expression. Breaking the silence again, her


    voice slices through the stillness with a sharpness akin to a de.


    ¡°You''re such a loser, Zeke. If you had confessed to me back then, maybe | wouldn¡¯t have forgotten about you.¡±


    Myughter was forced, but her words struck a nerve, causing a wave of pain to wash over me. As the usation lingers in the


    air, a sense of missed opportunities weighs heavily on my shoulders.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± My reply escapes my lips, the sound of my voice betraying abination of self-deprecating mockery and a touch of


    regret. ¡°I guessma


    loser.¡±


    With a raised eyebrow, Alina fixes her gaze on the target, her expression unwavering.


    ¡°So, when did you figure out you loved me, huh?¡±


    | quickly avert my gaze, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not like | woke up one day and realized it...¡±


    Leaning back and crossing her arms, she fixates her gaze on me, patiently waiting for my response. | noticed a mischievous


    sparkle in her eye, a sight | had never seen before. She tilts her head to the side, her eyes fixed on me, a mischievous smirk


    ying on her lips.


    As | clear my throat, | can feel her eyes boring into me, their intensity weighing heavily on me. ¡°I guess... | finally got it when |


    couldn¡¯t bear the idea of being


    without you. When you not being there felt like something was missing.¡±


    74%


    As she stares at me, her eyes burn with such intensity that it sets my heart racing. Herughter bubbles out when | clear my


    throat again, a beautiful sound. that holds me spellbound. If | could capture her in a photograph at this moment, the joyous sound


    of herughter would be frozen in time.


    ¡°You''re blushing, Zeke. Is that really when you figured it out?¡±


    I nod, my face flushing with embarrassment. ¡°Yeah, | know it sounds cheesy, but it¡¯s true. | didn¡¯t realize how much | needed you


    until you were gone.¡±


    Ashort pause hung in the air, apanied by the soothing crackling of the fire, heightening the unspoken emotions between us.


    The edges of Alina¡¯s guard momentarily lift, and her face transforms with a softened expression.


    ¡°| don¡¯t get it,¡± Finally, she says, her voice now softer and less usatory. ¡°If you felt that way, why didn¡¯t you confess before |


    lost my memories?¡±


    Asigh escapes my lips as | feel the weight of my own indecision pressing down


    on me.


    ¡°| thought | had more time.¡±


    ¡°Huh.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.¡±


    With the arrival of night, the cabin bes eerily quiet, amplifying my unease as | brace myself for another night of


    restlessness. We have silently epted the growing distance between us, finding sce in separate beds. The fire¡¯s embers


    cast a dim glow, creating a dance of shadows on the walls.


    As | lie down, the weight of our new normal settles upon me, a whirlwind of emotions that | can¡¯t escape. The uncertainty hung in


    the air, mingling with a deep sense of longing and the fragments of what once was. Sleep feels like a distant


    without you. When you not being there felt like something was missing.¡±


    As she stares at me, her eyes burn with such intensity that it sets my heart. racing. Herughter bubbles out when | clear my


    throat again, a beautiful sound that holds me spellbound. If | could capture her in a photograph at this moment, the joyous sound


    of herughter would be frozen in time.


    ¡°You''re blushing, Zeke. Is that really when you figured it out?¡±


    | nod, my face flushing with embarrassment. ¡°Yeah, | know it sounds cheesy, but it¡¯s true. | didn¡¯t realize how much | needed you


    until you were gone.¡±


    Ashort pause hung in the air, apanied by the soothing crackling of the fire, heightening the unspoken emotions between us.


    The edges of Alina¡¯s guard momentarily lift, and her face transforms with a softened expression.


    ¡°| don¡¯t get it,¡± Finally, she says, her voice now softer and less usatory. ¡°If you felt that way, why didn¡¯t you confess before |


    lost my memories?¡±


    Asigh escapes my lips as | feel the weight of my own indecision pressing down


    on me.


    ¡°| thought | had more time.¡±


    ¡°Huh.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.¡±


    With the arrival of night, the cabin bes eerily quiet, amplifying my unease as | brace myself for another night of


    restlessness. We have silently epted the growing distance between us, finding sce in separate beds. The fire¡¯s embers


    cast a dim glow, creating a dance of shadows on the walls.


    As | lie down, the weight of our new normal settles upon me, a whirlwind of emotions that | can¡¯t escape. The uncertainty hung in


    the air, mingling with a deep sense of longing and the fragments of what once was. Sleep feels like a distant


    dream, slipping away from me like a wisp of smoke.


    ¡°Goodnight, Alina.¡±Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    My voice escapes in a soft murmur, a blend of surrender and anticipation. A moment of silence hangs in the air, and just as |


    believe she has sumbed to the realm of dreams, her voice shatters the stillness.


    ¡°Zeke?¡±


    As | turn to face her, the soft, dim light casts a gentle glow on her features.


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    There¡¯s a hint of vulnerability in her gaze as she hesitates, and it instantly tugs at my heart.


    ¡°Can you... sleep beside me?¡±


    Her unexpected request caught me off guard, and | could feel my cheeks growing warm. Her eyes reveal vulnerability, mirroring


    my own, as the unspoken implications of her words hang heavy in the air.


    ¡°|... | don¡¯t think that¡¯s a good idea, Alina,¡± My voice faltered as | stammered, torn between uncertainty and aching desire. ¡°I want


    to, you have no idea, but...¡±


    She looks frustrated, her gaze dropping to the bed. ¡°I just thought it might help. Maybe being close to you will trigger something,


    make me remember.¡±


    Her words were filled with such desperation that my heart ached. She¡¯s searching for something she can¡¯t quite grasp, and |


    want to help her find it.


    ¡°Alina, it¡¯s not that | don¡¯t want to be close to you,¡± | say, my words careful. ¡°It¡¯s just... I¡¯m afraid it mightplicate things. For


    both of us.¡±


    She looks away, frustration etched on her face. ¡°I don¡¯t want to ask again, Zeke. | hate feeling this way, like I¡¯m missing


    something important. But | thought maybe... maybe being close to you could bring it back-¡± ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°Okay what?¡±


    ¡°I''m sleeping next to you.¡±


    Standing up from my bed, | make my way over to hers. Surprisingly, she shifts in her bed, creating some space for me. She


    doesn¡¯t say anything else, but the redness of her ears speaks volumes. The night wraps around us like a suffocating nket, and


    |y beside Alina, our distance a silent understanding measured by the arm¡¯s length.


    ¡°Goodnight, Alina.¡±


    ¡°Goodnight, Zeke.¡±


    | close my eyes, feeling the warmth of the bed enveloping me in a fragile


    comfort.


    ... Then, abruptly, I¡¯m jolted awake.


    Struggling to breathe, my eyes bulge out of their sockets, reflecting my panic. With vacant eyes, Alina¡¯s once serene expression


    is now gone as her hands wrap tightly around my throat.

 Chapter 68

    Chapter 68


    Zeke¡¯s POV


    ¡°Alina!¡±


    In His Eyes: Dreams


    The wordse out in a choked scream, the sybles stretched and strained.


    But there¡¯s no response. Her empty gaze seems to pierce through the darkness, detached and unfazed by the struggle beneath


    her hands. My chest tightens with fear, as if sharp ws are digging into my ribs, demanding to be set free from the crushing grip


    that looms over me. Desperation and confusion mingled in my eyes as | wrestled against her tight grip.


    ¡°Alina, please!¡± Struggling to speak, | managed to rasp out my words, my plea echoing in the void that separated us. ¡°Let me go!¡±


    And then, as if jolted awake from a dream, her eyes widen with recognition. In an instant, the vacant look on her face is reced


    by a surge of realization, as sheprehends the magnitude of what she is doing. The tightness around my throat loosens,


    allowing me to take a gasping breath and feel the immediate relief of fresh oxygen entering my lungs.


    ¡°Zeke?¡±


    As she speaks, her voice wavers, conveying a sense of confusion and deep remorse. Clutching my throat, | could still feel the


    lingering sensation of her hands, like a ghostly touch.


    ¡°What... What happened, Alina?¡±


    Horror and guilt immediately wash over her face, causing her to recoil. Her hands tremble uncontrobly as she gazes at them,


    her entire body filled with a sense of unease.


    ¡°| don¡¯t... | don¡¯t know. | just... | thought | was dreaming.¡±


    As | sit up, the bed feels even colder than it did moments ago.


    ¡°| didn¡¯t mean to hurt you,¡± she says, her voice a fragile apology in the quiet darkness. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Alina, it¡¯s okay,¡± | murmur, my voice an attempt at reassurance. ¡°It was... just a bad dream, right?¡±


    As she looks at me, her eyes, clouded with remnants of the night¡¯s confusion, well up with tears, revealing a blend of fear and


    sorrow on her face.


    ¡°I''m sorry, Zeke,¡± she whispers, her voice trembling, eyes never wavering from my neck. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, sorry, So sorry...¡±


    My hand reaches out, delicately cupping her cheek, feeling the softness of her skin.


    fell.


    ¡°Hey, it¡¯s okay. Don¡¯t cry,e on.¡¯


    But her tears kept streaming down her face, leaving gentle pathways as they


    | guide her to sit beside me on the bed, the cold reality of the night enveloping us in its presence. ¡°Alina, you can¡¯t me


    yourself. We''re both trying to figure this out, and sometimes things get a little messy. It doesn¡¯t change how | feel about


    you.


    With a nod, her face, streaked with tears, remains a poignant disy of sorrow. As | pull her into aforting embrace, | can feel


    her body rx against mine, seeking sce in the safety of my arms.


    ¡°We''ll get through this, Alina. Together.¡±


    ¡°| hurt you, and | don¡¯t want to hurt you anymore.¡±


    Alina whispers, her words barely audible, revealing the fragile admission of the turmoil within.


    ¡°Alina, listen to me,¡± | say, my voice a gentle murmur. ¡°We can¡¯t predict what''ll happen, but we can face it together. And I¡¯m not


    giving up on us.¡±


    ¡°Were you always like this?¡± She looks up, her gaze meeting mine with a mix of gratitude and longing. ¡°I don¡¯t think | deserve


    someone as patient and understanding as you, Zeke.¡±


    ¡°Don''t say that,¡± | reply, my thumb brushing away a stray tear from her cheek. ¡°You''re worth every bit of patience and


    understanding. We''ll find a way through this, okay?¡±


    Alina¡¯s sudden gasp filled the air, her widened eyes reflecting pure horror, as her hands instinctively reached out to touch my


    neck. The moment her fingers make contact with my skin, a grimace forms on my face. | can then feel a wetness against my


    neck, and my fingers confirm it as theye away stained with blood.


    ¡°Zeke, you''re bleeding!¡±


    My eyes shift downward, and | see a mark on my neck, a tiny wound left behind by the strength of her grip during the nightmare.


    Alina¡¯s eyes welled up with tears at the sight of blood, her hands shaking as sheprehended the unintended consequence of


    her actions.


    With a gentle touch, | guide Alina to sit beside me on the bed, feeling the warmth of her presence next to mine. As | reach for the


    first aid kit, | notice the glistening tears streaking down her face, revealing the depth of her inner turmoil. With a gentle smile, |


    offer her reassurance.


    ¡°Let''s get you calmed down, okay?¡±


    | speak softly, my voice a calming murmur. With a bandage in hand, | carefully unravel it, feeling the soft fabric and seeing the


    adhesive side that will soon adhere to my neck, covering the scratches.


    Alina nods, her hands trembling slightly, clearly still affected by what happened. Her eyes remain fixed on me, flickering between


    the bandage and my face, as if searching for answers. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Zeke. | don¡¯t know why | did that.¡±


    With the bandage securely in ce on my neck, | am relieved to feel the coolness providing somefort.


    ¡°It''s okay, Alina. Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    ncing at her, | could see aplex blend of gratitude and guilt reflecting in her eyes. As she tries to maintain herposure,


    there¡¯s a lingering sense of vulnerability in the air.


    ¡°You''re hurt because of me,¡± she whispers, her voice barely audible over the quiet hum of the night. ¡°I could have killed you.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t kill me.¡± | reach out, gently brushing her hair away from her face. ¡°Besides, it''s just a scratch, Alina.¡±


    But her focus never wavers from the bandage, her fingertips gently caressing the fabric as if trying to unravel the secrets hidden


    within the in white surface. ¡°I could have really hurt you, Zeke. What if it happens again? What if | can¡¯t control it?¡±


    | pause, setting the first aid kit aside, taking a moment to listen to the birds chirping in the distance. ¡°We''ll find a way to manage


    it, Alina. And | won''t let you push yourself away because of this. We face it together.¡±


    The stillness in the air intensifies the weight of uncertainty, enveloping us in a shared vulnerability. My words, spoken with a quiet


    determination, act as an anchor, keeping us grounded in the midst of the unknown storm.


    ¡°Maybe,¡± Tentatively, she begins speaking, her voice trembling with a touch of hesitation. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s better if | sleep outside.


    That way, | won¡¯t hurt you.¡±


    | vigorously shake my head, adamant about not allowing her to bear the guilt


    alone.


    ¡°No, Alina. If anything, | should be the one staying outside.¡±


    ¡°Are you serious right now?¡± Her eyes meet mine, a mixture of surprise and frustration flickering within. ¡°Why aren''t you upset?!¡±


    | reach for her hands, feeling their soft warmth in my grasp. ¡°Alina, | can¡¯t be angry at you. We''re navigating uncharted territory,


    and | won¡¯t abandon you when you need support the most.¡±


    I finish, | guide her down the bed, encouraging her to lie back. This time, there¡¯s no distance between us. Instead, | pull her


    close, my arms enveloping her in a protective embrace. The warmth of the moment is both soothing and reassuring.


    ¡°It''s okay to feel overwhelmed, Alina,¡± | say, my fingers gently running through her hair. ¡°We''ll figure this out, step by step.¡±


    She lets out a shaky breath, the weight of the night¡¯s events still pressing on her. ¡°I don¡¯t want to hurt you, Zeke.¡±


    | hold her tighter, the words spoken in the quiet of the room. ¡°You won''t, Alina. We''ll find a way through this, and I¡¯m not going


    anywhere.¡±


    But the traces of fear persist in her eyes, and | feel the need to lighten the atmosphere. ¡°You know what we need? A distraction.


    How about a funny story?¡±


    She gives a small scoff, a hesitant smile forming.


    ¡°| don¡¯t think you can be funny, even if you try.¡±


    ¡°Don''t believe me?¡± | begin, ¡°You know, when | was younger, | tried to cook dinner for the pack. Let¡¯s just say, it ended up being


    more of a bonfire than a meal. The Alpha was so mad at me, he told me to run around the pack¡¯s perimeter for two weeks.¡±


    With each passing moment in the story, Alina¡¯sughter grows more genuine, erasing the lines of worry etched on her face. Her


    beautifulugh fills the room, momentarily drowning out all other sounds.


    She smiles, her eyes reflecting gratitude. ¡°Thank you, Zeke. | needed that.¡±


    ¡°Alina,¡± | whisper, ¡°try to get some rest. I''ll be right here with you.¡±


    Her gaze meets mine, and there¡¯s a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. ¡°I can¡¯t,


    Zeke. | don¡¯t trust myself. What if something happens again?¡±


    ¡°Nothing''s going to happen.¡± | reach out, cing a reassuring hand on hers. ¡°I


    trust you.¡±


    She looks hesitant but eventually lies back down. | settle beside her, my fingers tracing gentle circles on her back. The rhythm


    bes a luby, an attempt to ease the tension etched into her very being.


    ¡°They said humming will help those who can¡¯t sleep,¡± | murmur, the memories of nights spent together flooding back. ¡°Do you


    want me to hum for you?¡±


    Asmall nod from Alina, and | find myself humming a tune. The soft vibrations of the hum resonate through the room, wrapping


    around us like aforting embrace.


    With each circr motion on her back and the soothing hum escaping my lips, | sense her tense muscles gradually easing into


    rxation. The weight of the night''s worries lifts, if only temporarily. | catch a glimpse of her, and her eyes slowly drift shut,


    sumbing to the soothing melody.


    Just as I¡¯m about to sumb to the embrace of sleep, Alina stirs.


    Her voice, soft and trembling, breaks through the stillness.


    ¡°Do you still love me? Even after what | did?¡±


    The unexpected question catches me off guard, but | respond to her nheless. My hand instinctively moves to her cheek, a


    gentle gesture of affection. Alina refuses to meet my eyes, her gaze fixed on the ground, clearly embarrassed.


    ¡°Always, Alina. Nothing can change that.¡¯


    ¡°But what if I¡¯m like this, uncontroble, maybe even... more murderous?¡±


    Each word she spoke seemed to carry the weight of her fear, leaving an eerie silence in its wake. Leaning in, | gently press my


    lips against her forehead, leaving a tender kiss.


    ¡°Even more, on days when you doubt yourself.¡±


    Eventually, her breathing became rhythmic, a sign of fragile peace after the chaotic events. | steal nces at her, finding sce


    in the gentle, consistent rise and fall of her chest.


    In the stillness, every now and then, | find myself abruptly awakening, as if driven to ensure her safety. With my arm wrapped


    around her, | pull her closer, a silent gesture of protection against the haunting nightmares that lurk in the depths of our thoughts.


    Outside, the distant wails of sirens echo through the air, a chilling soundtrack to the silence that envelops the cabin. More lives


    lost, more pain inflicted. It¡¯s a harsh reality.


    | listen to her soft breaths again, each exhale a delicate reminder of her vulnerability, igniting a fierce determination within me. |


    want to whisk her away from this ce, away from the Mating Run with its relentless violence and hopelessness. | can¡¯t tear my


    eyes away from her face, bathed in the gentle glow of the moon, and | am filled with awe.


    ¡°| love you,¡± | murmur, more to myself than to her. ¡°I really do.¡±


    In these quiet moments, | listen to the distant chirping of birds and contemte our escape. | dream of a future where it¡¯s just


    Alina and me, the soundscape filled with the soft rustling of leaves and the gentle whispers carried by the wind.


    ¡°| can¡¯t wait to leave,¡± | whisper, my words carrying the weight of a dream yet to be realized. ¡°To leave everything behind, to start


    anew with you.¡±

 Chapter 69

    Chapter 69


    Zeke¡¯s POV


    In His Eyes: Warmth


    Alina and | quietly move around the cramped cabin, feeling the tension in the air. We''re both dealing with the consequences of


    last night. Now, in the quiet moments thate after, we''re trying to figure out where our rtionship is going.


    I can sense Alina¡¯s need for solitude, as if she longs for a moment of quiet to rediscover the pieces of her identity buried deep


    within the recesses of her mind. Her gaze, once a familiar map of emotions, now holds a hint of uncertainty, like someone


    cautiously exploring a puzzle they can¡¯t solve. In response, | move cautiously, mindful of her need for space, a constant


    presence by her side, vignt against the looming shadows that seek to consume her.


    From a distance, | watch Alina as she gracefully arranges the few belongings scattered across the cabin, her movements flowing


    like a gentle dance. Each step she takes is deliberate, as if she¡¯s tiptoeing through the uncharted territory of her own being, wary


    of the revtions that lie beneath the surface.


    The tension is so thick you can cut it with a knife as we avoid talking about the elephant in the room ¡ª that mark on her neck, a


    symbol of a connection that goes beyond memory. | can¡¯t help but stare at it, silently acknowledging how important it is. It''s a


    reminder that our bond is still there, even if she can¡¯t remember it.


    Those quiet moments when our eyes meet bring me sce. Alina¡¯s search for herself makes her so vulnerable, and it really


    resonates with me. | really want to help her and make her feel better, but | know | need to be patient.


    Time flies by, like leaves rustling gently. We''re always finding the perfect bnce between being close and having some space.


    Alina, determined to make this ce more than just a refuge, starts moving things around with intention, being careful and


    focused.


    Nesting, they call it.


    1/7


    In His Eyes: Warmth


    I''m struggling with my own insecurities, worried that | might overshadow Alina¡¯s journey of self-discovery. But, while | stay


    watchful from afar, | crave her


    acknowledgement to confirm that our connection is still intact, even amidst fading memories. Does that make me a horrible


    person?


    | don¡¯t know. | don¡¯t know if | want to know.


    Night descends with a hushed intimacy, and | feel the weight of unspoken words hanging in the air. Alina senses me and looks at


    me with vulnerability, tearing my heart apart. Her eyes, like uncertain pools, reflect the flickering candle me, casting soft


    shadows on her face.


    | cautiously walk towards her, knowing how fragile everything is. When Alina looks at me, time stands still. | see a question in that


    look, asking for reassurance beyond words.


    | reach out my hand, silently beckoning for a connection to bridge the distance


    the between us. Alina, with a brief pause, gentlyces her fingers with mine, warmth of her touch confirming the enduring bond


    that remains despite the fading of recollections. We''re just standing there, surrounded by the peaceful night, blending into a


    moment of vulnerability together.


    That¡¯s how a day normally goes for us. | don¡¯t love it, but | don¡¯t exactly hate it


    either.


    It was a seemingly ordinary morning, until everything suddenly changed


    between us.


    The clearing outside the cabin was bathed in a warm, golden glow from the morning sun, and the sound of the axe hitting wood


    reverberated through the air. With every swing of the axe and every log added to the pile, a sense of achievement welled up


    inside me. As | wipe the sweat off my forehead, preparing to swing the axe down once more, | suddenly hear Alina clearing her


    throat behind me.


