A story I’ve been working on in my spare time. I don’t know if I’ll continue it once school starts, ’cause I’ll most likely be busier.
Critiques and suggestions welcome!
He ran, lungs and muscles screaming.
He could hear the blood-curdling cries behind him, rising undulating in the night.
Gasped harshly, terror biting deeper than bile.
Faster.
Blinked blood and tears from his eyes.
Ran on. Trying hard not to trip on the slippery rocks, logs, and underbrush the forest held.
He missed a step, and found himself suddenly on the ground, moist sandy earth digging into his chin, filling his mouth. Thrashing about, trying to get to his feet before –
A twig cracked to his left. Wide eyes turned towards the sounds.
Felt little relief at seeing nothing was there. Hope against all hope – maybe it was just a rabbit fleeing the nightmare; just like him.
Maybe.
Rotting stench filled his nostrils, causing him to gag. It was sickeningly sweet, saturated to every pore with the scent of decay, death. Blood.
He whirled away to his right, scrambling towards a gap in the dense underbrush – maybe there was yet some way of escap–
Too late.
Hands, like steel bands encircling his neck. Voice speaking gutturally. Foul breath at ear.
“Can’t run, run, ruuuuu-uuuuun anymore, little one.” Hands tightened, harsh chuckling.
A kick to his back sent him smashing against a tree, a second one to his stomach left him doubled over by a bush, retching in pain. Slipping to the sodden earth, he listened to heavy footsteps travel the distance to him.
He though: always imagined dying old, at home in bed, with Felipe and Aniwyn and the twins by my side. His limbs seemed to not be obeying him.
A creak of armor, as the man knelt by his side. Lifted his head roughly. Whisper of a steely being drawn.
“You always knew too much, love. Never knew your limits, hmmm?
A blow to his head.
Pain blossomed, and was swiftly overtaken by the darkness rushing down upon him like a wave.
