The Predator's Loop

Chapter 4: Own my fate?

Adhira:

My eyes shot open as if I were dreaming this whole time. I pushed myself off the ground and felt paranoia strike me as I found myself standing at the same spot as the one in my dream.

But was it really a dream?

What if everything is a dream? My brain is probably replaying this cursed hallucination in its last minutes.

"We need to run! Quick," yelled Vinu who ran ahead, not waiting for me.

So, I took off and we ran faster than the last hallucination. I felt puzzled as I watched him take a thin path through some tall grass. He then took a wide path running upwards to the side of a hill.

I caught up to him panting, considering my physical fitness which wasn't impressive. I was a "healthy" and a "chubby" person according to doctors. But, the scale told me that I was overweight.

But jeez! My neglect was catching up to me as my lungs protested.

"Where are we heading to?" I heaved.

"To some stone-like elevated tower," he spoke steadily as if the running isn't tiring him at all. I didn't have in me to get jealous as my vision turned slightly blurry and the pit of my stomach began to ache.

I stopped and placed my hands on my knees and panted as sweat poured over my forehead, "How do you know where-" I needed to catch my breath.

I saw people run past us and Vinu stalled hesitantly looking behind me for any danger, "I just know... Not sure how."

I breathed an ugly breath in and began running beside him again. I stopped again unable to go on.

Great! I couldn't run to save my life.

"You go. I'll catch up," I told him.

He looked worried.

"Go!" I yelled.

I got on my knees and pressed my palm to the muddy floor. I could feel the vibrations of paws hitting the ground. I gulped and breathed.

"What is going on?" I whispered.

I counted to three and took off in a sprint. Soon I was able to catch up with the others. And I ran ahead as my lungs protested again. My limbs ached and my eyes burned, tearing up. I could feel my body producing heat in waves under the excess pressure that I was exerting on it.

My eardrums felt the impact of screams from people behind me. Loud growls of beasts as they attacked and tore them apart. My heart stuttered at my cowardice as I tried to run away.

Soon I felt her presence. I stilled and turned around. I felt myself gravitate towards her as those striking night blue eyes watched me. The chaotic world seemed to go silent.

It made me wonder why it was only her... Why did she want to own my fate?

I shut my eyes and let her take my life.

Yup, it sure does look small but the chapters get longer as the plot thickens.