    As | turned, our eyes met, and | couldn¡¯t help but notice the timid smile that appeared on her lips.


    ¡°Hey,¡± Her voice, soft and melodic, echoed through the quiet morning, creating


    tatts Eyes Warmth


    a peaceful atmosphere. As she tucks a loose strand of her hair behind her ear, can¡¯t help but notice how much longer it had


    grown. ¡°Uhm, good morning.¡±


    I


    ¡°Morning, Alina,¡± | replied, setting the axe aside. ¡°What brings you out here?¡±


    | noticed Alina¡¯s eyes briefly flicker towards the woodpile, and then, with a discreet look in my direction, she moved on. A rosy


    blush spread across her cheeks as she shifted her gaze and hesitantly asked.


    ¡°Have you... uh, taken a bath today?¡±


    f


    Her unexpected question made me pause, and | couldn¡¯t help but wonder if the scent of wood and sweat clung to me after hours


    of chopping. With a self-conscious smile on my lips, | absentmindedly scratched the back of my head.


    ¡°Yeah, | mean... | was nning to,¡± As | admitted it, a blush of shyness tinged my cheeks with warmth. ¡°Sorry, | must smell


    horrible.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not it!¡± Alina¡¯s sudden outburst of shouts caught me off guard, leaving me momentarily stunned. She clears her throat a


    second time, and then turns her attention to me. When our eyes met, | saw uncertainty reflected in hers. She briefly looked away


    before mustering the bravery to continue the conversation. ¡°Well, um, if you¡¯re going to take a bath, maybe... maybe we could


    take one together?¡±


    The innocence in her suggestion was so touching that it tugged at my heart, instantly evoking a surge of warmth within me. The


    air between us shifted, the atmosphere charged with a mixture of shyness and genuine sweetness.


    ¡°You mean... together?¡±


    My words came out in a stammer, revealing my own bashfulness in the exchange. Alina¡¯s cheeks turned a slight shade of pink as


    she nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Yeah, | mean, if you¡¯re okay with that. It just seems... nice, you know?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± | couldn¡¯t help but smile, abination of amusement and affection bubbling up as | looked at the woman in front of me.


    ¡°Yeah, | think that sounds nice.¡±


    ncing at the path that led to the tranquilke, Alina hesitated for a moment before finally shifting her attention back to me.


    ¡°I''ll, uh,¡± Her words escaped her lips in a soft, delicate whisper, barely audible to anyone nearby. ¡°Go first.¡±


    | nodded, my heart pounding with a mix of nervousness and excitement.


    ¡°Sure, I''ll be right behind you.¡±


    With a nod and a gleaming smile, Alina hastened towards theke, leaving me alone to reflect on the delightful awkwardness


    that had transpired between us. In that moment, as she opened up and shared such an intimate space, it became clear how


    much trust was blossoming between us.


    Half-expecting an ufortable atmosphere, | cautiously approach theke, hoping for a pleasant bathing experience. Alina


    was already in the water, her back bare and turned towards me, her hair cascading over one shoulder. Neatly folded on the


    closest rock, her clothes catch my eye. Inhaling deeply, | remove my clothes, carefully fold them, and set them down beside


    hers.


    Sliding into the water was surprisingly easy, but as soon as Alina heard me, she tensed up. Slowly and attentively, | approach her


    in the water, ensuring there is a sufficient gap between us. Alina¡¯s gaze met mine, and in her eyes, | founda


    comforting reassurance, an unspoken confirmation that this moment held deeper meaning and connection.


    ¡°Hi¡±


    ¡°Hi¡±


    Alina and | sat shoulder to shoulder, the tranquility interrupted solely by the soft ripples of water and the asional meaningful


    nce we shared, conveying unspoken emotions.


    ¡°So, um, how¡¯s the water temperature?¡±


    With a soft voice, Alina asked, her arms crossed protectively, most likely to


    4/7


    In His Eyes Warth


    conceal her bare body from my sight. Even though | had alreadymitted the texture of her skin and the contours of her body


    to memory, | made a conscious effort not to gaze at her.


    ¡°It''s perfect,¡± | replied, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. ¡°Thanks for suggesting this. It¡¯s... nice.¡±


    Alina mirrored my smile, her eyes reflecting a mixture of contentment and shyness.


    ¡°Yeah, it is, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    While we were basking in theke¡¯s warmth, all the walls between us just melted away. The scars of our individual journeys were


    momentarily forgotten, reced by the tenderness of a shared space, a space that held the promise of connection and


    understanding.


    Just when we were in the middle of our bath, Alina pulls out a sponge and surprises me.


    ¡°Where''d you find that sponge?¡± | inquired, my voice carrying a note of


    amusement.


    Holding the sponge in her hands, Alina¡¯s eyes gleamed with delight as she faced me.


    ¡°| found a robot with my name on it,¡± she exined, a small smile ying on her lips. ¡°And inside was this sponge. A sponsor


    gave it, | think?¡±


    With the sponge in her hand, Alina¡¯s eyes lost their yful glint and took on a shy, subtle expression as she turned away from


    me. Her posture exuded a gentle vulnerability as she spoke, her words lingering in the air like a fragile melody.


    ¡°Zeke, could you... wash my back?¡± she asked, her voice a gentle whisper.


    There was a brief pause in the air as theke¡¯s serene ambiance captivated all senses. The request, seemingly unassuming,


    carried a subtle intimacy that spoke to the desires we had left unexpressed. | was stuck, unsure if | should push the limitsOwned by N?velDrama.Org.


    or just reach out.


    ¡°Just... do as | asked, okay?¡± Alina added, her plea barely audible, as if she feared it would shatter. ¡°I... | want you to touch me.¡±


    Hor request lingered in the air, and | couldn¡¯t help but notice the tension in her shoulders and the anticipation in her posture. The


    conflict | felt inside was mirrored in the vulnerability | saw in her eyes.


    ¡°Alright,¡± | finally conceded, my voice a mixture of uncertainty and determination. ¡°I''ll wash your back.¡±


    With careful and deliberate steps, | approached her and gently took the sponge from her hand. As we waded into the water, we


    could feel the coolness against our skin and see the gentle ripples forming around us. Her back, exposed and unadorned,


    beckoned for attention as Alina stood before me.


    Deliberately, | ced the sponge against her skin, savoring the tender sensation that spoke volumes of our unspoken


    understanding. As my hand makes contact with her, a shiver runs down her spine, so | ensure my touch is delicate.


    With each stroke of my hand on her back, | became aware of a subtle shift in the air, as if a storm was brewing. A subtle flush of


    red colored the tips of Alina¡¯s ears, betraying her vulnerability without a word. We were acutely aware that we were teetering on


    the edge of a moment that defied the mundane, and it hung in the air between us.


    ¡°Zeke,¡± Alina murmured, her voice barely audible over the soft sounds of theke. ¡°Could you... could you wash my front too?¡±


    Her request hung in the air, and for a brief moment, time seemed to pause.


    ¡°You can say no if you¡¯re notfortable,¡± | offered, my voice a gentle reassurance. ¡°I want you to feel safe.¡±


    Alina¡¯s momentary pause was filled with uncertainty, her eyes alternating between the shimmeringke and my presence. But in


    the end, she turned around to face me. Her skin glistened with water droplets, while the gentle rays of the sun


    entuated her silhouette. Our eyes locked, a silent exchange that spoke volumes about the trust she had bestowed upon me.


    | carefully wet the sponge once more, watching as the water trickled down its surface. Our eyes locked, and in that moment, a


    silent conversation unfolded between us. As | moved the sponge across her skin, | felt the warmth of the water seeping into my


    fingertips. Alina has always been beautiful, but now her beauty is enhanced by the trust and devotion in her eyes when she looks


    at me.


    Her body quivered as my fingertips grazed against her sensitive nipples, causing an involuntary moan to escape her lips.


    Immediately, my body tenses with desire, but | make a conscious effort not to ogle her form too intently ¡ª that¡¯s not what she


    expects of me. | catch her staring at me, her eyes hidden beneath the fringe of hershes. When she wraps her arms around my


    neck, | can¡¯t help but reciprocate, my hands instinctively finding their way to her waist, drawing her


    closer to me.


    There was a hint of hesitation in her eyes, as if she was torn between letting go and holding on. However, beneath the surface of


    uncertainty, there was an unmistakable yearning¡ªa longing for connection. Closing the distance between us, | could feel the


    warmth of her breath against my skin as our lips finally touched in a gentle, lingering kiss.

 Chapter 70

    Chapter 70


    In His Eyes: One


    Zeke¡¯s POV


    Alina¡¯s touch lingered on my chest, slowly descending towards my groin, each. second feeling more agonizing than thest.


    Her eyes aren''t focused on me, instead, they¡¯re captivated by the scars etched across my skin, her touch providing aforting


    warmth. | feel a shiver course through me as she locks eyes with me, hershes casting a mysterious veil, and | struggle to keep


    my hands to myself. She glides beneath the water¡¯s surface with an allure that both captivates and terrifies me ¡ª a siren


    beckoning me towards my own demise.


    My body felt strangely bound by invisible threads, making it nearly impossible to move. She¡¯s the one who holds the reins,


    controlling every aspect of my being. | wanted to let her have her control, and | watched as she slowly wrapped her fingers.


    around my erection, her gaze locked with mine from beneath her loweredshes. My body was on the brink of ecstasy, but |


    chose to suppress it, emitting a guttural groan in a desperate attempt to make this longer.


    My cock¡¯s head throbbed with an unbearable tingling sensation, feeling both hot and swollen, a single drop forming at the tip. As


    | look, | can see my knot starting to form at the base, and | notice the way Alina licks her lips, anticipation written all over her


    face. Slowly, her hand began to stroke up and down my hardened cock, sending waves of pleasure through my body. | groan


    again, feeling the frustration build up inside me as | resist the urge to touch her. But eventually, | give in and passionately grab


    her by the neck, indulging in a ravenous kiss.


    As Alina kisses me back, the sound of her moans and groans intensify, our teeth and tongues dancing together in a passionate


    tango. Her taste has always been divine, and my love for her has never wavered. Alina continued to stroke my cock, her touch


    growing bolder as she discovered my knot. Without any fear, she gently wrapped her fingers around it, feeling it, making me


    groan into her mouth.


    Alina¡¯s strong push sends me towards the river bank, her hands pressing firmly


    1/6


    In His Eyes One


    against my chest as | ampelled to lie t on my back. Ignoring the difort of the gravel and sand scraping against my


    skin, | reveled in the attention of Alina, her eyes radiating a sense of pure bliss that only | seemed capable of bestowing upon


    her. She lets out a soft, contented purr as she moves closer, her lips hovering near my cock. In a split second, | feel a surge of


    tension coursing through me, causing my hands to shoot out and grab her by the shoulder.


    ¡°W-wait,¡± | stammer like a bumbling idiot. Alina¡¯sughter filled the air, at beautiful and soft sound that made me unable to resist


    her. ¡°You don¡¯t have to do


    that-¡±


    ¡°| want to.¡± Alina tells me, gently pushing my hands away from her shoulder and guiding them to run through her silky hair. She


    affectionately rubs her cheeks against my forearm, leaving a tender kiss in their wake. ¡°I really, really, want to. Can |? Please?¡±


    It was an offer that only a fool would refuse.


    ¡°Im yours. You can do anything you want.¡±


    ¡°Perfect.¡±


    | could tell exactly what Alina had in mind as she wet her lips with the tip of her tongue. Conflicting emotions battled within me as


    the desire to resist shed with the longing for release. | sat there, my emotions torn, a mixture of arousal and anticipation


    building up inside me. Without wasting a second, she eagerly takes my cock into her mouth, as | firmly grip her hair. Her long,


    soft tongue gently coiled around me, caressing every inch.


    ¡°Fuuuuck,¡± | drawl, my mind scattered in every direction like a whirlwind. There is nothing else in my awareness now except for


    the sight of her, pleasuring me, and the sensation of her warm, velvety tongue. ¡°Shit, that¡¯s fucking good, baby.¡±


    Alina¡¯sck of attention towards me is evident, but her purring intensifies as her fingers firmly grip my hips,pletely engulfing


    me. Desperately, | lift my hips, trying to find a rhythm that matches hers, but | quickly realize that | ampletely under her


    control. It''s not that | mind, because | really don¡¯t, not even a tiny bit.


    2/6


    In His Eyes: One


    The desire to close my eyes and surrender to the intense pleasures was strong, but | couldn''t resist watching her eagerly take


    me into her mouth, again and again. Alina¡¯s mouth enveloped me, her tongue dancing skillfully around the tip of my cock,


    sending waves of pleasure throughout my body. In the moment before | was about to cum, she unexpectedly stops sucking me,


    eliciting a groan of anticipation as she settles herself on my body.


    Alina climbed on top of me, using her hand to guide my cock into her. | let out a groan, my hands instinctively wrapping around


    her hips, drawing her closer to me. Being inside her always felt like being wrapped in a warm embrace, aforting reminder of


    where | truly belong. Once she had me deep inside, her hips started to move in a slow and seductive rotation. With each step


    she took, her image flickered at the edges of my vision, etching her into my memory.


    With each passing moment, my erection grewrger and more firm, heightening my pleasure. | felt an overwhelming surge of


    emotions, as if | was on the verge of bursting open, my heart pounding against the edges of my chest. Alina starts moving faster


    on top of me, widening her legs and thrusting herself onto my cock, over and over again. Her moans of approval mingle with the


    rhythmic sound of her body meeting mine, creating an intoxicating symphony of pleasure.


    ¡°Fuck,e here.¡±


    My demand wentpletely over Alina¡¯s head, but | managed to position her in a way that brought her breasts within close


    proximity to my face. Without hesitation, | let her stay on myp, never wanting her to leave. | eagerly took her nipple into my


    mouth, causing her to arch her back and release a passionate cry.


    | feel a surge of wetness between her legs as my fingers find their way to her clit, rubbing eagerly. To ensure her pleasure, | tilted


    my head and drew her other nipple into my mouth with a firm suction, simultaneously rolling and teasing the one my mouth had


    just left.


    ¡°| love you,¡± | whisper softly, my lips drawing her in as she sobbed and sobbed, bouncing on top of my cock. ¡°Fucking god, baby,


    llove you.¡±


    The heat was unlike anything | had ever felt, matched only by the overwhelming longing | had for her. | don¡¯t know if Alina could


    feel the depth of my emotions or if


    3/6


    ths Eyes One


    she reciprocates my love, but | was certain that my heart belonged to no one else, | Wanted Alina to have that same physical and


    emotional reassurance, to feel it deep within her being. | was willing to go to any lengths to make sure Alina knew she belonged


    to me, and | belonged to her.


    Despite her protest, | loosened my hold on her breasts, eliciting a faintint. | then smoothly ran my hand through her hair,


    using it to guide Alina¡¯s head towards me, allowing for a more passionate kiss. Our lips met, and | could feel the softness of hers


    as | pressed mine against them, craving the taste of her.


    ¡°Zeke, I¡¯m almost¡±


    ¡°Let me see you, don¡¯t hide yourself from me.¡±


    With a moan, Alina throws her head back and her legs begin to quiver as she reaches climax on top of me. Watching her, | can¡¯t


    help but feel like I¡¯m witnessing a slice of heaven on earth. My mouth waters, but I¡¯m not done. As soon as she finishes, she


    copses onto my chest, the weight of her body pressing against me. | press a light kiss to her forehead and then maneuver us


    so that I¡¯m now in control. Her red face and blinking eyes make it clear that she¡¯s overwhelmed.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°But | just-¡±


    ¡°Let me make you feel even better.¡±


    Alina nods hesitantly, and without hesitation, | run my tongue along the side of her neck, tracing the contours of her mating mark.


    Instantly, a shiver runs down her spine, and she clings tightly to me, letting out a soft moan in my ear. | savor that moment,


    feeling the warmth and tightness as my cock remains deeply embedded in her. With a gentle rhythm, | sway against her, my cock


    gliding in and out as | passionately explore her neck with my tongue and teeth.


    ¡°Ah, ah, ah!¡±


    ¡°Beautiful,¡± | softly whisper against her ear, nting gentle kisses on every inch of her face while | move rhythmically inside her,


    my knot sliding in and out of her. ¡°Absolutely beautiful.¡±


    4/6


    In tes Eyes One


    With a gentle tilt of my head, | pressed my lips against hers, savoring the taste and the way our mouths moved together. The


    intense, pleasurable noises that escaped her lips matched the raw, primal energy between us as | pushed my knot deeper


    inside, releasing everything within her. It¡¯s my wish for all our pups to bear a striking resemnce to both of us, everyst one of


    them.


    After reaching orgasm, | remain still for a moment, relishing the blissful aftermath, and then reposition us until we''re lying side by


    side. I¡¯m still inside her, and I¡¯m content staying right where | am. With Alina pressed against my chest, | gently rest my head on


    her shoulder, savoring the taste and sensation of licking and nipping her mating mark. It¡¯s hard for me toprehend that she¡¯s


    actually mine; it¡¯s a surreal feeling.


    Exhausted and spent, Alina lets out a tired yawn following our lovemaking. As my thumb moves in circr motions across her


    exposed stomach, she nestles herself tighter against me. Turning slowly, her eyes meet mine, and she stares directly at me,


    unwavering and focused. Our eyes lock, and | see her staring at my lips, prompting me to lean forward and capture her mouth in


    a passionate embrace. Our tongues entwine, delicately exploring each other''s taste.


    ¡°| love you.¡± | whisper once more, gently releasing my hold on her so that | can embrace her even more tightly. ¡°So much, Alina.¡±


    Alina remains silent for a moment, but her contented sigh says it all.


    Considering she was still in the process of figuring things out, | wasn¡¯t really expecting her to speak up. Admittedly, it did hurt


    when she didn¡¯t say it back, but | had envisioned a slow and steady development. Before she says those words back, | want her


    to trust mepletely, with unwavering confidence. And judging by the way things are going, it seems like our rtionship is


    headed in a positive direction.


    ¡°You okay?¡±


    When she falls silent for a while, | can¡¯t help but ask what''s been bothering her. There is an unspoken silence from Alina, yet |


    can perceive the quickening rhythm of her heartbeat, evidence of our closeness. Finally, she takes a deep breath, feeling the


    tension release from her body, and then speaks again softly. At first, her words didn¡¯t register clearly in my ears, prompting me to


    give her hip a gentle squeeze for


    5/6


    In this Fors One


    her to repeat herself.


    ¡°| think I¡¯m starting to remember,¡± She says finally and for a brief moment, | think everything is okay. But then she corrects


    herself, leaving me feeling disappointed. ¡°Not the memories, | don¡¯t remember those. Zeke, I¡¯m starting to remember how much |


    like you. My heart won¡¯t calm down. Thank you for putting up with me, it was nice. This was... nice too.¡±


    Behind her, I can¡¯t help but chuckle and yfully nip at her cheek.


    ¡°Just nice?¡±


    ¡°Oh shut up,¡± Alina mutters, her voice muffled as she covers her face with her hands. ¡°I liked you more when | was blowing you


    and you couldn¡¯t say anything.¡±


    With an eye roll, | roll her over once more and take my ce on top of her. | meet Alina¡¯s surprised gaze, a smirk forming on my


    lips as | confidently grasp both of her thighs, increasing the distance between them. Her silence speaks volumes as | continue to


    move inside her, both of us lost in the moment.


    ¡°One more?¡±


    I can feel Alina grumbling beneath me, her face growing redder as she tries to cover it.


    ¡°Shut up and fuck me.¡±

 Chapter 71

    Chapter 71


    In His Eyes: Mark


    Zeke¡¯s POV


    The game¡¯s almost over.


    I can tell because the siren hasn¡¯t stopped ring, announcing the death of more contenders. Just in time too, considering we¡¯ve


    been here longer than we intended. The contest must have been a hit with the audience this time around, considering how it


    went on for such a prolonged period.


    ncing over at Alina, | am greeted by the sight of the morning sun stretching across the sky, casting a vibrant palette of orange


    and pink. Her gaze remained fixed on the window as she sat on the edge of the bed, lost in thought. Her mind is still a mess of


    forgotten memories, but when our eyes meet, | feel aforting


    warmth ¡ª we''vee so far.


    ¡°I''m heading out to catch some food,¡± | tell her, feeling the weight of my backpack on my shoulders. Alina looks up, her eyes filled


    with tenderness. ¡°Anything you want me to find?¡±


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Her voice, gentle and soothing, resonates as she speaks. | nod, feeling a warm sense of appreciation for the genuine


    concern in her words. Our connection has deepened despite the difficulties posed by her memory loss, and there¡¯s a gentle


    affection between us. ¡°Just be careful, Zeke,¡±


    The morning light illuminates her features as she gracefully steps closer, creating an ethereal aura around her. In her presence, |


    am suddenly overwhelmed by a surge of affection, feeling a warmth spread through my entire being. With a gentle touch, | wrap


    my hand around her neck and nt a swift kiss on her forehead. Stepping back, her smile meets mine, and she leans up on her


    tiptoes to nt a swift, tender kiss on my lips.


    The touch lingers, leaving behind a lingering warmth and a sense of connection.


