Chapter 8
I suppose everyone has a distinct past. You were born, probably went to school, and eventually grew up. Maybe gotten a job, or had a family.
Some people have a distinct future. A destiny, a kismet. No matter how small or how important.
Mine, I had to say, was uncertain. Even less certain than my own death.
Bitter frost coated my knees as I stumbled, barely able to pick myself back up. Barely able to survive this game. I hadn't been captivated long. For all I know, it could have been days before I had woken up to the locked closet. It felt like a year.
But, it was almost too soon when they unlocked that door, beating me back with a cane, and shackling my wrists with wood and rope. Soon after that, they led me to the forest with a corn sack covering my eyes.
It was strictly spoken that only the Hunters may know the whereabouts of Wolfron Forest.
I didn't care one bit. The darkness had become my cloak, concealing me from the hatred of this awful place. We had walked for what seemed like hours.
The only thought I had was of James.
Where was he? Would we find each other? Surely he wouldn't be far away.
But, as they led me to the heart of the forest, I waited for more footsteps. After waiting a half hour, I ripped off the bag, wincing as the light seeped in from the dense pine needles.
No one was here. I was completely alone.
Where was he? Where were the others?
"James?"
My voice was nothing louder than a whisper, but it still echoed off all of the deadened bark. The sound of it buried my heart in lonelieness. And, after weeks of torment and fear, I was deeply afraid.
The sky had taken on a grayish black light, casting dark shadows everywhere I turned. My mind whirled, thinking the Hunters had come for me. But, of course, that was not possible.
They had a Feast to eat. We were given three days to scramble around in this death trap.
Remembering this, I fought the strange urge to stay put, and forced myself to move. It would mean sooner death to stay where I was. It would be better to get used to this place, and get to know my surroundings. And, simply, get away from here.
"James?" I tried again, saying it louder. My voice was beginning to work again, and I began shouting. "Hello? I anyone here? James! Can anyone here me?"
But, once again, I was greeted with silence.