    1/7


    Her eyes meet mine again, and the unspunem...


    unbroken, even if her memories fade. Every shared moment weaves a new tapestry, connecting the fragments of her memory.


    ¡°I''ll be back soon,¡± With my hand lightly brushing against hers, | reassure her, hoping to convey my sincerity. There¡¯s an


    unspoken promise in that touch promise to return, to continue building a future together. ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    Stepping outside, | am greeted by a refreshing gust of crisp air, invigorating my senses. The forest beckons with the melodic


    chirping of birds and the earthy scent of moss and pine. With each step | take deeper into the woods, the rustle of leaves grows


    louder, and the distant calls of birds echo through the trees, creating a serene ambiance.


    As | make my way to the river, the sound of rushing water fills the air, heightening my senses and reminding me to stay alert with


    my knife in hand. As the Matin Run draws to a close, it''s always a smart move to anticipate what lies ahead. It¡¯s during the final


    moments of the game that a wave of aggression takes over everyone. Making it to the river unscathed, | feel a sigh of relief


    escape my lips, bringing a momentary sense of peace.


    Casting my into the river, | feel the cool water slip between my fingers as | wait patiently. From my vantage point on a nearby


    rock, | observe the tranquil water flow, its gentle rhythm lulling me into a state of rxation. As the sun ascends in the sky, it


    creates a mesmerizing y of light and shadow on the riverbank. With a satisfying catch secured, | make my way back to the


    cabin, a sense of


    aplishment and anticipation building as | think about sharing the meal with


    Alina.


    The twisting paths lead me deeper into the dense forest, where the sounds of rustling leaves and chirping birds surround me.


    Behind the towering trees, the setting sun creates a beautiful disy of long shadows that stretch across my path. Each time the


    leaves rustle, a shiver runs down my spine, causing me to clutch my knife tighter.


    An unsettling tension hangs in the thick air, and | can¡¯t escape the sensation of unseen eyes scrutinizing my every step. With my


    senses heightened, | moved cautiously, acutely aware of the crunching sound of fallen leaves beneath my boots.


    2/7


    In the Everd Mark


    Despite my countless journeys through this forest, tonight there is an indescribable sense of foreboding that | can¡¯t quite shake.


    The canopy above created a dim, eerie twilight on the forest floor as slivers of fading daylight struggled to filter through. My mind


    bes a yground for shadows, fueling my paran and constant feeling of being watched.


    In the distance, a siren¡¯s wail shatters the tranquility as | near a clearing.


    ¡°A whole lot today, huh?¡± Shaking my head, | mutter under my breath in frustration. ¡°You really want this game to end now, don¡¯t


    you?¡±


    Ignoring the unsettling sound, | clenched my teeth in determination. | scan the surroundings, my eyes darting back and forth,


    alert for any signs of movement. Hearing the flicker of shadows and the asional snap of a twig underfoot sends a thrill


    through my body. Each step | take through these woods reminds me of the potential threat that lies within, a reminder to stay


    vignt and cautious.


    My steps be faster, my knuckles turning white as my grip on the knife grows tighter. The sensation of being watched


    intensifies as | can almost feel the eyes on me, analyzing and evaluating my every move. The person watching me is incredibly


    patient, carefully waiting for the perfect moment to make their move.


    In the darkness, a branch snaps with a loud echo, causing me to freeze. Stopping abruptly, | feel my hand involuntarily grip the


    hilt of the knife, ready for any danger. I¡¯m not alone. As the realization settles, a tense atmosphere fills the air, and | steel myself


    for the inevitable confrontation.


    ¡°Who''s there?¡±


    I call out, my voice reverberating across the vast stillness.


    Nothing.


    Huh.


    | could see our cabin door looming before me, and the thought of returning inside filled me with relief. Alina catches my ove from


    the window


    In His Eyes Mark


    fixed on me. Her smile is so big and bright that it instantly lights up her face as she waves at me. | can¡¯t help but smile back,


    raising my hand to wave in response.


    Suddenly, the tranquil night air is shattered by a burst of chaos. In an instant, the peaceful atmosphere shattered, drowned out


    by the thunderous sound of feet pounding against the ground and a frantic, piercing shout. The tension in my muscles tightens,


    and I¡¯m propelled forward by pure instinct, my heightened senses. scanning the surroundings. | steal a quick nce over my


    shoulder, but the danger had already caught up to me.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    A figure, appearing suddenly from the shadows, ran with a frenzied and ominous energy. Something''s not right, and the cabin


    door feels like a million miles away. Before | have time to respond, something collides with great force against my back, jolting


    me forward. The force of the impact sends a wave of pain coursing through me, making it difficult to stay steady on my feet.


    | feel a tightening grip around my throat, fingers pressing into my skin with an almost painful intensity. Each punchnds with a


    force that knocks the wind out of me, leaving me struggling to breathe. Panic ws at the edges of my consciousness, but the


    adrenaline rush sharpens my senses. With a surge of adrenaline, | summon a burst of desperate strength to pry myself loose


    from the suffocating grip.


    Facing my assant, the world around me bes a blur, my focus solely on the threat in front of me. Only when | catch a


    glimpse of her eyes, wild and deranged, do | suddenly realize the horrifying truth.


    | know her well ¡ª her striking blonde hair and captivating green eyes make her hard to forget. She quickly became the favorite,


    and | had a feeling right from the beginning that the majority of the screentime would revolve around her. But now Ettie¡¯s face


    twists into a grotesque expression, contorting her features. The girl | once knew as Alina¡¯s best friend now appears


    unrecognizable ¡ª a chaotic, ethereal incarnation of her former self. Her face is illuminated by the eerie glow of the moonlight, and


    her vacant, haunted eyes send a shiver down my spine.


    With haste, | rise to my feet, the tightness of frustration gripping my chest. Fueled by a madness that defies exnation, Ettie


    lunges at me with a manic intensity, her movements quick and unpredictable. With a desperate rush of


    adrenaline, | stumble backwards, my hands iling in a futile effort to defend against the impending threat.


    ¡°Crazy bitch, | don¡¯t want to hurt you!¡±


    Desperation tinged my plea, as the words escaped my lips. But Ettie is beyond reason, a mere shadow of her former self. With a


    fric determination, she moved erratically, her body tense and ready to eliminate the perceived threat before her.


    As we grapple in the moonlit forest, | catch a glimpse of the wound on Ettie¡¯s neck ¡ª a grotesque gash that oozes with infection.


    The sight is enough to make me feel sick to my stomach, and the foul odor only adds to the revulsion | feel. It¡¯s as if


    omeone had tried to leave a mark on her, but she fought back with such intensity that she was left marked in apletely


    unexpected way.


    ¡°Where is she?!¡± With a voice that resembles that of a madwoman, the bitch lets out piercing screams while anxiously ncing in


    all directions. It suddenly dawns on me that she¡¯s searching for Alina, likely able to detect her scent on me.¡°Where did you hide


    her? Give her back! She¡¯s mine! MINE!¡±


    ¡°F**k off!¡±


    With a surge of strength, | push myself further away from them, creating a safe distance. The pounding of my heart in my chest


    intensifies as | realize that the only way to stop Ettie is to render her immobile. As | scan the forest, my senses heightened, |


    can¡¯t help but feel the weight of the imminent danger looming before me. My mind races, desperately seeking a makeshift


    weapon to defend myself.


    ¡°Crazy ass bitch, just listen to me!¡±


    Filled with a mix of desperation and anger, | implored, my voice strained and urgent. Ettie¡¯s response to my presence is to


    scream back,pletely disregarding my existence.


    ¡°Give her back to me!¡±


    And just when | thought the situation couldn¡¯t deteriorate any further, it proceeded to do exactly that. Alina, with wild eyes and


    unwavering determination,


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    18:41 Mon, 11 Mar 20


    In this Eyes Mark


    bolts out of our cabin, her feet thundering against the forest floor. A surge of panic overwhelms me, my body instinctively reacting


    to the fear 1 feel for her safety.


    ¡°Alina, go back inside! It¡¯s not safe!¡±


    Alina, on the other hand, refuses toply with my request, her unyielding gaze fixing upon me.


    ¡°Don''t tell me what to f**king do, Zeke!¡±


    Her retort resonates with a defiance that matches the wild, untamed energy of the night. Her eyes hold a peculiar determination


    as she purposefully changes direction, heading towards Ettie. Instead of being angry, her retort ignited a different kind of desire


    within me, but now was not the appropriate moment for such feelings.


    My heart races, a mix of fear and confusion pumping through my veins. Alina¡¯s actions go against all rationality andmon


    sense. Instead of retreating to safety, she boldly steps forward to confront the unpredictable force embodied by Ettie.


    In the dim moonlight, Alina swiftly tears a strip of fabric from her top, the sound of the fabric ripping echoing through the stillness.


    With swift determination, Alina charges towards Ettie, the wind rushing past her as she moves. Without a moment''s hesitation,


    Alina applies pressure to the wound on Ettie¡¯s neck with the improvised bandage.


    As Ettie turns to Alina, her arms reach out, almost encircling her in a warm embrace. The crazy bitch¡¯s eyes welled up with tears,


    but | refused to release my grip on the knife, despite the fish lying forgotten on the floor.


    Without taking my eyes off Ettie¡¯s, | made another attempt to call out for Alina.


    ¡°Alina-¡±


    ¡°Shut up, Zeke.¡± Alina¡¯s words were punctuated by the sudden motion of her hand, striking Ettie with a resounding p. In


    surprise, both Ettie and | widen our eyes simultaneously. ¡°Stop moving, you''re bleeding!¡±


    617


    In His Eyes Mark


    Ettie¡¯s body quivers, and then she loses consciousness seconds after.

 Chapter 72

    Chapter 72


    Zeke¡¯s POV


    In His Eyes: Indifference


    With Ettie unconscious on her shoulder, Alina moves urgently, her footsteps echoing in the silence. With blood flowing from the


    wound on Ettie¡¯s neck, | keep a vignt eye and my hands poised, ensuring they remain steady and upright. The air feels heavy


    with tension as | trail behind them, my senses on edge, alert to any potential danger.


    ¡°Alina, what do you need?¡±


    As | ask, my words seem to dissipate in the stillness, unnoticed by her. All her attention is devoted to the critical mission of


    rescuing Ettie.


    Alina guides Ettie to the makeshift bed in our dimly lit cabin, her movements gentle and deliberate. My eyes nervously flickered


    back and forth between the two women, uncertainty creeping into my thoughts. While | remain skeptical of the blonde woman,


    the intensity in Alina¡¯s eyes is undeniable. | know that if | tell her to stop right now, she¡¯s going to respond in a way that feels like


    she¡¯s biting my head off, both figuratively and literally.


    Alina¡¯s face was cast in shadows by the dim light, her features taking on a more serious and intense expression. | can tell that


    the task requires herplete concentration by the deep lines etched on her forehead. The rawness of hermitment is


    undeniably beautiful.


    With each passing moment, Alina¡¯s focus intensifies, her determination growing stronger. With steady hands, she carefully tends


    to the gruesome wound, never wavering. The tension in the air was palpable, and the only sound that could be heard was the


    irregr breaths escaping Ettie¡¯s unconscious body. With precision, Alina¡¯s hands swiftly retrieve a nearby first aid kit. She starts


    working on the wound, meticulously cleaning it to prevent infection.


    Time seems to stretch endlessly as Alina works tirelessly. Every gesture she makes is filled with purpose and fueled by an


    invisible, inner strength. The air is


    IVIL


    In His Eyes: Indifference


    heavy with the distinct metallic scent of blood. Finally, Alina steps back, her sweat¡ªdrenched face showing a mix of exhaustion


    and determination as her eyes finally meet mine. | see a myriad of emotions reflected in her eyes ¡ª relief, exhaustion, and an


    unwavering determination. The makeshift bandage on Ettie¡¯s neck, though rough, was tightly wrapped to stop the bleeding.


    ¡°| think she''ll be okay, for now,¡± Alina says, her voice hoarse, and | realize the toll this improvised operation has taken on her.


    ¡°But we have to get her out of here or she¡¯s going to die.¡±


    No matter how much | desire to give her a reassuring and urate answer, | am unable to do so. And from the sorrowful


    expression on Alina¡¯s face, it is evident that she is aware of my inability to do the same.


    ¡°You know we can¡¯t leave until the game is over or until Ettie finds a mate.¡±


    Asoft sigh escapes Alina¡¯s lips, a silent admission of the seriousness of our situation. With care, she reaches Ettie¡¯s side, where


    she lies unconscious on the bed, and softly runs her hand along her face. It was a gesture that stirred a sense of familiarity,


    evoking a history that eluded my understanding.


    ¡°We''ll get you out of here,¡± Alina assures her, her gaze shifting from Ettie to meet mine. ¡°We will, won¡¯t we?¡±


    The unspoken emotions hang thickly in the air, and | can feel the dryness of my lips as | prepare to speak. ¡°We''ll do our best.¡±


    A quiet request follows.


    ¡°Help me clean up.¡±


    Together, we set to work, the task at hand offering a temporary escape from the feral, unconscious woman lying on the bed, who


    was once her closestpanion. As we painstakingly scrub away the remnants of Ettie¡¯s blood on the ground, | steal asional


    nces at Alina, trying to gauge her emotions. | observe Alina¡¯s unwaveringmitment to the task as she stands with her back


    turned to me. However, her subtle nces towards Ettie evoke a confusing blend of bitter resentment and almost jealousy in me.


    2/8


    18:41 Mon, 11 Mar


    In His Eyes Indifference


    Alina¡¯s dedication to Ettie remains steadfast, even after she lost her memories, mirroring their bond from the past. A stark


    contrast to the uncertain ground on which our rtionship now stands.


    ¡°Zeke,¡± Alina¡¯s voice breaks through the tumultuous thoughts swirling in my mind. ¡°Hand me the rag, please.¡±


    | hand her the rag, and | watch again as Alina moves closer to the bed, wiping the blood that got on Ettie¡¯s legs. The tenderness


    in her actions was undeniable as she went about her tasks, taking extra care to ensure Ettie remained undisturbed.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Alina says, breaking the quiet as she surveys our handiwork. ¡°It feels better in here.¡±


    ¡°...Yeah.¡±


    As | watch, Alina leisurely strolls over to her friend and takes a seat right next to her. Without hesitation, Alina begins to run her


    fingers through her friend¡¯s hair, as if it were second nature to her. The act was so intimate that | wondered if she had forgotten |


    was even in the same room. My attention is fixated on Alina¡¯s graceful movements, the way her eyes delicately caress Ettie¡¯s


    calm features, causing a knot to form in the pit of my stomach.


    Unable to ignore my mounting unease any longer, | finally gather the courage to break the fragile serenity of the moment with my


    words.


    ¡°What do we do with her when she wakes up?¡±


    Alina nces at me, confusion etching lines across her forehead.


    ¡°What do you mean by that, Zeke?¡±


    | can feel my frustration building up inside me, and eventually, | can¡¯t help but speak my mind. | wish | didn¡¯t sound so consumed


    by jealousy, the sound echoing in


    my own ears.


    ¡°| mean, what¡¯s the n? Are we just going to act like nothing happened? Like she didn¡¯t try to kill me?¡±


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    18:41 Mon, 11 Mar 7 0


    In His Eyes Indifference


    ¡°She was just confused.¡± Alina¡¯s eyes narrow, a spark of anger flickering within them. ¡°This shouldn''t even be up for discussion.


    We take care of her. She¡¯s my best friend.¡±


    | feel a sudden chill down my spine, which only adds to the growing heat of my anger. in disbelief, | shake my head while a


    forced chuckle of anger escapes from my lips.


    ¡°Alina, she tried to strangle me.¡±


    ¡°Ettie¡¯s not herself right now. We can¡¯t abandon her!¡±


    ¡°She might not be herself, but she¡¯s dangerous. What if she attacks again?¡± | m a hand over my chest, appalled by Alina¡¯s


    reaction, as if | had physically punched her. ¡°What if she decides to attack you instead of me the next time?¡±


    With a re, Alina locks eyes with me, her jaw visibly tense.


    ¡°| don¡¯t know about you, but | don¡¯t abandon the people | care about, no matter


    what.¡±


    | take a step closer to Alina, my frustration escting into anger. ¡°Alina, | care about you. | care about us. But | can¡¯t just act like


    nothing happened.¡±


    ¡°Zeke, you''re not thinking straight. Ettie needs us.¡±


    ¡°I''m not thinking straight?!¡± Taking a step back, | let out a mockingugh as if she had just cracked a joke. ¡°What about us, Alina?


    What about our safety?¡±


    ¡°Our safety matters, but not at the cost of abandoning someone | care about,¡± Alina takes a deep breath, her anger dissipating as


    a strong determination takes its ce. ¡°You want an answer? Fine. We find a way to help Ettie without hurting her. That¡¯s what


    we do.¡±


    ¡°| can¡¯t believe you''re putting her needs above ours,¡± I.throw my hands up frustration. ¡°She tried to kill me, Alina!¡±


    in


    ¡°And | can¡¯t believe you''re willing to abandon my friend in need!¡± Alina screams


    4/8


    MORE IT WICHOwned by N?velDrama.Org.


    In His Eyes Indifference


    back, her voice echoing through the cabin as her eyes burn with unshed tears out of anger. In an instant, my anger vanishes,


    and all | can think about is approaching her and pleading for her forgiveness. Alina¡¯s throat clears, and she averts her eyes from


    me, pinching the bridge of her nose in difort. ¡°She¡¯s not herself, Zeke. We help her, and we do it together.¡±


    Just as I¡¯m about to speak, Alina beats me to it, her words filling the air before


    mine can escape.


    Alina¡¯s focus shifts from me to Ettie, her eyes unwavering.


    ¡°| need some time alone, Zeke. Please. Get out.¡±


    ¡°| won''t.¡± | tell her, eyes on Ettie. ¡°You can be mad at me all you want, but | won¡¯t leave you alone with her.¡±


    | could see in Alina¡¯s eyes that she recognized the seriousness of my words. Without a word, she turns away from me and


    begins to sob. As much as | want tofort her, | don¡¯t want her to think that I¡¯m agreeing with what she wants. She can have


    anything she wants from me, as long as her well-being is notpromised.


    Silence lingered in the air, thick and tangible, following the intense exchange of emotions between Alina and me. Her tears fell


    softly, filling the room with our conflicting feelings. It¡¯s been intense, but now there¡¯s this weird calmness in the air.


    With her shoulders hunched, Alina¡¯s tear¡ªstreaked cheeks are visible to me. The gap between us has grown wider, and | yearn


    to utter words, any words, to mend it. But | can¡¯t find the right words to say because of all the tension between us.


    As | contemte the fractured space between us, a sound breaks the oppressive quiet-a soft rumbling, like distant thunder. At


    first, | mistook it for the low growl of an animal just outside the cabin. But then it returns, impossible to ignore and utterly


    tangible-the rumbling of her hungry stomach.


    | turn my gaze toward Alina, her stomach growling loudly. | catch a glimpse of her downcast eyes, intentionally avoiding mine,


    and a wave of guilt washes over me. She must be upset, her growling stomach a testament to her hunger, while | sit here


    5/8


    In His Eyes Indifference


    like an unspoken observer.


    In an attempt to break the heavy silence, | find myself drawn towards the table, where a basket of ripe fruits, generously provided


    by a sponsor days ago, beckons me. Apples. oranges, and a bunch of grapes. As | pluck a couple of fruits, | cautiously approach


    Alina, carefully offering them to her. | notice that she avoids making eye contact with me, her attention seemingly fixated on


    something in the distance. | clear my throat, shattering the stillness that hangs in the air.


    ¡°You should eat something.¡±


    She remains silent, her attention solely focused on the enticing fruits in my outstretched hand. | worry for a moment that she


    might reject the offer, but then her stomach growls again, the sound echoing through the cabin, a clear indication of her hunger.


    With a hesitant gesture, Alina epts the fruits from my outstretched hand. It¡¯s a wordless exchange, where our eyes do all the


    talking. She murmurs a quiet response, barely audible, as | slowly back away to allow her some space.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    | nod, acknowledging her gratitude, and discreetly make my way to a corner of the room, granting her the solitude she appears to


    desire. The soft crunching sound of her biting into an apple punctuates the stillness. | watch her from a distance, the dance of


    shadows ying on her face as she consumes the fruit in silence.


    Minutes pass by, and the only sounds that break the silence in the room are the asional faint whispers of the forest outside.


    With thest bite of the apple, Alina looks up at me. Her eyes, once clouded with tears, now hold a flicker of something else¡ª


    resignation, perhaps. | offer a slight smile, attempting to convey a silent understanding.


    Silently, Alina stood up and gracefully settled beside me. | sensed her presence before | saw her, the subtle shift in the air telling


    me that she was approaching. My body remained motionless, but | could feel a slight tension in my muscles as she settled down


    and leaned her head against my shoulder.


    6/8


    | could feel her warmth seeping into my skin,forting and soothing. Unsure of how to navigate this newfound closeness, |


    couldn¡¯t help but feel a slight tension


    Her voice, a gentle murmur, broke the silence of the tranquil cabin.


    ¡°Im sorry for everything. But | need you to understand. | can¡¯t just leave Ettie like that. | would hate myself if | let her die when |


    have all the means to stop it.¡±


    | wanted to be angry, to demand that she prioritize our rtionship over Ettie¡¯s well-being. Still, there was an undeniable


    sincerity in her plea that | couldn''t ignore. Lexhaled heavily, my breath bing one with the heavy, uneasy atmosphere in


    the room


    me-¡±


    ¡°... just don¡¯t want to see you hurt. The bitch- sorry. | mean, she tried to kill


    She shifted beside me, the subtle rustling of fabric echoing her restlessness.


    ¡°Zeke, | get it. | do. But Ettie¡¯s not herself. Something happened to her, and she¡¯s not in control. | can¡¯t abandon her now, not


    when she needs us the most.¡±


    ¡°...l can¡¯t promise that I''ll be okay with this.¡±


    For a brief moment, she said nothing, her gaze unwavering. Then, she took a deep breath, her words escaping her lips like a


    gentle whisper.


    ¡°| know it¡¯s not easy, and I can¡¯t ask you to ept it right away. But please, try to understand. Please?¡±


    Initially, | choose to stay quiet, but eventually, | release a sigh and tenderly press my lips against the side of her head.


    Then, | lie.


    ¡°Okay.¡±

 Chapter 73

    Chapter 73


    In His Eyes: Equals


    Zeke¡¯s POV


    ¡°Hey, where you off to?¡±


    Turning towards me, Alina raised an eyebrow, silently asking for an exnation. Her hair was neatly pulled back into a half


    ponytail, and she had her hoodie tied around her waist. Ettie has been unconscious for a few days now, and there are no signs


    of her waking up. Despite her best efforts to appear unfazed, Alina¡¯s weary eyes reveal her exhaustion through the prominent


    bags beneath them.


    To be honest, I¡¯m kind of scared of letting her go anywhere without me. | worry about what could happen when she¡¯s on her own.


    And I¡¯m scared that her brain will make her go to that dark ce again, where she bes unreachable to me. | can tell that


    Alina is aware of my proximity, as she subtly nces in my direction. But every time, she instinctively reaches out to touch her


    mating mark, indicating her understanding of its meaning.


    ¡°Take it easy, Mr. Stalker.¡± With an exasperated sigh, Alina rolls her eyes and begins to make her way towards the door. ¡°Look, |


    gotta go pee real quick. | don¡¯t think I''ll need your help on that one, Zeke.¡±


    ¡°Can never be too careful.¡±


    ¡°Alright, Mr. Stalker. I''ll be back before you even notice I¡¯m gone.¡±


    After she disappeared into the forest, | was left alone with only the flickering candlelight illuminating the room and the stillness of


    Ettie, lying unconscious on the makeshift bed. | busied myself with sharpening my tools, the sharp, metallic sound breaking the


    eerie silence of the cabin. With each stroke, the sharpening stone effortlessly glided across the de, leaving a sharp, polished


    edge.


    Throughout my work, | kept my senses heightened, ready to pick up on any subtle shifts in the environment. The forest outside


    seemed to hold its breath, and every rustle of leaves or distant snap of a twig was a potential threat.


    Suddenly, the silence was broken by a faint, almost imperceptible creaking sound that barely registered in my ears. My instincts


    took over, causing me to spin around in one fluid motion, knife raised and prepared for whatever danger maye. Ettie came


    into view, and my eyes instantly widened. Her gaze lifted, connecting with mine, and the intensity in her eyes sent shivers


    coursing through


    1.me.


    With her elbows as support, she lifted herself up, resembling a marite controlled by unseen forces. As she looked at me, her


    eyes no longer held any trace of recognition or emotion, only a nk and empty stare. It was as though Ettie had be a


    conduit for an unknown power, her body a mere vessel, and the darkness that enveloped her was beyond anything she had ever


    encountered. The sight. strangely reminded me of Alina when | found her vulnerable and alone.


    As | moved back cautiously, | could feel my muscles tightening with each step. Her eyes were distant and unfocused, leaving me


    unsure if she couldprehend or respond. There was no warmth in her gaze, no recognition. It was akin to gazing into the


    unfamiliar gaze of a stranger.


    For a brief moment, she continued to be motionless, the silence growing more pronounced with each passing second.


    Then, with an unsettling speed, she lunged forward. With adrenaline coursing through my veins, | swung the knife in a swift and


    instinctive motion, warding her off. In the dim light, the gleaming de caught my attention as | struggled toprehend the


    unfolding situation.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Hey, stop!¡± | let out a shout, my voice shaking with a mix of frustration and desperation. The deranged look in her eyes


    persisted, leaving no doubt that there was no use in trying to reason with whatever had taken control of her. ¡°I mean it,


    psycho!¡±


    As she continued to advance, my heart raced and | instinctively took a step backward, desperately searching for a n. The


    cramped cabin forced me to consider my limited options, and the weight of the situation bore heavily upon me. As | was about to


    knock her out with something, Alina bursts back into the cabin, her panicked breathing filling the room.


    Without uttering a single word, | stood there and witnessed Alina¡¯s joyful sprint towards Ettie, their embrace filled with warmth


    and affection. The room seemed to hold its breath as Alina clung to Ettie, her eyes closed as if savoring the reality of''s


    presence.


    Thank the heavens you''re finally awake,¡± Her voice barely above a whisper, Alina spoke with a heaviness of emotion. Her


    cheeks were streaked with tears, leaving her clothes moist and clinging to her skin. ¡°You bitch, you had me worried!¡±


    Frozen for a moment, Ettie hesitated before slowly reciprocating the embrace. As she looked at Alina, her eyes transformed from


    a vacant stare to a glimmer of recognition. A tear escaped her, tracing a path down her cheek as she, too, sumbed to the


    overwhelming wave of emotions. The next thing | know, they were both holding onto each other tightly, their tears flowing


    uncontrobly.


    It was as if | had be invisible in that moment, fading into the background. The relief that Ettie no longer bore the murderous


    intent she had disyed moments ago was so overwhelming that any sense of exclusion faded away. Alinal and Ettie had been


    through something | could only attempt to understand, and their connection, forged through years of friendship, took precedence.


    ¡°| thought | lost you, Ettie,¡± Her voice trembled as Alina whispered, a blend of relief and lingering fear evident in her words. Her


    fingers traced invisible patterns on Ettie¡¯s back, as if reassuring herself that the friend she had feared losing was indeed there.


    ¡°Do you know how scary that was?¡±


    There was a noticeable change in Ettie¡¯s eyes ¡ª they had transitioned from a vacant stare to a glimmer of recognition. ¡°I was lost


    after what happened to us... it was like | couldn¡¯t find my way back.¡±


    ¡°| missed you so much,¡± Alina admitted, her voice barely audible, as she wore a confused expression while Ettie spoke into her


    ear. ¡°I really did!¡±


    Ettie pulled away slightly, their eyes meeting in a silent exchange of unspoken


    words.


    ¡°| missed you too, Alina.


    In His Eyes Equals


    Alina hesitated, but eventually broke free from theforting embrace with Ettie. Their reunion, once a bittersweet symphony of


    shared memories, now faced an unexpected chord. Alina cleared her throat, and as she turned towards me, a sense of


    belonging washed over me, making me a part of the conversation finally.


    ¡°Zeke,¡± Alina began, her voice hesitant yet determined, ¡°This is Ettie.¡±


    Ettie¡¯s eyes, which were previously clouded with confusion, locked onto me. The disappointment in her eyes cast a shadow over


    their reunion, dimming its once radiant glow. The cabin¡¯s weathered walls seemed to constrict, burdened by the weight of


    unspoken emotions that filled the air.


    Continuing on, Alina¡¯s reluctant truth resonated in the weight of her words.


    ¡°Zeke is my mate, Ettie.¡±


    With a flicker in her eyes, Ettie expressed abination of surprise and disappointment, her gaze quickly shifting downward as if


    trying to make sense of the sudden change.


    ¡°I''m happy for you, Alina,¡± Ettie said, her voice filled with a forced cheerfulness that couldn''t hide her true emotions. ¡°Really, |


    am.


    The bittersweetness of their reunion hinted at theplicated reality they were now facing. Although | couldn¡¯t grasp the full


    story of what had happened between them, Ettie¡¯s peculiar behaviorpelled me to instinctively move closer to Alina. | refrain


    from touching her, aware that Alina would disapprove of any territorial gestures. However, | observe how Ettie subtly averts her


    gaze from Alina when | am in her presence.


    Alina¡¯s eyes were drawn to the bandaged wound at Ettie¡¯s neck as she turned towards her with a mix of pity and concern.


    ¡°What happened to you, Ettie?¡±


    Alina¡¯s voice resonated with genuine concern, her unwavering gaze fixed on the wound. Ettie¡¯s face betrayed a flicker of


    vulnerability as her gaze met Alina¡¯s. Ettie¡¯s hand hovers just above her bandaged wound, trembling slightly, before she


    lets out a heavy sigh and averts her gaze, ovee with shame,


    me-¡±


    ¡°... [don¡¯t remember much. There was someone, and they... they tried to mark


    Despite my best efforts to stay out of the conversation, | found myself unable to resist jumping in.


    ¡°You''re a Hunter.¡± Startled, both of them turn towards me as | say the words out loud. ¡°You can¡¯t be marked.¡±


    Ettie gave me a condescending look, as if | were some dumb idiot.


    ¡°Yeah, no shit.¡± Ettie muttered under her breath, her eyes widening like she couldn''t believe she had actually said something like


    that. Clearing her throat, she absentmindedly scratches her cheek, trying to divert her attention. ¡°My bad, | have no clue why |


    said that. | don¡¯t even remember them, anyways. | caught a whiff of smoke and then, well, yeah. | think they thought | was a


    Hider or something. | think, that¡¯s all | can remember anyway.¡±


    When smoke was mentioned, both Alina and | exchanged wide-eyed nces. No words were exchanged, but the knowing


    nces between us spoke volumes about what Ettie was referring to. A strand of hair falls in front of Alina¡¯s face, and as she


    tucks it behind her ear, a delicate blush spreads across her cheeks. | couldn¡¯t resist, and my arm instinctively wrapped around


    her waist, giving her a gentle


    squeeze.


    Ettie¡¯s face twisted in disgust as she couldn¡¯t help but notice the disy. She chooses to stay quiet, allowing us to be in our own


    thoughts. It¡¯s not until Alina speaks up again that Ettie decides to speak.


    ¡°You fought back,¡± Alina concluded, her voice tinged with a hint of pride. ¡°You didn¡¯t let them mark you.¡±


    Her nod was apanied by a flicker of pain in her eyes, evidence of the silent battle she had been engaged in. ¡°I fought back


    because | didn¡¯t want some stranger marking me. You already know this. But your mate¡¯s right, Hunter¡¯s can¡¯t be marked. That''s


    why this thing on my neck is all messed up. Whoever that Hider was, they


    must have been super high too.¡±


    With hesitation, Alina¡¯s hand instinctively reached out to touch Ettie¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°I''m sorry, Ettie,¡± Alina¡¯s whisper filled the cabin, her voice blending harmoniously with the darkened atmosphere. ¡°I wish | could


    remember everything. | wish | could¡¯ve been there for you.¡±


    Ettie, with eyes reflecting the resilience that had defined her battle, mustered a weak smile.


    ¡°It''s not your fault, Alina. |... | should be the one apologizing too, after what happened between us back then.¡±


    Once again, Alina¡¯s eyes betrayed her confusion as she shook her head, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. It seemed


    that Ettie was oblivious to Alina¡¯s confusion, but slowly, she began to understand it as well. Ettie, for the first time ever since Alina


    told her that | was her mate, finally acknowledged my presence


    with a curious nce.


    ¡°Why... What¡¯s happening with her?¡±


    ¡°Oh...¡°Alina mustered a weak smile once more, absentmindedly scratching her


    cheek. ¡°I uh-¡±


    | interjected, positioning myself as a barrier between Alina and Ettie, determined to diffuse the tension. Theck of appreciation


    from Ettie and the snarl on my back from Alina made it clear that they didn¡¯t appreciate what | did.


    ¡°Can we talk?¡±


    | asked Ettie, and she gave me a wary look, as if she wasn¡¯t sure if she could trust me. | felt a gentle shove on my back, and |


    turned to see Alina trying to get my attention. ncing over my shoulder, | see her standing there, her eyes filled with


    anger.


    ¡°Whatever you have to say to her, you can say with me here, Zeke.¡±


    ¡°Alina-¡±


    ¡°No, Alina, he¡¯s right.¡± With a firm grasp on my arm, Ettie wasted no time in yanking me out of the cabin. | couldn¡¯t help but let out


    a surprised grunt when Ettie grabbed me. Despite my initial reaction, | didn¡¯t put up a fight. | wanted to have a conversation with


    the crazy woman too. ¡°I think it¡¯s time for a little chat between your mate and me.¡±

 Chapter 74

    Chapter 74


    In His Eyes: Choice


    Zeke¡¯s POV


    ¡°She''s lost her memories.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    The cabin loomed just a meter away from us. Alina is far enough away that she can¡¯t hear us, but I can still keep a watchful eye


    on her to ensure her safety. Shock and understanding were both evident in Ettie¡¯s eyes. She seemed to already be aware of the


    information | shared with her; she simply needed some reassurance.


    What surprised me was the audible exhale of relief that escaped her lips as she ran her hand down her face, a content smile


    spreading across her lips.


    ¡°You can¡¯t be serious.¡± My actions spoke volumes as | spat and crossed my arms, staring her down with intensity. She barely


    spared me a nce, her eyes filled with a chilling indifference. She went from being frustrated and confused to brimming with


    delight. ¡°Are you seriously happy about her memory loss?¡±


    ¡°Of course I¡¯m not!¡± Even as Ettie defended herself, a wide smile remained on her lips. With another chuckle, she nodded to


    herself, a mischievous smile ying on her lips as she absentmindedly curled a strand of her blonde hair around her index


    finger. ¡°How much memory did she lose?¡±


    |ck any substantial information about Ettie, and | don¡¯t feel any inclination to uncover more about her. Despite my initial


    instincts, | haven¡¯t left her to perish or taken her far away from our cabin because of Alina¡¯spassion towards her. Leaving her


    best friend out here to fend for herself would undoubtedly upset my mate, and | couldn¡¯t bear to do that. The thought of her


    eternal resentment haunted me, and | questioned whether | could go through that pain again.


    Even |, who grew up mainly alone, understand that a genuine friend wouldn¡¯t wear a smile upon hearing such heartbreaking


    news. Ettie showed no curiosity about the origin of Alina¡¯s memory loss, her recovery, or the impact it had on her.


    With a smile on her face, Ettie¡¯s main curiosity was the amount of memory she had lost. It was easy for me to realize that there


    was an ulterior motive behind the bitch¡¯s smile ¡ª it carried a hidden agenda, as if Ettie wanted Alina to forget a certain memory


    desperately.


    ¡°| don¡¯t think that¡¯s important to know.¡±


    ¡°Come on, don¡¯t be such an asshole,¡± Ettie let out a frustrated groan before giving me a hard shove. It wasn¡¯t hard enough for


    me to take a step back and stumble, but the force would have sent any other Hunter crashing into the nearest tree. One thing¡¯s


    for certain: Ettie is not to be taken lightly. ¡°I just want to know so that | know where we stand.¡±


    ¡°You''re her best friend,¡± | remind her, as she seems to have overlooked that particr detail. It was almost instantaneous ¡ª


    Ettie¡¯s eye started to twitch with irritation, indicating that my tone or the specific word | used had clearly bothered her. | couldn''t


    give a shit what she thinks, anyway. ¡°Shouldn''t you already have a sense of where you stand without needing to ask her?¡±


    ¡°What memories did she lose, Zeke?¡± Ettie¡¯s voice sliced through the thick silence, like a sharp knife, demanding answers that


    lurked in the shadows, skillfully shifting the focus of the conversation. ring at me with sharp intensity, her lips twisted into a


    snarl. ¡°It¡¯s not like it¡¯s such a difficult question!¡±


    Hesitation seized me, and my words became entangled in my throat like thorny


    vines.


    ¡°What does it matter?¡± | retorted, a flicker of frustration coloring my words. ¡°She lost her memories. Isn¡¯t that enough? You should


    just be there for her!¡±


    Ettie¡¯s eyes narrowed, a spark of defiance igniting within her. ¡°It¡¯s not like I¡¯m asking for something huge, you''re so f**king


    frustrating. I''m just curious about how much she remembers, that¡¯s it. It¡¯s not rocket science!¡±


    | felt my jaw tighten as | fought against the overwhelming anger threatening to


    consume me.


    ¡°Because you crazy bitch, it¡¯s not about the memories she lost,¡± As | replied, my


    voice remained steady, but there was an underlying raw intensity to it. ¡°Right now, we have to focus on who she is now. I¡¯m here


    for her, no matter what she remembers or forgets. | hope the same goes for you.¡±


    ¡°Oh, | see.¡± Ettie¡¯s chuckle isced with mockery as she nonchntly flips her blonde hair over her shoulder. If she had done the


    action after fully bathing and applying makeup, her appearance would have been stunning. But right now, she just looks


    unhinged, especially with the massive bandage wrapped around her neck. ¡°You think you''re the only one who cares about her,


    Zeke? You think you''re the only one who''s been there for her?¡±


    Moving one foot in front of the other, the mounting tension became almost


    unbearable.


    ¡°I''m not iming to be the only one. But what''s important now is helping her


    remember-¡±


    ¡°And | don¡¯t want her to remember anything!¡± With a sudden burst of terror, Ettie¡¯s screams shattered the stillness, leaving me


    frozen in ce. She seemed taken aback by her own words, as if even she couldn¡¯t believe what she had just said. Frustration


    fills her as she mutters curses under her breath, pinches the bridge of her nose, and paces back and forth. ¡°That¡¯s not what I-


    UGH! Look, there must be a reason why she forgot such things, right? So like... All I¡¯m saying is, | don¡¯t think it would be too bad


    if she doesn¡¯t remember it anymore... Right? You get me, don¡¯t you? Surely there¡¯s some memories inside of her that you don¡¯t


    want her to remember anymore-¡±


    ¡°Do you even hear yourself right now?¡± | ask, my voice unexpectedly amplifying to a level that surprised even myself. Despite her


    usual stubbornness, Ettie¡¯s abrupt silence is a much-needed break from her ceaseless yapping, for which | am grateful. ¡°I want


    her to remember me, not act like we¡¯ve never met. Like I¡¯m some f**king stranger she picked up from some dirty street. Yeah,


    I''ve made my fair share of mistakes, but | never want her to forget that. She needs to know how much | messed up, and how


    hard I''ll try to make it right. How much | would crawl on the floor,pping at the path she walked, begging for her forgiveness,


    because she f**king deserves that and more. | want her to go back to her old self, ¡®cause she wants that too. She¡¯s working on


    getting them back. Why the hell do you want her to stop trying and be someone else? You''re a real piece of shit friend, huh?¡±


    With a fierce intensity in her eyes, Ettie raised her arm, threatening to unleash a stinging p on my cheek. | stood my ground,


    feeling the tension in my jaw as | clenched it with unwavering determination, unwilling to back down from the impending


    confrontation. And then, like a sudden storm breaking through the stifling air, Alina emerged from the cabin, her eyes wide with a


    mixture of shock and frustration. Sprinting towards us, her face etched with desperation, she pleaded for


    help.


    ¡°Stop! Both of you, just stop!¡±


    Despite the urgency in her raised voice, Alina¡¯s fragile tone resonated and intensified the growing tension. Just in time, she


    reached Ettie and caught her raised arm before it coulde crashing down. Alina¡¯s sudden intervention caught Ettie off guard,


    and she responded with a re that held both defiance and


    frustration.


    Ettie.


    ¡°Alina, this isn¡¯t what it looks like ¡±


    With a stern expression, Alina cut her off, her eyes shifting towards me and


    ¡°You''re both acting like children fighting over a toy, and | won''t have it. | lost my memories, but that doesn¡¯t give you the right to


    treat me like some prize to be won


    or lost.¡±


    With a flicker of remorse, Ettie let her arm fall, the anger that had consumed her fading away. Caught between the gaze of the


    two women, | could sense the weight of their unspoken grievances, pressing down on me like an invisible burden. Her eyes,


    filled with disappointment; met mine as Alina turned towards me.


    ¡°Fighting with her, really?¡±


    ¡°She started it.¡±


    As Ettie tried to speak, she was met with a stern gaze from Alina that shut her down before she could say anything. ¡°Ettie, | know


    you''ve been my best friend for as long as | can remember, but this is not how you usually handle things. Starting a fight with


    someone? Seriously?¡±


    Ettie, shifted ufortably under Alina¡¯s scrutiny. Her eyes darted back and forth between Alina and me, desperately searching


    for a response that remained just out of reach.


    ¡°And you,¡± Alina turned her attention to me, her expression a mixture of disappointment and frustration. ¡°I thought we could build


    something here, but if you¡¯re going to let this tension fester and affect us, then maybe | was wrong.¡±


    ¡°You see?! Alina, don¡¯t you see he¡¯s not good for you? He¡¯s making us fight!¡± Ettie finally spoke, her voice softer than before. ¡°I¡¯ve


    known you for so long, and | can¡¯t stand seeing you with someone like him-¡±


    Alina¡¯s gaze transformed from one of hurt to one of resolute determination, her eyes narrowing as she prepared to face the


    challenge of her best friend. With my arms crossed tightly, | sense my heart thumping in my chest, filled with admiration for the


    woman who seems poised to defend me.


    ¡°Ettie, you don¡¯t get to decide who is right for me. Zeke is my mate, and whether you like him or not, he¡¯s staying.¡± Alina stated,


    her voice devoid of emotion, eyebrows raised in a challenge, daring Ettie to oppose her. Ettie hesitated before speaking, but the


    firmness in Alina¡¯s voice left no room for debate. ¡°No, Ettie. This is not up for discussion. I¡¯ve lost my memories, and I¡¯m trying to


    navigate this mess, but I won''t let the two people | care about the most tear each other apart.¡±


    Ettie and | exchanged a nce, our eyes conveying the unspokenOwned by N?velDrama.Org.


    understanding that we were about to face an inevitable confrontation. Alina¡¯s voice had a captivating power, and whenever she


    spoke, we couldn¡¯t help but listen.


    ¡°Apologize.¡±


    Alina¡¯s unwavering gaze locked onto Ettie as she confidently ced her order. Avoiding my gaze, Ettie shifted ufortably, her


    eyes darting around the forest.


    ¡°I, uh, sorry.¡±


    Alina¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    ¡°That¡¯s not an apology, Ettie. Look at Zeke and say it like you mean it.¡±


    Her hesitation was palpable, but in that moment, her eyes fleetingly connected with mine as she mumbled, a hint of vulnerability


    in her voice.


    ¡°Sorry.¡±


    He expression stern, Alina turned to me and crossed her arms.


    ¡°Your turn, Zeke.¡±


    | let out a weary sigh, resigning myself to the fact that there was no point in resisting.


    ¡°Sorry.¡±


    Alina¡¯s eyes darted back and forth between us, her hand waving in the empty space between. ¡°That was pathetic. You''re both


    acting like stubborn children. | want a proper apology, and | want you both to mean it.¡±


    Another uneasy look passed between us, a silent acknowledgment that Alina was not going to back down without a fight.


    ¡°Sorry, Zeke.¡±


    Ettie muttered again, her voice carrying a stronger sense of determination.


    With a deep inhale, | exhaled slowly, the words reluctantly escaping my lips.


    ¡°I''m sorry too.¡±


    Alina nodded, a small smile ying at the corners of her lips, seemingly


    satisfied.


    ¡°Now, was that so hard? You two are idiots, honestly.¡±


    Amoment of silence followed, the heavy apology lingering in the air. With a hint of skepticism, Alina¡¯s gaze swept between us, as


    if trying to assess the honesty in our words. She couldn¡¯t hold it in any longer. Finally, she sighed, the sound echoing in the


    stillness.


    Good Now, we can move forward without this constant tension. Zeke, Ettie is aw best band, and | won''t let anything jeopardize


    that. Ettie, Zeke is my mate, and 1 won¡¯t set anything jeopardize that either. You two need to figure out how to coexist, and |


    won''t ept anything less.¡±


    And then, Alina pped her hands.


    ¡°But before that, while you guys were arguing, | came up with a n in the cabin that¡¯s gonna get all three of us the help we


    need. Medicine, freedom, my memories. All Pm saying is, choose wisely.¡±


    | raised my brow in surprise, my curiosity piqued.


    ¡°Choose?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Choose. It¡¯s simple,¡± Alina smirked at both of us, her mischievous grin instantly reminding me of the Alina from before, the


    one who hadn¡¯t lost her memories. ¡°Trust me or don¡¯t. How about that for an easy choice?¡±

 Chapter 75

    Chapter 75


    In His Eyes: n


    Zeke¡¯s POV


    ¡°Are you sure about this n, Alina?¡±


    Frustration washed over me as | let out a heavy sigh, my hand instinctively reaching up to run through my hair. Ettie¡¯s reaction


    was immediate her hands. balled into fists as she bristled with irritation. As she stopped to organize her belongings, she cast me


    a withering re, as if her eyes were daggers. It¡¯s confusing why she¡¯s giving me attention, considering that my question was


    meant for Alina, not her.


    ¡°Of course she¡¯s sure. Why do you always have to doubt her?¡±


    ¡°| just want to make sure we''re all on the same page.¡± | let out an exasperated sigh and folded my arms tightly across my chest,


    my eyes rolling in annoyance. ¡°And besides, | was just asking a question. There¡¯s no need to get all defensive.¡±


    From the other side of the cabin, a deep sigh of disappointment fills the air. | didn¡¯t bother to turn my head towards the sound; |


    was certain of the person responsible. As if appearing out of nowhere, Alina stepped forward, her gaze shifting rapidly between


    us. cing her hands on her hips, abination of disappointment and frustration was evident in her expression.


    ¡°What''s the problem now?¡±


    Ettie wasted no time in using me. ¡°He started it by saying your n is ridiculous, doubts it would even work.¡±


    ¡°Those words didn¡¯te out of my mouth,¡± Trying to keep my temper in check, | clenched my teeth, feeling the tension build in


    my jaw. ¡°I¡¯m not doubting her. I¡¯m not, Alina. | just want to be prepared. If things go south, | need to know what to do.¡±


    With a narrowed gaze, Ettie¡¯s fists clenched tighter, ready for whatever was to


    come. As she takes a step towards me, | can see the anger in her eyes, but Alina quickly intervenes, positioning herself between


    us and preventing any physical confrontation.


    ¡°Well, maybe you should trust Alina toe up with a n that doesn¡¯t involve you attacking anyone.¡±


    As | took a step forward, | could feel the heat of my own anger simmering just beneath my skin. | smirked at her, the corners of


    my mouth curling up as | licked my teeth, revealing my menacingly sharp canines.


    ¡°| do trust her. She¡¯s my mate. | love her. I''ll follow her to the ends of the earth if she asks. But that doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m going to


    blindly follow along without questioning anything.¡±


    It was clear from Ettie¡¯s reaction that my words had struck a nerve, and Alina¡¯s blushing face betrayed her embarrassment. But in


    an attempt to prevent the situation from worsening, Alina raised her hands in a peaceful gesture. She wedged herself between


    Ettie and me, forcefully pressing her hands against our chests to create distance. It wasn¡¯t until that moment that | realized how


    closely we had been walking towards each other, ready to pounce.


    ¡°Okay, okay, calm down, both of you. Zeke, | appreciate your concern, but I¡¯ve thought this through. Trust me, | know what I¡¯m


    doing.¡±


    | let out a frustrated sigh, the weight of defeat settling upon me, knowing that arguing any further would only make things worse.


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    Ettie let out a long breath, feeling the tension slowly dissipate as her shoulders


    rxed.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Alina said, her voice taking on a gentle, subdued tone. With a stern expression, Alina shot us both a pointed look,


    her gaze intense. ¡°Now, let¡¯s focus on the task at hand. We need to be united if we''re going to get through this.¡±


    ¡°Look, Alina, | know you believe in this n, but we can¡¯t ignore the fact that


    Victor is a wildcard. He¡¯s not someone we can trust.¡±


    Ettie couldn''t help but express her disbelief with a snort and an eye roll.


    ¡°Oh please, Zeke. You''re just saying that because you''re jealous. Victor was all over Alina before the Mating Run even started.¡±


    The urge to strike out grew stronger within me, my fists clenched tightly at my sides, the tension building like a rising wave.


    However, | was aware that Ettie¡¯s intention was simply to provoke a reaction from me, drawing our focus away from the true


    problem. Taking a deep breath, | focused on controlling my emotions and stayingposed.


    ¡°That¡¯s not the point. Victor¡¯s motives are unclear, and we can¡¯t afford to trust. someone who might betray us.¡±


    ¡°Beggars can¡¯t be choosers,¡± Stepping forward, Alina¡¯s voice carried a firmness as she addressed both of us. ¡°Victor already


    betrayed me before, but this time, he¡¯s not going to.¡±


    With one eyebrow raised, | fixed my gaze on them, silently demanding an exnation. Alina smiled at me, her eyes twinkling


    with mischief, before she waved her hands in front of me, as if hoping to conjure the answer | sought. | could see her impatience


    as she rolled her eyes and let out an exasperated groan, signaling her frustration with myck ofprehension.


    ¡°I''ve got you, Zeke. You''re the one that¡¯s going to make this n work.¡±


    The first signs of a migraine are creeping in, and | can feel the pressure building in my head. Neither Ettie nor Alina had any


    knowledge of my deep connection with the Alpha, which extended to the protection of his son. On the other hand, Alina¡¯s n


    doesn¡¯t explicitly involve the death of the wretched bastard, although | couldn¡¯t help but hope for it.


    ¡°Yeah, Zeke. You''re the muscle of this operation. If anyone can intimidate Victor, it¡¯s you.¡± With her arms crossed, Ettie stood


    next to Alina, her tone filled with unmistakable disdain. ¡°Besides, it''s time you put those muscles into good use, you


    know?¡±


    Thest thing | wanted was to engage in another conversation with the bitch, especially considering the disapproving expression


    in Alina¡¯s eyes, indicating she shared the same sentiment towards Ettie¡¯s tirades,


    With a look of incredulity, Ettie narrowed her eyes and shot me a withering re that sent chills down my spine. She stared at


    me with a contemptuous look, as if i were nothing more than dirt beneath her shoe. ¡°Well, if you¡¯re not willing to do what it takes,


    then maybe you should step aside and let someone else handle things. Alina and | can do things on our own


    Awave of anger washed over me, its intensity burning through my veins like a scorching fire. | couldn¡¯t believe she had the


    audacity to doubt my absolute.mitment to keeping Alina safe, | couldn¡¯t believe she had the audacity to imply that | wasn¡¯t


    willing to go to any lengths to keep her safe.


    Alina was not just my mate; she was the very essence of my existence.


    ¡°Okay, Ettie, that¡¯s enough. Zeke would keep me safe no problem.¡±


    Alina abruptly stopped speaking to her best friend and redirected her gaze towards me. Her arms wrapped tightly around my


    waist, and | could feel the gentle pressure of her embrace. Every word she utters isced with a strong sense of self¡ª-assurance.


    ¡°| know you can do it, Zeke. You''re the strongest person | know. If anyone can handle Victor, it¡¯s you.¡±


    | know she¡¯s probably just saying these things to tter me, but | can¡¯t help but feel a boost to my ego. With her words, | felt a


    rush of warmth coursing through me and a swelling of pride in my chest.


    ¡°Thanks, Alina,¡± | said, my voice soft. ¡°I''ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe.¡±


    ¡°| appreciate it, Zeke,¡± she said, her voice muffled against my chest. ¡°You¡¯re the


    best.¡±


    | couldn''t resist smiling at her infectious enthusiasm, and as | did, | felt a soothing sense of relief sweep over me. All the tension


    and anger vanished momentarily, reced by an unwavering resolve to go to any lengths necessary to ensure Alina¡¯s safety.


    While | hugged her back, | exchanged a knowing look with


    Ettie, a mischievous smile tugging at my lips. With Alina oblivious, Ettie shot me a menacing re, her eyes filled with rage. Her


    reaction was so amusing that | couldn¡¯t help but chuckle, relishing in the satisfaction of knowing | had sessfully. provoked her.


    In just a matter of minutes, all of our belongings were carefully packed and ready to go. Along with the responsibility of bringing


    the weapons, Alina also entrusted me with the crucial task of carrying the first aid kit, emphasizing the importance of our safety.


    Ettie¡¯s got the snacks, a decision | warned Alina against, but she has faith in her friend. Alina¡¯s inventory is a diversebination


    of various. items, as she understands the value of having a wide range of resources during difficult tines. Being prepared is


    always a wise decision.


    The three of us filed out of the cabin, with Ettie setting the pace at the front, Alina in the center, and me bringing up the rear. With


    just a few steps towards the forest, Ettie¡¯s attention shifted to us, her cheeks lightly scratched in thought.


    ¡°Do you even know where to find Victor, Alina?¡±


    In a disy of concentration, Alina furrowed her brow, determined to find the answer by wracking her brain. It was a question that


    had been on my mind, but I


    didn¡¯t want to add to Alina¡¯s stress.


    ¡°|... | think | used to have a map,¡± Her words came out slowly, her voice betraying a hint of embarrassment. ¡°But | lost it... I... |


    don¡¯t remember where Victor''s hideout is anymore.¡±


    ¡°Oh... So where should we start looking, then?¡±


    Alina anxiously chewed on her lip, her eyes flickering around as she desperately searched for an answer. | could see the panic


    rising in her chest, her breath quickening as the weight of our mission pressed down on her like a heavy burden. Without waiting


    for her reply, | boldly stepped forward, my voice breaking through the tension with the force of a thunderp.


    ¡°Just follow me,¡± | said, my tone firm and unwavering. ¡°I know where to find


    Victor.¡±


    Ettie¡¯s eyes widened in surprise, her gaze darting back and forth between Alina and me, a look of confusion on her face.


    ¡°You do?¡± Ettie asked, her voiceced with doubt and astonishment. ¡°How?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± My voice remained steady as | spoke. Alina¡¯s silent gaze is fixed on me, her eyes filled with awe, causing my heart to


    race despite my efforts to remainposed. Her presence made me smile uncontrobly, and | leaned in for a quick kiss,


    causing Ettie to make a gagging noise in the background. ¡°I¡¯ve been keeping an eye on Victor ever since we got here.¡±


    It was kind of the truth, if we¡¯re being honest. The Alpha specifically requested that | keep an eye on the bastard, so | made sure


    to do just that. With a tight grip on her backpack straps, Alina nodded eagerly, her smile beaming at me.


    ¡°So you know where his hideout is, Victor?¡±


    ¡°Not exactly,¡± As | say the words sheepishly, Alina lets out a defeated sigh, while Ettie grins as if she has bested me. ¡°But it''s


    easy, trust me. Cowards like that bastard only stay in one ce. Tracking him is as easy as stealing candy from a


    pup.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it,¡± With a determined tone, | gruffly ruffled her hair as | took the lead, my footsteps echoing ahead of her. | quickly


    nced at Ettie, gesturing towards the direction behind Alina. ¡°Stay in the back and keep her safe. Easy enough for ya?¡±


    In a bold act of defiance, Ettie flipped me off,pletely disregarding Alina¡¯s watchful gaze. Alina didn¡¯t express her anger by


    rolling her eyes this time, but instead, she threw her head back and let out a chuckle. Just as | began to take the lead, she


    couldn''t resist the urge to insult us again, referring to us as idiots. Her voice carried a fond tone, causing an involuntary smile to


    spread across my face.


    ¡°Thank you, Zeke,¡± Alina said softly, her voice filled with emotion. ¡°I don¡¯t know what we would do without you.¡±


    ¡°You''ll never find out, | promise.¡±

 Chapter 76

    Chapter 76


    Zeke¡¯s POV


    In His Eyes: Coward


    Cowards can be easily spotted, as they tend to hide in the same ce, cowering and avoiding any confrontation.


    Victor Craft is an maniptive bastard who would stop at nothing to achieve his goals, even if it meant causing harm to others.


    With his father being the Alpha, he¡¯s well aware of the privileges thate with it, allowing him to escape consequences for the


    most part. The only source of tension between him and his father arises from his father¡¯s aspiration for him to pursue the same


    path, a desire that Victor vehemently rejects.


    The length of time | have known him surpasses his knowledge of my presence, and this is a reality that | despise. Having spent


    my whole life in the shadow of others, | knew that the people of Springcrest Pack could benefit from someone like me who


    excelled at bringing structure and organization. If only they could see Victor Craft¡¯s true nature, they would realize he is not fit to


    be an Alpha.


    Regardless of my abilities, an outsider leading them is met with skepticism and


    lack of trust.


    The forest towered above us, casting a shadow that felt ominous and foreboding. Its branches stretched out like twisted fingers,


    as if beckoning us towards an unknown fate. As | walked, the weight of the trees seemed to intensify, their immense presence


    making me feel small and insignificant.


    Behind Alina and me, Ettie¡¯s incessantints pierced through the silence like nails on a chalkboard, making my nerves


    tense up.


    ¡°We''re lost,¡± Filled with frustration, Ettie¡¯s voice came out as a whine. ¡°I told you


    he didn¡¯t know shit.¡±


    Resisting the urge to snap back, | clenched my jaw tightly, the pressure building in my temples. Instead, | focused on putting one


    foot in front of the other,


    the scent of damp earth and decaying bodies filling my nostrils as | trudged through the dense underbrush. Like a sharp knife,


    Alina¡¯s voice pierced through the tension, leaving no room for doubt with its unwavering firmness.


    ¡°Stopining, Ettie,¡± Alina retorted, her voiceced with a hint of annoyance. Alina¡¯s tired too, even though she may not


    admit it. We have been


    walking for hours, and our weary footsteps echo through the quiet forest. ¡°We need to trust Zeke.¡±


    ncing back at them over my shoulder, | locked eyes with Alina, her determined stare matching my own.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± | said gruffly, my voiceced with frustration. ¡°We need to keep


    moving.¡±


    With a resolute expression, Alina nodded in agreement, her conviction evident. As | start to rx, thinking everything is fine and


    our journey can proceed peacefully, I¡¯m startled by the sound of Alina clearing her throat. As | focus my sight ahead of us, |


    notice Alina quickening her pace to match step with me, her footsteps echoing in sync with mine. Trying my hardest to maintain


    composure, | turn to face her, suppressing the urge to let out a sigh.


    ¡°But... Where are we going, Zeke?¡± Her question hung in the air, her voice wavering with uncertainty. With a firm tug, she


    secures her backpack against her back, her eyes darting from side to side as she bites her lips in apprehension. ¡°It feels like


    we''re going in circles.¡±


    With a gentle touch of my finger to my lips, | motioned for them to stay silent.


    ¡°We''ll talkter,¡± | said tersely, my tone leaving no room for argument. ¡°Right now, we need to focus on finding Victor.¡±


    With that, | turned back to the task at hand, my body tense as | surveyed the forest, acutely aware of the slightest sound or


    movement that could indicate danger. As we walked deeper into the forest, the trees seemed to tighten their grip, their twisted


    branches creating haunting shadows on the forest floor. Giving them a proper answer was my intention, but the silence was


    essential for the sessful execution of our n.


    To be frank, | was beginning to question my intuition as well, but I¡¯ve always had a knack for reading people urately,


    especially when it came to that bastard. Predictability was a defining trait for cowards like him.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    After what felt like an eternity, we stumbled upon a clearing where a towering tree stood, its branches reaching up as if trying to


    touch the sky. Its silent vignce. was palpable, as if its watchful gaze was constantly upon us, weighing us down. Silently, |


    unburdened myself of my backpack and passed it to Alina, ready to start


    my ascent.


    From below, Alina¡¯s voice reached my ears, its confused tinge making me


    pause.


    ¡°Uh... What are you doing, Zeke?¡±


    My attention waspletely absorbed by the task at hand, causing me to disregard her question entirely. The sound of my


    heavy breathing filled the air as | started to climb, my muscles working hard to pull myself up into the branches above. Ignoring


    the pain, | pressed on, feeling the rough bark scrape against my skin as | climbed higher. With each step higher, the sounds of


    the world below grew fainter, reced by the rustling of leaves and chirping of birds in the vast forest ahead. From my vantage


    point, | could see the vast expanse stretching in every direction, with the treetops dancing gracefully in the gentle breeze below.


    ¡°He¡¯s probably getting a better vantage point to see where Victor is,¡± From below, Ettie¡¯s voice cut through the air, filled with


    sharp usations. ¡°You''re just lost, aren¡¯t you, Zeke? You¡¯re too proud to admit it, so you''re climbing up there to save face.¡±


    Ignoring her words, | clenched my jaw tightly and pressed on, determined to reach the top. The branches beneath me swayed


    with an unsettling rhythm, adding an element of danger as | bnced above the forest floor. But | remained steadfast in my


    determination. There was a mission that needed to be aplished, and | was willing to ovee any obstacle. If Victor had


    possessed my qualities, he could have been an exceptional Alpha, but unfortunately, he does not.


    After a long and arduous climb, | finally reached the top of the tree, and the breathtaking view of the forest below took my breath


    away. The world stretched


    out before me in a breathtaking disy of green and brown, as | observed it from my elevated vantage point. The gentle breeze


    caused the trees to sway, and their leaves whispered a soft melody in the wind. However, Victor¡¯s absence was ringly evident,


    with no trace of him in sight.


    | carefully surveyed the horizon, my eyes quickly shifting from one tree to another, hoping to detect even the slightest movement


    or sign of life. But there was nothing, just the stillness of the forest and the sound of leaves rustling in the gentle breeze.


    Frustration overwhelmed me, causing a heavy sigh to escape my lips and my shoulders to slump in defeat.


    Could it be that | had been mistaken this whole time? Maybe Ettie had been right all along, and perhaps | should have just


    confessed to it. | can¡¯t stand the fact that Ettie was right-it¡¯s infuriating. Clicking my tongue in frustration, | pause for a moment to


    wipe the sweat from my forehead before mustering the courage to look down and prepare to climb down.


    But then, right when | was on the verge of giving up, | caught a glimpse of a familiar sound.


    The tranquility of the forest was abruptly interrupted by the sharp crack of a branch breaking, its sound resonating through the


    trees. Adrenaline surged through my veins, my heart pounding in my chest, as | desperately tried to pinpoint the origin of the


    sound. With heightened senses, | dedicated myself to listening intently, hoping to catch any hint of motion or activity. And then, it


    came into view, capturing my attention. In the distance, a sudden burst of movement caught her eye ¡ª a figure clumsily darting


    between the trees.


    As | lunged forward without hesitation, the feel of branches brushing against my skin and the rustling sound of leaves filled the


    air, intensifying my pursuit of the fleeting figure. My senses were on high alert, and my instincts were razor-sharp as | embarked


    on the hunt. With anticipation coursing through me, | pursued the elusive target, my breathing in ragged gasps as | closed


    in, feeling the adrenaline pumping through my veins.


    With every step, my anticipation grew, and | could feel my blood coursing through my veins, fueling my excitement.


    In His Eyes Coward


    And then, as if it were a mere illusion, the figure faded into the dense foliage, abandoning me to the oppressive solitude of the


    forest''s darkness. A frustrated growl escaped my lips, as my clenched fists trembled with anger. | muttered curses quietly under


    my breath. Nheless, | was determined and refused to be discouraged. A ferocious roar erupted from within me as | lunged


    forward, propelling myself through the towering trees, my pursuit propelled by an unwavering resolve and an unstoppable drive.


    Victor was going down, of that | was certain, and nothing was going to stand in


    my way.


    The sound of the wind gently caressing the leaves filled the air, the branches groaned in protest as | carefully navigated through


    them, and the distant cry of a bird added a touch of melody to the surroundings. In the midst of the jumble of noises, my


    heartbeat mored for attention, its steady, forceful beat overpowering all other sounds.


    Atst, after what felt like an eternity, | glimpsed my target-a swift, shadowy figure leaping from branch to branch. Victor Craft.


    He sees me first, his gaze fixating on me before | have a chance to see him. He lets out a string of curses, his eyes burning with


    anger as he res at me.


    ¡°This is utter bullshit! F**K!¡±


    With a feral snarl, | leaped forward, closing the distance between us in a matter of seconds.


    My hand clenched Victor''s cor, my fingers gripping the fabric tightly as | pushed him down onto the forest floor, feeling the


    branch beneath us. He fought against me, but my strength easily overwhelmed him, leaving him powerless beneath me. With a


    smirk, | leaned in close, my breath hot against his face as | spoke.


    ¡°Do you have any idea what | had to do to find you?¡± A low and menacing growl escaped from my throat, ¡°All the risks | had to


    take, all the dangers | had to face? And for what? Just to find a pathetic little worm like you hiding in the shadows.¡±


    Victor''s malicious gaze bore into me as he sneered, his eyes brimming with


    contempt, and he spitefully spat in my face.


    ¡°Go away, f**king bastard,¡± he hissed, his voice dripping with venom. ¡°Leave me alone. | want nothing to do with you.¡±


    | chuckled darkly, wiping the spittle from my face with the back of my hand.


    ¡°You want nothing to do with me, huh?¡± | said, my voiceced with sarcasm. ¡°Well, I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s toote for that, Victor. You see,


    I''m not going anywhere until you get us what we came for.¡±


    My hand wrapped around his jaw, my fingers pressing into his skin as | maintained a steady gaze into his eyes. | watched as


    Victor wriggled helplessly beneath me, his legs pping aimlessly, his eyes on the verge of popping out of


    their sockets.


    ¡°Tell me you understood. You¡¯re going to give us what we want,¡± | said, my voice low and dangerous. ¡°Or else.¡±


    me?¡±


    ¡°Or else what?¡± he spat, his voice trembling slightly. ¡°You think you can scare


    ¡°You dare to speak to me like that?¡± | snarled, my voice rising in fury. ¡°After everything you¡¯ve done?¡±


    ¡°What are you going to do, huh, bastard?¡± he taunted. ¡°Hit me? Go ahead, give it your best shot. But we both know you don¡¯t


    have the guts. Do you know who | am? Do you know who my father is? Do you know how easy | can get you killed-¡±


    In a fit of frustration, | could feel my teeth grinding together, my anger bubbling


    and up uncontrobly. With a swift nce, | assessed the area for any cameras, a once satisfied, | proceeded with my n. With


    all the force | could muster, | raised my hand and delivered a powerful backhand across his face. The sound of the blow cut


    through the stillness of the forest, its echo lingering in the air like a haunting melody. As the blownded, Victor jerked back in


    surprise, feeling the sharp sting on his cheek.


    His eyes burned with intense hatred as he red up at me, his mouth stained


    with blood that he spat onto the forest floor.


    ¡°You''ll f**king regret that.¡±


    But | justughed, a cold, mirthless sound that echoed through the trees.


    ¡°I''m not the one who''s going to regret anything.¡± My words dripped with malice as | lightly pped his cheek, relishing in the


    satisfaction of asserting my dominance. | could see a red handprint forming on his cheek from the force of my p. ¡°You are.¡±

 Chapter 77

    Chapter 77


    In His Eyes: Puppet


    Zeke¡¯s POV


    ¡°No way, I''m not doing that.¡±


    The air in the hidden alcove of the tree was heavy with tension as we huddled together, seeking refuge from prying eyes and


    surveince cameras. Bound tightly with rope, Victor sat on the floor, his face a mask of defiance and anger. Every time he


    opened his mouth to speak, a wave of irritation crashed over me, and | couldn¡¯t resist giving him a firm p on the back of his


    head.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°You think you''re tough, don¡¯t you?¡± A menacing growl escaped my lips, my voice vibrating with intensity. ¡°You think you can just


    sit there and insult us while we''re trying to save not just us but your sorry ass too?¡±


    Looking up at me, Victor¡¯s eyes zed with a fiery animosity, his sneer twisting


    his face.


    ¡°I''d rather die than do what you want!¡±


    My frustration grew so intense that | couldn¡¯t help but clench my fists, my anger bubbling up and radiating as | red down at


    him. Alina¡¯s worried expression never left her face as she kept ncing at me, her hands suspended in the air as if attempting to


    soothe my nerves.


    ¡°You''d rather die, huh?¡± | said, my voice dripping with sarcasm. ¡°Well, I¡¯m afraid that¡¯s not an option, Victor. Not for cowards like


    you.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, motherf**ker. I¡¯d rather die than help you,¡± With a snarl, Zeke repeated the words, his voice filled with contempt. ¡°You and


    your pathetic little friends.¡±


    In the dimly lit alcove, Victor¡¯s intense re bore into the room, his eyes aze with resentment and anger. With a scornful


    sneer, he shifted his attention to Ettie and Alina, his voice filled with venom as he hurled a string of curses in their direction. His


    words spewed venom,ced with betrayal and a deep sense of hurt,


    as he hurled usations of treachery towards them.


    ¡°| thought we were friends!¡± he spat, his voice dripping with bitterness. ¡°But here you are, ratting me out to Zeke and forcing me


    to do something | don¡¯t want to


    do!


    With a voice full of disdain, Ettie scoffed in reply. With a sigh of frustration, she folded her arms across her chest and rolled her


    eyes dramatically. It brought me a bit offort that she treated Victor just as badly as she treated me. There were no favorites


    in her eyes ¡ª the bitch harbored a strong dislike for everyone, except for


    Alina.


    ¡°You''re such a f**king loser,¡± she retorted, her tone dripping with contempt. ¡°What they¡¯re asking isn¡¯t even that hard. Grow a pair


    of balls and stop acting like a child.¡±


    Alina¡¯s lips stayed sealed, her face a mask of inscrutability as she locked eyes with Victor, a blend of remorse and sadness in her


    gaze. | have no idea what she¡¯s thinking, and that uncertainty creates a rift between us that | despise. The absence of those


    shared memories has driven us further apart than I¡¯d prefer.


    With slow and deliberate movements, Alina silently approached Victor, and a thick silence filled the alcove. Ettie and | exchanged


    wary nces, cautiously taking a step back to allow them room, while remaining vignt of the unfolding scene. The cramped


    space amplified Victor¡¯s harsh words, his voice dripping with venom as he hurled one cruel insult after another at Alina.


    ¡°Goddess, Alina, | thought we were over this. But you¡¯re proving me right again. You''re nothing but a lost cause,¡± The tense


    atmosphere was shattered as Victor spat, his wordsnding like daggers in the air. Without uttering a word, Alina observed him


    intently, her face disying a thoughtful expression. ¡°You''re weak, pathetic, and you always have been. You''ll never amount to


    anything.¡±


    Remaining silent, Alina crouched in front of Victor, her gaze unwavering as abination of determination and sadness filled her


    eyes. The heaviness of Victor''s words was visible in her eyes, as if they were bearing down upon her. His cruel taunts may have


    been relentless, but she remained resolute, refusing to let them weaken her resolve.


    217


    TRA, TEMar


    latin Fyes Puppet


    Catching sight of the mating mark on Alina¡¯s neck, Victor¡¯s eyes narrowed and a cruel smirk twisted his lips. Right away, a surge


    of defensiveness washed over me. Vietor understood the weight of his words, fully aware that a single slip¡ªup could result in me


    swiftly ending his life for disrespecting my mate. Ignoring all reason, he recklessly continued to engage in a dangerous game of


    fire, revealing a stunning level of stupidity.


    ¡°Look at you,¡± he sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. ¡°You''re nothing but Zeke¡¯s bitch now, aren¡¯t you? Just another


    puppet on his strings.¡±


    My blood seethed with rage at his words, my heart pounding in my chest as | struggled to maintain control. As | stood there, my


    fists clenched at my sides, | could feel my muscles tightening, ready to unleash my anger on him once more. Just as | was about


    to take action, Ettie boldly stepped forward, her eyes filled with determination, and firmly grasped my arm to hold me back.


    ¡°What the f**k.¡± | snapped, my eyes narrowing as | red at her. ¡°Let me go, I¡¯m punching the bastard.¡±


    It was unusual that Ettie wasn¡¯t even acknowledging my presence, as she would typically be giving me a piercing re by now.


    Ettie¡¯s eyes remain fixed forward, never wavering from Alina and Victor, her eyes widening with excitement.


    With a sudden burst of fury, Alina lunged forward, her fist connecting with Victor¡¯s face, the impact echoing with a sickening thud.


    Her blownded with a sharp crack, instantly crumpling his nose and causing blood to spurt from the wound as he cried out in


    pain.


    Shocked and bewildered, Ettie and | exchanged gasps as Alina¡¯s unexpected outburst left us speechless. Despite everything, a


    surge of pride welled up inside me, witnessing her remarkable bravery. Even without her memories, her resilient spirit continued


    to shine, especially in moments like these.


    Victor''s anguished screams reverberated through the narrow alcove, his desperate struggles causing the bindings to strain.


    ¡°You bitch... you broke my nose!¡±


    Despite the intensity of the situation, Alina¡¯s calm demeanor prevailed as she stood over him, her tightly clenched fists a


    testament to her inner strength.


    ¡°You deserved it,¡± Her words were barely a whisper, but the icy tone in Alina¡¯s voice was unmistakable. Moving slowly, she


    extended her hand and firmly seized Victor by the hair, ensuring he was facing her. ¡°And if you ever call me Zeke¡¯s bitch again, |


    won''t hesitate to do it again.¡±


    Pride swelled within me as | heard her defiant words, refusing to let Victor¡¯s cruel taunts intimidate her. Her strength surpassed


    our greatest imaginations, revealing a power within her that she had yet to discover. And in that moment, | knew that no matter


    what challengesy ahead, we would face them together.


    ¡°Damn, Alina,¡± Unable to contain my excitement, a grin spread across my face as | stepped forward to join her, my arm


    instinctively wrapping around her waist, drawing her closer to me. ¡°That was... f**king hot.¡±


    ¡°Okay, ballsack, keep it in your pants.¡± Ettie gagged at the sight of us, her hand covering her mouth, as she walked towards


    Victor to inspect his bloodied nose. Then, she nced towards Alina, her eyes widening in awe as she nodded in agreement, a


    newfound respect for Alina evident in her gaze. ¡°But... Shit yeah, he¡¯s right. | didn¡¯t know you had it in you.¡±


    The air in the small alcove was filled with Victor¡¯s piercing cries, creating an atmosphere of agony. Growing more and more


    irritating, | fought the urge to silence him by shoving a random sock into his mouth, grateful that | had Alina in my arms.


    As Alina stood beside me, her clenched fist trembled with a mixture of regret and frustration. Her gaze fell upon the broken man


    at our feet. As she sighed heavily, | pulled her closer and held her tightly, hoping to offer a small measure of


    comfort.


    ¡°| ruined the n, Zeke,¡± With her face buried in my shoulder, she murmured, her words muffled and barely discernible. With a


    slow, deliberate movement, she raised her head and fixed me with her beady eyes. ¡°I shouldn''t have lost my temper


    like that.¡±


    As | shook my head, an attempt to provide reassurance, my mind raced with the


    potential ramifications of what we had done.


    ¡°No, Alina, you did what you had to do,¡± | said firmly, my voice tinged with frustration. ¡°Victor deserved what he got. We can deal


    with the consequences


    later.¡±


    The sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach persisted, despite my attempts to convey my thoughts through words. The n had


    been straightforward: rely on Victor to make contact with his father using one of the cameras, in a desperate plea for our


    freedom. Undoubtedly, his father, who adored his son, would agree to our request and allow us to go. But now, with Victor


    bleeding and injured, that n was in shambles.


    With his precious son in harm¡¯s way, his father¡¯s resistance grew stronger, leaving no room for negotiation.


    ¡°What are we going to do, Zeke?¡±


    ¡°We''ll figure something out,¡± Even as doubt gnawed at the edges of my mind, | said, forcing myself to sound confident. Despite


    my growing worry, | couldn¡¯t help but smile as | leaned in and kissed her on the forehead. ¡°We''ll find another way to get out of


    here. We have to.¡±


    ¡°| think there is a chance we can salvage the n, if we make some adjustments.¡±


    Ettie¡¯s voice, unexpectedly, caught both of us off guard and momentarily diverted our attention from the mounting concern. Alina


    and | exchanged a confused nce, both of us shrugging helplessly, our expressions mirroring our shared confusion. Rubbing


    her chin in contemtion, Ettie made her way towards us, lost in her own world.


    ¡°We need to act fast,¡± she said, her voice urgent. ¡°If we want to salvage the n, we have to make a move now.¡±


    ¡°How?¡±


    Pausing in her pacing, Ettie¡¯s eyes narrowed as she turned to face me, her gaze


    filled with intensity. With a slow and deliberate movement, she picked up a rough rock from the ground, her eyes fixated on it as


    she turned it over and over in her


    hands.


    ¡°The n to get out of here,¡± she said cryptically, her voice low and intense. ¡°To escape this nightmare once and for all.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, this will work,¡± Ettie muttered under her breath, her words barely audible. With a sly grin on her lips and determination


    shining in her eyes, she turned to face me again. ¡°Sorry, Zeke.¡±


    ¡°Sorry for what-¡±


    My face was suddenly engulfed in pain, exploding like a burst of fireworks, its intensity searing through me. Clutching at my


    throbbing cheek, | stumbled backward, my vision filled with dancing stars. Alina¡¯s piercing scream reverberated in my ears,


    slicing through the fog of pain surrounding me.


    ¡°What the hell, Ettie?!¡±


    | managed to choke out the words, my voice raspy and strained from the overwhelming shock and pain. As | stared at Ettie in


    disbelief, | blinked rapidly, my eyes struggling to adjust to what | was seeing. | couldn¡¯t decipher Ettie¡¯s thoughts as she stood


    before me, her eyes piercing and calcting, giving nothing away. As | looked into her eyes, | saw no hint of remorse, only a


    cold, unwavering determination that made me uneasy.


    ¡°Don''t worry, Zeke,¡± Her voice, calm and steady, resonated through the silence. as she dropped the stone to the ground. ¡°I know


    what I¡¯m doing.¡±


    The pain was unbearable, causing me to clench my teeth tightly. Beneath the surface, my anger simmered, making it difficult to


    process the shocking turn of


    events.


    ¡°What the hell do you mean, you know what you''re doing?¡± | demanded, my voiceced with frustration. ¡°You just smashed a


    rock into my face!¡±


    With a sense of urgency, Alina hurried to my side, her hands fidgeting anxiously as she examined the rapidly worsening condition


    of my cheek, her voice filled with trembling concern.


    ¡°Are you okay, Zeke?¡±


    As her fingers brushed against the tender skin, a wince escaped my lips, but | managed to force a reassuring smile despite the


    throbbing pain in my skull.


    ¡°I''l live,¡± | muttered, my voice strained. ¡°But seriously, what¡¯s Ettie¡¯s deal?¡±


    ¡°We can continue with Alina¡¯s n,¡± Ettie closed the distance between them, her steps purposeful, and grabbed Alina¡¯s arm,


    making Alina¡¯s fingers curl into a tight fist. ¡°The Alpha will still listen to us because we didn¡¯t hurt Victor, not really.¡±


    With suspicion, Alina narrowed her eyes and scrutinized her closed fist.


    ¡°What do you mean, not really?¡±


    ¡°We can call it the aggression formed during a Mating Run,¡± With a firm grasp on Alina¡¯s wrist, Ettie instructed her to hold her fist


    firmly and position it parallel to her own face. ¡°We can just make it look like we all fought each other.¡±


    Then Ettie just mmed her head directly at Alina¡¯s fist.

 Chapter 78

    Chapter 78


    In His Eyes: Adieu


    Zeke¡¯s POV


    Awave of determination swept over me as | surveyed mypanions, their faces set in grim determination.


    Standing beside me, Alina¡¯s face showed the evidence of a fierce battle, with bruises and scratches marring her features. A silent


    fire of determination burned in her dark eyes, reflecting her unwavering resolve. The moment our eyes met, she offered a warm


    smile and a subtle nod of recognition. Nearby, Ettie stood with a resolute expression, her arms crossed firmly over her chest. The


    dimly lit alcove revealed the haunting sight of bruises marred across her skin, some of which were self-inflicted, and a bandaged


    bruise on her neck provided an additional grim detail.


    And then there was Victor, his face contorted with a mix of agony and fury, his nose visibly swollen and blood streaming down his


    face from Alina¡¯s forceful strike. As he struggled against the ropes that bound him, his eyes burned with venomous anger, his


    fists clenched tightly at his sides.


    Inhaling deeply, | braced myself, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness for what awaited me.


    ¡°We need to make this look convincing,¡± My voice, low and intense, conveyed my message, though | directed most of my words


    towards Victor. | fixed my gaze on him, studying his every expression, desperately hoping he grasped the gravity of the situation.


    ¡°You might think this only helps us, but it helps you, too. The sooner you help us leave, the sooner we''ll stop bothering you.¡±


    Despite his mutteredints, Victor¡¯s weary expression betrayed his own longing to depart. Moreover, the scarcity of food in


    the forest was bing increasingly apparent as the number of contenders diminished day by day. It was nothing short of a


    surprise that all four of us remained trapped and unable to get


    out.


    With a firm nod, Alina¡¯s eyes sparkled with determination, her voice steady and


    resolute.


    ¡°We''ll do whatever it takes to get out of here.¡±


    Ettie stepped forward, her eyes darting back and forth between us. ¡°I''ll make sure it looks real. But we need to be careful. If we


    mess this up, it could mean the


    end for all of us.¡±


    The n was simple. We had to make it look like we were fighting amongst ourselves, like we were willing to tear each other


    apart to get out of this hellhole. The key to everything lies with Victor¡¯s father. With his power, he has the ability to free us from


    this ongoing nightmare, and finally bring an end to the Mating Run. However, in order to do that, Victor had no choice but to


    plead and beg him for his intervention on our behalf.


    Victor, naturally, wasn¡¯t too enthusiastic about the idea. He thought it was a lost cause, that his father wouldn''t lift a finger to help


    us. However, we were left with no other option. Time was slipping away, and the urgency of the situation pressed upon us. If we


    didn¡¯t take action soon, our fate would be sealed in this


    ce.


    With careful coordination, we executed a staged fight that looked incredibly realistic. We put on a show for the cameras, our


    voices raised and faces contorted with anger, creating the illusion of a heated conflict. Swinging punches and spewing hateful


    words, we shed in a wild brawl, our bodies entangled in the gritty soil. Naturally, it was a performance, but we had to ensure


    its authenticity to effectively deceive Victor¡¯s father.


    As | looked into Victor''s eyes, | couldn¡¯t help but notice the deep, seething hatred that consumed him. The realization hit him like


    a punch to the gut he knew that we were about to subject him to the humiliating plea for his father¡¯s mercy, as the camera


    loomed ominously. But he had no choice. If he wanted to survive and experience the outside world once more, he had no choice


    but to y along.


    With a swift motion, | seized Victor by the cor and hoisted him up from the ground, feeling the fabric of his shirt tighten in my


    grip. His limbs hung limply, as if they were made of lead, but | paid no mind. As | released the ropes that held him captive, | gave


    him a powerful shove towards the closest camera, urging him to face


    It. Alina and Ettle trailed behind, their eyes aze with a resolute determination that matched their quick pace.


    Gasping for breath, Victor stumbled forward, desperately trying to regain his bnce. With his eyes darting around in a state of


    panic, the atmosphere grew heavy with unease. He could feel the weight of the impending spotlight, knowing he would have to


    plead for his life in front of a global audience.


    As he opened his mouth to speak, to plead with his father for mercy, a wave of panic washed over me as he suddenly bolted


    away. My anger surged through me, causing my blood to boll as | unleashed a torrent of curses and leapt forward, my hand


    outstretched to seize him before he could escape. | reached out to grab him, but he slipped through my fingers with ease.


    ¡°Ee


    ¡°What the f**k, Victor!¡± Ettle screamed, the sound of her footsteps pounding against the ground as she ran after him. She quickly


    turned her head, meeting my gaze, and then directed her finger towards Victor. ¡°What are you waiting for? Run after the


    bastard!¡±


    | nod, feeling the adrenaline rush through my veins as | chase after him. Much to my astonishment, the chase was


    disappointingly short-lived. Despite the rush of adrenaline in his veins, Victor¡¯s running skills left much to be desired. After


    running for a few seconds, | could hear his breath bing louder and morebored as he started to slow down.


    Then Ettie pounced on him, her body a blur as she forcefully brought him down to the ground. The sound of Victor¡¯s cry echoed


    through the air as his body crumpled beneath Ettie¡¯s weight, hitting the dirt. With haste, | lunged forward, seizing Victor by the


    cor and hoisting him up with a swift, abrupt motion. | could feel his resistance as he strained against me, his muscles bulging


    with the effort to break free. But | refused to loosen my grip, determined to keep him from getting away again.


    ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going, huh?¡± My growl rumbled deep in my throat, a low and menacing sound as | locked eyes with


    him. ¡°You thought you could just run away and leave us here to rot? Not a chance.¡±


    | looked down at Victor, and his eyes red back at me, seething with a mixture of anger and defiance. ¡°You think I¡¯m scared of


    you, Zeke? You think I¡¯m scared of


    any


    of you? You''re all just a bunch of pathetic losers.¡±


    As my anger intensified, | could feel my fists tightening at my sides, my body trembling with pent-up frustration. | made a


    conscious effort to stay collected, to prevent my emotions from overwhelming me. | couldn¡¯t allow Victor¡¯s words to prate my


    emotions, determined to hide their impact.


    ¡°Just shut up and do as you¡¯re told,¡± | spat, my voice dripping with venom. ¡°We''re getting out of here, whether you like it or not.¡±


    With a final burst of strength, | pushed Victor forward, sending him hurtling towards the camera. Alina and Ettie followed closely


    behind, their eyes focused and jaws clenched as they marched forward with unwavering determination. As we approached the


    camera, Victor''s resolve faltered, his steps slowing and uncertainty clouding his face. With a moment''s hesitation, his eyes


    darted around in a panicked frenzy, desperately searching for an exit. But there was nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. With no


    way to escape, he was cornered, like a helpless rat in a cage.


    ¡°Please,¡± he whispered, his voice barely audible over the roar of the crowd. ¡°Please, just let me go. | don¡¯t want to do this.¡±


    But his words were met with silence, as if they disappeared into thin air. We had traveled a long distance, and there was no way


    we would turn back now or allow him to escape from our grasp. No matter the obstacles thaty ahead, we were unwavering in


    our determination to see this through to the end. And thus, filled with an unwavering resolve, we brought Victor to his knees, his


    hands tightly interlocked in a desperate plea for clemency.


    | stood there, my heart pounding in my chest, as Victor''s voice echoed through


    the air.


    ¡°Victor Craft.¡±


    He muttered under his breath, his voice a desperate yet determined whisper. | couldn¡¯t believe my eyes as all the cameras


    suddenly swiveled towards him, their red lights transforming into a haunting, deep blue.


    Startled, Alina and Ettie locked eyes for a moment, their expressions mirroring the disbelief that surged through me. As we stood


    there, caught off guard by the unforeseen camera change, a heavy sense of anticipation hung in the air, waiting to see how


    Victor would y this out.


    ¡°| have a message to my father.¡±


    His voice, steady and resolute, pierced through the chaos as Victor dered. | could feel my jaw clenching and my muscles


    tightening as | listened intently, waiting for what woulde next. This was the moment we had been waiting for opportunity to


    finally break free from this never-ending nightmare.


    our


    ¡°Listen up,¡± Victor started, his voice ringing out with authority. ¡°I want out of


    here. Now.¡±


    The speakers emitted a crackling sound, and the voice that came through had a chilling and apathetic tone.


    ¡°The game is not yet over, Mr. Craft.¡±


    With a tight jaw and zing eyes, Victor radiated an unwavering defiance. With a quick nce in our direction, he pinched the


    bridge of his broken nose and red at us again.


    ¡°| don¡¯t care!¡± Frustration consumed him as he snapped, throwing his arms up and letting out an angry, crackling voice. Waving


    his hand in a wide arc, he brushed away the sweat trickling down his face, then directed his wave towards us. ¡°Look at


    look at them! We''re covered in bruises. | need to be hospitalized. | am the son of Alpha Craft! Listen to me!¡±


    me


    own


    The forest was so silent that the only sound I could hear was my heartbeat, as if the tension in the air had swallowed all other


    noises. In that moment, it felt like our cry for freedom had been met with indifference, and a wave of hopelessness washed over


    me. Through the trees, Ettie¡¯s sobs filled the air, their haunting echo amplifying the sense of despair in our makeshift prison. The


    weight of her anguish settled deep within me, dragging me into a pit of defeat.


    Alina stood beside me, her hand tightly grasping mine as if she never wanted to


    let go. Fear filled her eyes, and her breaths were quick and shallow, as if she couldn¡¯t catch enough air. As | looked Into her


    eyes, | could see the swirling doubt and uncertainty that mirrored the turmoil within me. | used to belleve that everything would


    be fine, but now I¡¯m not so certain, even if | wanted to tell her.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ¡°We have to do something, Zeke,¡± In a hushed tone, Alina whispered, her voice nearly drowned out by the bustling sounds of the


    forest. ¡°We can¡¯t let them keep us trapped here forever.¡±


    We have the freedom to go out, but unfortunately, Victor and Ettie are unable to apany us. | doubt Alina would be willing to


    part ways with her best friend.


    As | was about to ept our inevitable fate, a voice shattered the quiet, crackling and slicing through the darkness like a sudden


    burst of lightning. As the camera¡¯s voice spoke, its cold and mechanical tone belied the unexpected hope


    that filled me.


    ¡°Please wait,¡± The voice intoned, its resonating timbre causing a surge of adrenaline to rush through my body. ¡°Helicopters will


    be picking all of you up shortly.¡±

 Chapter 79

    Chapter 79


    In His Eyes: Normal


    Zeke¡¯s POV


    From that point on, everything seemed to blend together in a fuzzy haze.


    We were startled by the deafening roar of the helicopters as they swooped down from the sky, cutting through the air with


    precision. Watching themnd on the forest floor, a rush of apprehension and hope flooded over me, their des sending clouds


    of dust and debris swirling into the air.


    With a twinkle in her eyes, Alina¡¯s face lit up with joyous anticipation.


    ¡°They''re here,¡± Her voice escaped in an exmation, a perfect blend of excitement and disbelief. When she turned to face me, |


    could feel the gentle touch of her fingers as they grazed mine. ¡°We''re getting out, Zeke.¡±


    | squeezed her hand tightly, feeling a surge of excitement rushing through me.


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    Despite the helicopters descending from the sky, an unsettling sensation persisted within the depths of my being.


    Led by people dressed in ck suits, we were boarded onto the ship, our weary forms trembling with both exhaustion and


    anticipation. Given his status as the Alpha¡¯s son, Victor received special treatment, with everyone escorting him and treating him


    with deference befitting his position. The sight stirred up a bitter feeling inside me, but | forced myself to disregard it,


    concentrating instead on the tantalizing possibility of liberation that awaited us.


    Upon boarding the awaiting helicopters and bidding farewell to the forest that had held us captive, aplex mixture of emotions


    engulfed me. The thunderous noise of the engines overpowered every other sound, enveloping my ears with an overwhelming


    symphony that appeared to silence, my thoughts.


    As we stepped inside, we were immediately embraced by a feeling of warmth andfort, creating a sharp contrast to the cold


    and darkness that had engulfed us during our time in the forest. We were provided with sustenance in the form of food and


    water, which were greatly appreciated by our parched throats after enduring days of deprivation.


    | observed Ettie and Alina snuggling up to each other, their bodies closely intertwined to seek both warmth and constion. Their


    breathing was slow and steady, the rhythmic rise and fall of their chests a soothing luby amidst the chaos and uncertainty that


    surrounded us. | settled back in my seat, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over me like a tidal wave. The events of the past few


    days have. had a profound effect on me, both physically and emotionally, and | wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity for rest


    that the helicopter provided.


    Outside, the scenery whizzed by in a blur of green and blue, the world rushing past in a dizzying whirlwind of motion and color. |


    observed silently as the scenery transformed before my eyes, with the recognizable features of the forest gradually receding into


    the distance as our altitude increased.


    The lights of civilization, resembling twinkling stars in the night sky, were visible in the distance. However, despite my optimistic


    outlook for the future, a persistent sense of unease lingered in my thoughts. The path that lies ahead will be extensive and filled


    with peril, and the marks of our hardships will endure long after we have departed from the forest.


    Startled awake, my heart thudded loudly in my chest as | struggled to adjust to the dimly lit helicopter cabin. The stiffness of my


    limbs was a stark reminder of the long and arduous journey we had undertaken, as my muscles protested when | shifted in my


    seat.


    Before me stood a man in a ck suit, his stern expression leaving no room for negotiation as he gestured for me toe


    along. As | stumbled to my feet, my head spun with weariness, and | reluctantly followed him out of the helicopter, squinting


    against the blinding sunlight.


    The intense brightness of the sun was overwhelming, causing me to squint and wince as its harsh re pierced through my


    eyelids. Shielding my face with my hand, | could feel the intense brightness of the light throbbing in my head, making it


    difficult toprehend my surroundings.


    And then it hit me like a sledgehammer to the chest we were back in Council Hall, the seat of the Alpha¡¯s power and authority.


    The weight of our situation pressed down on me like a suffocating nket as | realized the implications of our return, filling me


    with a sickening sense of dread.


    ¡°Please, follow me.¡±


    One by one, we were led towards the nearby white tents, their clean and sterile appearance immediately signaling that they were


    clinics. Entering the clinic, a wave of tension washed over me, twisting my gut like a restless serpent. The strong smell of


    disinfectant filled the room, mixing with the barely noticeable scent of unease that wafted through the air. My eyes frantically


    scanned the room, on high alert for any indication of peril, yet all that met my gaze were rows of vacant seats and murmurs that


    hung in the air.


    Stepping into what looked like the examination room, | was taken aback by the absence of cameras or paparazzi, allowing us


    some much-needed privacy. It was a relief, yet there was an underlying sense of unease.


    ¡°Your return is a secret for now,¡± The man in the suit exined, ¡°A precautionary measure to avoid attracting unwanted


    attention.¡±


    Questions flooded my mind, racing at lightning speed, but he swiftly led us into separate examination rooms, with a medical


    professional assigned to each of us. Alina¡¯s eyes met mine for a brief moment, and then she mustered a timid smile and waved


    goodbye.


    Stepping into my own examination room, the sound of my footsteps echoed off the white tarp walls. | took a seat on the


    examination table, feeling the coolness against the back of my legs. Nervously, | balled my hands into fists, anticipating the


    doctor¡¯s arrival. The room was enveloped in a suffocating silence, disrupted only by intermittent beeps of medical equipment and


    faint murmurs of conversation seeping in from the adjacent rooms.


    With a serious look on her face, the nurse entered the room and began assessing the extent of my injuries. With practiced


    efficiency, she gently but firmly


    examined the bruises and cuts that covered my body, her hands moving expertly.


    ¡°Looks like you took quite a beating out there,¡± The nurse''s voice,ced with a mix of boredom and seriousness, was dryly


    remarked. ¡°This won''t heal as fast as it


    should.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, | figured you''d say that,¡± | replied, my wordsced with a bitter undertone. ¡°But we¡¯re lucky to be alive.¡±


    ¡°You''re lucky indeed. We''ll get you patched up in no time.¡±


    As she gently cleaned and bandaged my wounds, | became acutely aware of my own vulnerability. | could feel the weight of the


    past few days on my shoulders, my body aching and my energy depleted, as if every step | took was apanied by a sharp


    reminder of the pain. Amidst the physical difort, there was an overwhelming feeling of relief, as if a heavy burden had been


    lifted off our shoulders.


    Once the nurse was done tending to my injuries, she took a step back to evaluate her handiwork.


    ¡°There, all done,¡± Her smile was contagious as she spoke those words. ¡°You should start feeling better soon.¡±


    My gratitude was whispered softly, while my mind continued to grapple with the chaotic events that had transpired earlier in the


    day. Exiting the examination room, | was immediately struck by the anxious expressions on Alina and Ettie¡¯s faces as they waited


    in the hallway. | could see the worry etched on their faces, a reflection of the inner turmoil | was experiencing.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Filled with concern, Alina asked, her voice trembling.


    ¡°Yeah, I''ll be fine,¡± | replied, my voice tinged with a forced cheerfulness as | attempted to hide my true feelings. The worry on her


    face disappeared only when | did. ¡°Just d to be out of there.¡±


    Ettie nodded in agreement, her face reflecting a solemn mood.


    ¡°It was a close call.¡±


    Approaching the nearest man in a ck suit, | asked, my voice filled with


    curiosity.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Where''s Victor?¡±


    Ignoring mepletely, the man¡¯s gaze remained fixed on some distant point in the room. | wasn¡¯t really in the mood to be


    ignored, especially by one of the Alpha¡¯s goons who brushed me off like an insignificant speck. Just as anger started to consume


    me, Alina¡¯s frustrated voice cut through the tension as she stepped


    forward.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Victor?¡± Her demand wasced with desperation, her tone on the edge. ¡°We asked you a question, Sir.¡±


    Hesitation flickered across the man¡¯s face as he lifted his finger to his earpiece, preparing to speak. | strained to catch his words,


    but they came out as garbled whispers, making it impossible to decipher. As | waited for his response, a heavy nket of dread


    settled over me, suffocating and paralyzing. Finally, he turned to us, his face a mask of inscrutability.


    ¡°Follow me.¡±


    He said with a sharp tone, motioning for us to follow him.


    Before falling into step behind the man in the ck suit, | exchanged a concerned look with Alina and Ettie, unsure of what


    awaited us. As we made our way through the clinic, the tension hung in the air, suffocating and palpable.


    The closer we got to the holding area, the more | felt an unsettling unease settle in the pit of my stomach. Curiosity consumed us


    as we pondered what awaited on the other side of those doors. And where was Victor? His absence created an eerie silence that


    hung in the air. Revealing a dimly lit room filled with rows of chairs and a handful of other individuals, the man opened the door to


    the holding area.


    But there was no trace or hint of Victor''s presence.


    ¡°Where''s Victor?¡±


    The man¡¯s nonchnt shrug was like a p in the face, intensifying the feeling


    of anger.


    ¡°He¡¯s not here,¡± He replied, his tone brimming with indifference. ¡°Please sit


    down.¡±


    As | stood there, my mind was filled with a whirlwind of thoughts, desperately trying to piece together clues about Victor''s


    location. Despite myck of fondness for the guy, his absence in this dire situation created an unsettling atmosphere. The Alpha,


    who happened to be Victor''s father, had a reputation for being both terrifying and devoid ofpassion. Those who crossed him


    faced dire consequences, as he ruled with an iron fist that left no room for mercy.


    The feeling of unease settled over me like a heavy shroud, making it impossible to shake. While Victor was indeed his son, the


    Alpha¡¯s unwavering focus on loyalty overshadowed any familial bond they shared. There was no predicting the Alpha¡¯s response


    if Victor had caused a disturbance with histest stunt.


    | tried to ignore the persistent feeling of unease that clung to my thoughts, diverting my attention to the task in front of me. | cast


    my gaze around the room, searching for any sign of Victor or more of the Alpha¡¯s guards. Apart from the orderly rows of chairs,


    the room waspletely empty, save for a small group of individuals who sat silently, their faces disying signs of exhaustion


    and tension.


    As the door to the holding room creaks open, the scent of old wood and musty air wafts in, mingling with the tension in the room.


    Ashiver runs down my spine as soon as she enters the room, causing me to tense up. With purpose, she strides towards me,


    her gaze slicing through me like a sharp de.


    ¡°Zeke,¡± she says, her voice cold andmanding. ¡°You''reing with me.¡±


    Aknot forms in the pit of my stomach as | lock eyes with her, her gaze unwavering and intense.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    As she speaks, a cold shiver courses through my veins, and a feeling of impending doom descends upon me. As | turn my head,


    | see Alina and Ettie looking at me, their expressions reflecting their worry. Alina¡¯s hand finds mine and stays there, offering a


    comforting squeeze. Yet, as my gaze falls upon the woman once more, her lips curl into a sinister smile that fills the air with an


    eerie silence.


    ¡°The Alpha wants to see you.¡±

 Chapter 80

    Chapter 80


    In His Eyes: Alpha


    Zeke¡¯s POV


    As | trailed behind the woman in the red suit down the seemingly endless corridor, | could feel the adrenaline coursing through


    my veins, my heart pounding with each step. Passing by rows of closed doors, the atmosphere bes charged with a mix of


    nervousness and excitement. With each step, the woman''s footsteps echoed loudly, adding to the oppressive silence as she


    refused to speak or make eye contact with me.


    Finally, we stop in front of a familiar door ¡ª one that fills me with dread. The entrance to the City Council is grand and imposing,


    befitting the residence of the Alpha. With a sense of unease, | watch as the woman opens the door, unveiling a room upied by


    a sea of individuals dressed in sleek ck suits.


    As | enter, they don¡¯t even acknowledge my presence, but | can sense the intensity of their gazes fixated on me, like sharp


    daggers prating my skin. With each step towards the door, the overwhelming scent of anxiety intensifies, leaving little doubt


    that whatever awaits me on the other side is bound to be unpleasant.


    With each step the woman takes, leading me deeper into the room, my anticipation grows and my nerves tighten. The room is


    silent, save for the asional sound of a keyboard being tapped, as we make our way past rows of desks, each one upied


    by a determined individual. | sense their silent judgment, as if it hangs in the air and lingers around me, intensifying the weight on


    my


    shoulders.


    Finally, we reach the end of the room, where arge oak door stands imposingly before us. Her expression unreadable, the


    woman motions for me to enter with a subtle gesture. With a shaky breath, | push open the door and step inside, the creaking


    sound echoing in the quiet room.


    The Alpha¡¯s office stands tall before me, exuding an air of grandeur and intimidation. The room is bathed in dim light, casting


    long shadows across the


    polished floors. Behind his desk, the Alpha¡¯s unreadable expression masks his cold,


    calcting gaze fixed upon me.


    ¡°Zeke,¡± Thunderously, he says, his voice echoing through the room andmanding attention. ¡°I trust you know why you¡¯re


    here.¡±


    My throat feels parched as | nod, automatically crossing my arms behind my back and standing with a straight posture.


    ¡°Yes, Alpha.¡±


    Standing before the Alpha, his piercing gaze cuts through me like a razor, sending waves of dread coursing through my veins. |


    can practically taste his disappointment, a bitter vor that lingers as he rubs his temples with frustration.


    ¡°| would appreciate it if you could rify why my dim-witted son was airlifted y dim-witted son was airlifted from the forest.¡±


    Demanding and unwavering, the Alpha¡¯s stern voice filled the space, leaving no room for disobedience. ¡°Could you provide an


    exnation as to why he sustained bruises and injuries?¡±


    | force myself to swallow, relieved that | had the foresight to anticipate his question. Ettie, much to my surprise, was the one who


    offered a solution bying up with an excuse.


    ¡°It was... it was because of the fumes in the air,¡± As my words spill out in a rapid flurry, | stammer and quickly clear my throat,


    trying to regain myposure. ¡°They... they made us... aggressive.¡±


    Skepticism fills the Alpha¡¯s eyes as he narrows them, casting a doubtful nce.


    ¡°Fumes?¡± His voice, dripping with disbelief, repeats the words over and over again. ¡°Are you of the opinion that | should have


    faith in what you''re saying?¡±


    | give a nod, adjusting my posture to stand up straighter.


    ¡°Yes, Alpha,¡± | insist. ¡°It¡¯s the truth.¡±


    The Alpha¡¯s doubt continues to intensify, his piercing gaze making me feel as if I¡¯m being stabbed.


    ¡°| find that hard to believe,¡± he says, his voice cold and unforgiving. Still, he leans back into his chair, the creaking sound filling


    the quiet office, and grabs a folder from his desk. ¡°It appears that you and your associates have been brought back here under


    circumstances that warrant suspicion. However, let''s assume for the sake of argument that | do believe you. | would appreciate it


    if you could inform me of any positive developments or updates on your end. | am curious to know how your mission went.¡±


    Bracing myself for the conversation that is about to unfold, | let out a heavy sigh, the sound echoing in the silence. There¡¯s no


    benefit in trying to make the truth sound better than it is. Complete honesty is a non-negotiable expectation from the Alpha,


    especially when it involves matters of life and death.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ¡°Yes, Alpha,¡± Despite the chaos stirring inside me, | respond with a calm and


    steady voice. ¡°The mission went as nned.¡±


    Listening attentively to my report, the Alpha nods in acknowledgment, his emotions concealed. Inhaling deeply, | brace myself for


    the challenges that await


    1. me.


    ¡°As per your instructions, | eliminated the dissenting parties,¡± | continue, my words flowing effortlessly from my lips. ¡°Additional


    casualties urred as a result of unforeseen circumstances; however, they will not jeopardize the stability of your reign going


    forward.¡±


    A flicker of interest passes through the Alpha¡¯s eyes, causing them to narrow ever so slightly, before returning to his usual stoic


    demeanor.


    ¡°Good,¡± he says, his voice devoid of emotion. ¡°I expect nothing less from you.¡±


    | bite my tongue, refraining from clicking it in response to his patronizing tone, fully aware that defiance is not appropriate in this


    moment. Instead, my eyes remain locked on the Alpha, anticipating his next directive.


    m curious to discover another piece of information. | would appreciate a thorough exnation as to why there were more


    casualties than instructed during your mission.¡±


    With his hands crossed and his chin resting on them, the Alpha leaned towards me. When | looked into his eyes, | could sense a


    powerful intensity emanating from within. The fact that everything was broadcasted makes it obvious that he knows the truth;


    he¡¯s only seeking confirmation from me. My mind races, filled with hesitation as i desperately try to find the right words in that


    fleeting moment. Though | understand the potential dire consequences of confessing my failure to follow orders, the truth must


    be revealed. Steeling myself, | feel the muscles in jaw tighten as | be more determined.


    ¡°... [had to kill them,¡± My confession finally escaped my lips, barely audible above a whisper. ¡°They... they abducted and hurt my


    mate.¡±


    my


    The Alpha¡¯s eyes narrow, their gaze filled with a flicker of intrigue. With every beat, my heart pounds in my chest, a constant


    reminder of the repercussions that await my admission. However, much to my surprise, the Alpha¡¯s face suddenly changes, his


    features contorting into an expression of genuine curiosity.


    ¡°Your mate?¡± With a hint of fascination, he repeats the words, his voice carrying the intrigue. ¡°I am interested in learning more


    about her.¡±


    Swallowing hard, | felt the weight of the Alpha¡¯s attention suffocating me like a heavy nket. However, | am aware that | must


    comply; concealing the truth from the Alpha is simply not a viable choice. Although | wanted to keep Alina a secret from him, |


    understood that revealing the truth would be the path of least resistance. If | lie, he might resort to more extreme measures to


    know more about


    her.


    ¡°Yes, Alpha,¡± Despite the whirlwind of emotions inside me, | manage to reply with a steady voice. ¡°She... she was abducted


    during the Mating Run, and |... | couldn¡¯t let them get away with it. She was subjected to a forced injection of Hypnos, and she is


    currently endeavoring to recollect her memories.¡±


    As | spoke, the Alpha leaned forward, his eyes filled with an intense fire that captured my attention. | can sense the heaviness of


    his scrutiny, the weight of his judgment bearing down on me like a suffocating burden. :


    ¡°And you killed them?¡±


    The Alpha¡¯s low and dangerous voice cuts through the silence as he asks.


    | nod, feeling the tightness in my throat as tension grips me.


    ¡°Yes, Alpha. | had no choice. | was determined not to let them go unpunished for the harm they caused to her.¡±


    The Alpha¡¯s lips curl into a smile that exudes a predatory aura, his eyes gleaming with a hint of admiration. Leaning back into his


    chair, he absentmindedly rubs his chin, lost in deep contemtion.


    f


    ¡°You did well, Zeke,¡± With every word he speaks, his voice exudes a strong sense of approval. Instantly, the tension in my


    shoulders dissipated, and | discreetly exhaled a sigh of relief. ¡°Protecting your mate is indicative of a strong character. You have


    proven yourself to be a loyal and valuable asset to our pack. These are the specific qualities that are appropriate for an Alpha.


    Would you not agree as well?¡±


    Relief washes over me, erasing the grip of fear and uncertainty that had consumed me mere moments ago. Though | may have


    deviated from the Alpha¡¯s instructions, my actions have garnered his approval. And in the unforgiving world of the pack, that is no


    easy aplishment.


    ¡°Thank you, Alpha,¡± Filled with gratitude, | reply in a tinged voice. ¡°I will continue to serve you to the best of my abilities.¡±


    With each word, he eloquently describes the indispensable qualities and traits that will shape the destiny of our pack, leaving me


    with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety. Could this be the long-awaited moment I¡¯ve been yearning for? The


    moment when the Alpha finally acknowledges my worth and grants me the position I¡¯ve long desired?


    As the moments pass in an eerie silence, the Alpha¡¯s face remains unreadable, his eyes locked onto me with a piercing intensity


    that sends a chill down my back. As my anticipation builds, it slowly transforms into a sense of unease, a growing fear that coils


    in the depths of my stomach. What if I''ve misunderstood the meaning behind his words? What if he has alternative schemes for


    me, schemes that don¡¯t epass the coveted position of Alpha?


    ¡°Alpha,¡± With a slight tremble of uncertainty, | finally managed to say the words aloud. ¡°Does this mean...?¡±


    Just as | was about to finish my question, the Alpha dismisses me with a casual wave of his hand, his face hidden in darkness as


    he reclines in his seat.


    ¡°Zeke,¡± Cutting through the stillness, the Alpha¡¯s voice echoes with an icy, merciless tone. ¡°Although you may have certain skills,


    the role of an Alpha requires more than justbat prowess. It necessitates a selfless devotion to the group, an unwavering


    pledge to safeguard each member, rather than focusing solely on one individual.¡±


    His words hit me with an unexpected force, like a sudden gust of wind that knocks the breath out of me. The Alpha¡¯s doubt about


    my suitability for the position stems from my perceived failure to protect his son, questioning my worthiness. Frustration courses


    through me like a sharp pang, leaving a bitter taste of disappointment in the back of my throat.


    ¡°But Alpha,¡± | begin, my voice tinged with a subtle hint of aggression. ¡°I did what | had to do to ensure the safety of our pack. |


    killed-¡±


    ¡°You protected your mate,¡± The Alpha interrupts, his unwavering gaze locking onto his target. ¡°While that is praiseworthy, an


    Alpha¡¯s responsibility goes beyond the boundaries of a single rtionship. It epasses the entire pack, with each and every


    member under our watchful care.¡±


    My fists involuntarily tighten at my sides, his words searing through me like a swarm of needles. How can he dare to question my


    commitment and loyalty, when I¡¯ve poured my heart and soul into protecting those | cherish? When | carried out his orders and


    eliminated all those who dared to dissent, the once unsteady order of the pack became solid. It feels like a sudden and painful


    blow, a betrayal that cuts deep into the sacrifices I¡¯ve made for my duty.


    ¡°Furthermore,¡± The Alpha continues, his voice steady and resolute. ¡°I havee to the conclusion that Victor is the most suitable


    candidate to be groomed as the next Alpha. He will be subjected to intensive training under your guidance to guarantee he


    possesses the essential attributes needed to lead our pack into the future.¡±


    The weight of those words sinking in causes the room to tilt on its axis, making the ground beneath me feel unsteady.


    ¡°But, Alpha,¡± As | protested, the tone of my voice grew increasingly desperate, resonating with intensity. ¡°I¡¯ve given everything for


    this pack. I¡¯ve carried out your orders, eliminated threats, and dedicated my life to our cause. Can¡¯t you see¡±


    ¡°You''ve proven yourself as a capable warrior,¡± the Alpha concedes, ¡°but an Alpha¡¯s role transcends individual prowess. It requires


    aprehensive understanding of the intricacies of leadership, a dedication to the well-being of every member of the pack.¡±


    My mouth is filled with a lingering bitterness, a blend of resentment and frustration.


    ¡°You will continue to serve the pack in your current capacity,¡± With a final tone, the Alpha deres hismand, leaving no room


    for disagreement, ¡°Nevertheless, have reservations about your suitability for the position of Alpha. Had my son not returned with


    bruises, | would have wholeheartedly offered you the position. s, we were not fortunate this time. Should fate allow, there may


    be future opportunities. In your specific case, | am hopeful that there will be.¡±

 Chapter 81

    Chapter 81


    In His Eyes: Coup


    Zeke¡¯s POV


    Leaving the Alpha¡¯s office, | am consumed by a sense of heaviness in my heart and a dense fog of confusion and despair that


    lingers in my mind. | feel the weight of disappointment pressing down on me, like a suffocating nket that smothers my spirit


    and leaves me feelingpletely disoriented. It feels as though everything | have tirelesslybored for has been mercilessly


    ripped away from me, leaving me floating aimlessly in a tumultuous sea of doubt.


    The corridors of City Council are filled with the faint echoes of voices and footsteps, as if | am trapped in a bubble of my own


    destion. | try to focus on the world around me, but my thoughts are louder, drowning out everything else with their relentless


    intensity.


    An overwhelming sense of betrayal consumes me, manifesting as a bitter taste of resentment and regret that lingers in the back


    of my throat. | sacrificed countless hours and made relentless efforts to reach this point, to prove my worthiness of the Alpha title,


    only to have it cruelly taken away from me in an instant.


    But then, was it ever truly under my ownership to begin with?


    The memory of the lives | have taken haunts my conscience, an ever-present reminder of the darkness I¡¯ve embraced in my


    quest for power. | transformed into a person | never aspired to be ¡ª- a mere shadow of my former self. Ambition consumed me,


    driving me relentlessly to achieve sess no matter the sacrifices.


    And for what purpose? The position | had been assured of, the recognition | had so desperately desired, turned out to be nothing


    but an empty promise. It feels like a cruel twist of fate, a heartbreaking reminder of how little control | have over the


    circumstances that shape my life.


    | attempt to fight off the tide of despair that looms over me, but it proves to be a fruitless battle. The darkness surrounds me, its


    suffocating grip tightening, and | am left feeling stranded like a ship lost amidst crashing waves, with no beacon of


    hope to guide me back to safety.


    As | stumble through the corridors, the echoes of my heavy and uncertain footsteps reverberate, intensifying the sense of


    foreboding that grips me. Like a bottomless void, the future unfolds before me, shrouded in darkness, leaving me unable to


    discern a path forward.


    Sinking onto the barren, chilly bench, | can feel bitterness and resentment seeping into every fiber of my being. Consumed by


    animosity, it feels as if fiery mes are devouring me from within, leaving only smoldering remains.


    In my mind, thoughts swirl like a raging storm, growing more poisonous with each passing moment.


    Victor. It¡¯s always been Victor.


    The source of my frustration, my anger, my despair. Sitting here now, | can¡¯t help but feel like a failure, as if fate has dealt me an


    unjust hand ¡ª all because of him.


    | should have realized from the very beginning that the Alpha had a strong bias towards his son. It¡¯s hard to believe | was so


    oblivious. The weight of expectations always rested on Victor''s shoulders, as he was regarded as the golden child, destined to


    be the future Alpha. And no matter how hard | tried, no matter how much blood, sweat, and tears | poured into proving myself


    worthy, | never stood a chance against him.


    It''s not fair.


    It''s not right.


    This is the way things have always been, and it doesn¡¯t appear that they will ever be different. Each day, the Alpha¡¯s favoritism


    bes more suffocating, weighing me down like an anchor of despair around my neck.


    | feel trapped in a never-ending cycle of disappointment and frustration, a heavy weight of hopelessness settling in my chest. No


    matter what | do, no matter how hard | try, I''ll always be second best, always be overshadowed by Victor and his privileged


    position as the Alpha¡¯s son. However, the me cannot be solely ced


    on Victor. The Alpha is also to me for this. He¡¯s the one who set this entire unfair game in motion, making the arbitrary


    decision that Victor deserved to be Alpha solely because of his bloodline.


    He was the one who instilled a glimmer of possibility in me, only to abruptly snatch it away in the end.


    Out of nowhere, | sense a presence beside me, and as | turn, Alina appears, crouching in front of me with a worried look in her


    eyes.


    ¡°What''s wrong?¡±


    Though her voice is soft and gentle, | find myself speechless, unable to find the right words to reply. How can | burden her with


    my own problems when she already has so much on her te?


    Giving up is not in Alina¡¯s nature, and she continues to push forward. When she reaches out and touches my hand, | feel a sense


    of relief as her touch bes my guiding light in the darkness.


    ¡°We''re mates, Zeke,¡± she says softly. ¡°We¡¯re supposed to work together, to


    share our burdens.¡±


    Her words cut through the thick fog of despair that engulfs me, and suddenly everything bes clear. We''re in this together,


    through thick and thin. Taking a deep breath, | exhale slowly, gathering the courage to finally find my voice.


    ¡°It''s just... everything,¡± | say, my voice barely above a whisper. ¡°I had something promised to me, but it was mercilessly ripped


    away.¡±


    As Alina looks at me with concern, her eyes seem to silently implore me to be honest and vulnerable. ¡°What did the Alpha tell


    you?¡±


    Hesitation fills me as my mind bes a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. With Alina¡¯s unwavering support, | am empowered to


    find my voice and speak up. Inhaling deeply, | brace myself, mentally fortifying for the words that are about to escape my lips.


    ¡°He asked me to be Victor¡¯s personal tutor.¡±


    Alook of surprise shed across Alina¡¯s face, quickly followed by a flicker ofprehension. ¡°He did what?¡±


    With a nod, bitterness floods over me, tingling through my veins and consuming my thoughts.


    ¡°Yes,¡± A sharp retort escapes me, apanied by a forced chuckle. ¡°He wants me to make sure that Victor seamlessly assumes.


    the position of Alpha when the time is right.¡±


    ¡°It''s like a p to your face!¡± Frustration fills Alina¡¯s voice as she shouts. With anger etched on her face, she rises and vigorously


    runs her fingers through her hair. ¡°After everything you''ve done, after all the sacrifices you¡¯ve made! Now he wants you to help


    Victor take your ce?!¡±


    Without warning, Alina¡¯s hand wraps around my arm, her strong hold guiding me through the crowd. Overwhelmed by the Alpha¡¯s


    decision, my mind is still spinning, leaving me with no strength to fight back. Trusting her instincts, | allowed her to guide me,


    curious about where she would take us.


    Alina¡¯s voice is a continuous flow of anger and frustration, her words a jumbled assortment of emotions that resound in my ears.


    She¡¯s going on and on about how unjust it is and how the Alpha could possibly do this to me. And with each word, | feel a mix of


    gratitude and guilt wash over me. | am grateful for her continuous support, yet | can¡¯t help but feel guilty for burdening her with


    my problems.


    As | trailed behind Alina through the Council Hall¡¯s hallways, the cold, unyielding floor amplified the sound of my echoing


    footsteps. Although I¡¯m unsure of our destination, | have faith in Alina¡¯s ability to lead us with a well-thought-out n.


    Finally, wee to a stop outside a door guarded by a sternlooking man in uniform, his eyes scanning the surroundings with


    unwavering focus. Stepping forward, Alina¡¯s fiery gaze and resolute tone leave no room for doubt.


    ¡°Let us in.¡±


    The guard pays no attention to her, his gaze locked straight ahead, as if we were mere phantoms drifting through the darkness.


    As Alina¡¯s patience wears thin, her frustration simmers, teetering on the edge of boiling over. Without any warning, her hand


    shoots out and clenches onto the guard¡¯s cor, her grip tightening like a vice as she yanks him closer. There is a hollowness in


    her eyes, yet her voice drips with unadulterated fury.


    ¡°I said, let us in.¡±


    With a rough shove, the guard forcefully pushes her away, his movements full of aggression. The moment | step forward to


    intervene, a powerful and fiery anger wells up inside me, consuming my senses. As | stand there, my fists involuntarily clench,


    my body preparing itself to defend her.


    ¡°Don''t you f**king touch her!¡±


    | throw myself forward, my body propelled by the sheer force of my momentum, catching the guardpletely off bnce.


    Fueled by a mix of adrenaline and rage, | grab hold of him, my fingers digging into his shoulders as | forcefully push him against


    the wall. With my grip tightening around him, the guard''s eyes widen in terror, realizing that he has finallye face to face with


    someone who can overpower him. | refuse to let go, my grip on him unyielding and as strong as a vice.


    The sound of the door creaking open suddenly breaks the silence, causing us to freeze in ce. As if on cue, Victor appears


    before us. Bandages wrap tightly around his face, and an eyepatch is worn over one eye. It¡¯s clear that he¡¯s been through a


    grueling experience, his weary posture and haggard appearance speaking volumes. When our gazes meet, | am struck by the


    weariness that is evident in the lines of his face.


    ¡°What''s all this noise about?¡±


    His voice, rough and weary, asks the question. My eyes briefly meet Alina¡¯s, and a feeling of unease starts to grow deep within


    me. In front of us stands Victor, the man who has brought us nothing but trouble, and | can¡¯t shake off the unsettling sensation


    that washes over me.


    ¡°These punks wanted to be allowed inside. Don¡¯t sweat it, I''ll chuck them so


    you can get some shut-eye-¡±


    Victor let out a weary sigh, his fingersbing through his tousled hair as he weighed our request. He looks tired, defeated


    even, and I can¡¯t help but wonder what he¡¯s been through since west saw him.


    ¡°Let them in,¡± With weariness evident in his voice, he finally speaks, his determination unwavering. ¡°I have something to discuss


    with them anyway.¡±


    The guard hesitates briefly, but ultimately nods in acknowledgment and steps aside, making way for our entry. Alina and | share a


    nce, and I sense a hint of uncertainty in her eyes. Reluctantly, we had no option but to trail after Victor into the mysterious


    room.


    The moment we enter Victor¡¯s room, we are greeted by an atmosphere filled with palpable tension and uncertainty. With a distant


    gaze, Victor finds refuge in his bed, his eyes fixated on the softness of the nket beneath him. It¡¯s so quiet, the absence of


    sound creating an eerie atmosphere as we each wrestle with our own thoughts and emotions.


    Breaking the suffocating silence, | clear my throat, the sound echoing in the air around us. My gaze keeps fixating on his


    eyepatch, and | can¡¯t help but wonder why he¡¯s wearing it since we never hit him there.


    There is a brief pause as Victor keeps quiet, his eyes fixated on the floor, lost in contemtion. Turning slowly, he meets my


    gaze with an inscrutable expression.


    ¡°How badly do you want to be the Alpha, Zeke?¡±


    His voice, though hushed, carries a fervent intensity as he asks the question. His unexpected question catches me off guard,


    causing me to stumble and lose myposure. His words hang heavily in the air, making me feel as if I¡¯m trapped under a


    suffocating nket.


    When | turn to look at Alina, she meets my gaze and nods, her reassuring touch on my hand giving mefort. Exhaling deeply,


    | stand firm and confidently respond to Victor with a steady and determined tone.


    ¡°It''s what | was born to be.¡±


    With a nod, Victor¡¯s eyes narrow slightly, giving him a scrutinizing gaze as he analyzes my every move.


    ¡°But at what cost?¡± His question lingers in the air, his voice heavy with bitterness. ¡°Are you willing to sacrifice everything to


    achieve your goal?¡±


    ¡°| already did.¡±


    Instead of speaking, Victor turns his gaze towards Alina. Once more, a feeling of unease washes over me, making my heart


    race.


    ¡°What about your mate?¡± Turning to give me a nk stare, Victor asks, his eyes. devoid of any emotion. ¡°Are you willing to


    sacrifice her?¡±


    Before | have a chance to reply, Alina strides forward, her voice carrying a quiet strength. With a questioning gaze, she asks, her


    eyes scanning his face for any hint of a response.


    ¡°Victor, what happened to you?¡±


    At first, I¡¯mpletely puzzled, unable toprehend her question. But then, out of nowhere, Alinaes walking towards him,


    her footsteps echoing in the silence. As | stand there, all | can do is watch as she carefully removes his eyepatch. My gaze


    locked with Victor¡¯s, and in that moment, time stood still and a sickening sensation crept up my throat.


    1. be.


    Underneath Victor¡¯s eyepatch, there was a hollow space where his eye used to


    Alina¡¯s gasps echoed through the room, her hand instinctively flying to cover her mouth. She trembled, mirroring my own


    apprehension. We were careful not to hit him in a way that would cause him significant bruises or put his eye at risk.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter,¡± he replies, his voice hollow and devoid of emotion. ¡°Nothing matters anymore.¡±


    Alina¡¯s tearful cries filled the air, her hands trembling as she hesitated to touch


    his face.


    ¡°B-but, your eye-¡±Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°He didn¡¯t.¡± Disbelievingly, | shake my head. The thought of the Alpha betraying Victor, his own son, seemed impossible to


    comprehend. ¡°Tell me, he didn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Alina turned to look at us, her brows furrowing in confusion. ¡°What¡¯s he


    saying?¡±


    ¡°| asked if you''re willing to sacrifice everything,¡± As | observe Victor, | notice his mask of indifference starting to crumble, and |


    catch a fleeting glimpse of emotion crossing his face. It¡¯s only now that | notice the pain and anguish in his eyes, a stark contrast


    to his usual stoic demeanor. ¡°Because | need your help.¡±


    With a soft and delicate motion, Alina¡¯s hand lingers above Victor''s shoulder before finally making contact.


    ¡°We''re here for you, Victor,¡± she says, her voice gentle and reassuring. ¡°Whatever you need, we''ll help you.¡±


    Victor looks up, his eyes filled with unshed tears, glistening with raw emotion.


    ¡°| want you to help me kill my father.¡±


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