My Muse || READER X RAY || The Promised Neverland

🔒 My Muse || Chapter Forty One

This wasn't a clear picnic grove in between a circle of trees.

It was a trap.

The vines underneath Emma and Gilda's feet started to break as they plunged downwards. 

"Quickly! Catch them!" I screamed, running to Emma's extended arm. But someone caught her before me. Ray swiftly pulled Emma into his arms, holding her waist. I felt something churn in my stomach. "A-And Gilda?" I turned around to see Gilda safe with Don and Alicia. "Thank god." I sighed, under my breath. "We should start moving." 

Ray was still holding the trembling Emma in his arms. God, how long does she need to get back onto her feet? I rolled my eyes. "Don, Gilda, with me." I glared at him, and he finally let go of her. "You two can stay in the back." It sounded a little hissy coming out of my mouth. 

We continued to walk for hours. Suddenly, Yvette called my name. "y/n!" I ran to her side, examining the large green bud she was sitting next to. "I've seen this before!" She exclaimed. She rummaged in her backpack, pulling out 'The Adventures of Ugo'. She flipped a few pages in, holding the open book in my face. "Look! Look!" "Water..?" I whispered. "Yvette, give me your jar." I held the clear cup underneath the gourd like plant, gently slicing on it's petals. Clear, pristine water leaked out. "Everyone! Fill your jars here!" I patted Yvette's head proudly. "Good job." 

We learned that 'The Adventures of Ugo' were not only telling us about a safe place we can hide, but also how to survive in the world until we got there. "The Snakes of Alvar Pinera." Gilda said, tapping the page. "That's what Emma and I had fallen into." 

At the bottom of each page describing a creature or trap, there would be a detailed story about it's origins and how one could fight it. The Snakes of Alvar Pinera was a deep sea or forest cave filled with thousands of sentient vines. They would appear as if they were solid ground and when their prey stepped onto it, they would be dropped into the grotto, which was actually the creature's massive stomach. If we had fallen, there would've have been no way out. The vines would have feasted on our decomposing corpses. 

I turned to the back of the group. Emma and Ray were laughing, playfully nudging each other's shoulders. They were also walking a little too close to just be friends. I rolled my eyes, clicking my tongue. "Tch!" "A little jealous, aren't we? y/n?" Don teased, mocking me in a sing songy tone. I pushed him, laughing "I'll really kill you." Gilda smiled as well. "y/n... Did you..?" "Ever make up with Ray?" I finished her sentence. "No, not really." Cold beads of sweat ran down my neck. I felt my head becoming light. I tripped on a stone, tumbling to the ground. Don helped me up. "I just tripped. I'm fine." I snapped, before anyone could ask. 

We had trekked the whole day. It was time for the sun to set. "Lanterns!" I called, holding up my own. Ray struck a match, going around the kids. He walked up to me, holding the small fire. I rolled my eyes. "Are you going to let me... Y'know, light it?" He asked. I scoffed, annoyed. "I changed my mind. Gilda can he light yours?" The green haired girl nodded, sighing exasperatedly. After he put out the match, Ray walked back to Emma, a smile instantly creeping across his face. "What the hell?" I hissed. 

Gilda patted my back. "Why don't you go talk to him?" 

I was about to shake my head no, when Don suddenly called for Emma to come to the front. "Emma! We need you to lead the charge. y/n's not as athletic as you!" 

"What the hell?" I hissed, Don shoving me aside. "You'll thank me later." 

Emma's soft orange hair bounced to the front of the line. I dragged my way back, glaring at Don. He winked at me, smiling mischievously. "I hate these people." I sighed, rubbing my temples. I felt an elbow nudge me. "Aw, me too?" Ray smiled at me like nothing had happened. That uncomfortable feeling in my stomach got worse, so I ignored his conversation starters and looked only towards the front. 

He continued to whisper weird little things to me. "I always liked the salmon dish at home. How about you?" or, "Holy shit, I really have to pee but I don't want to stop the line." He almost made me giggle. Almost. I bit my cheek, taking a deep breath. "Rayisastupididiotthatlikestoplaywithgirls. Maybe that's why he was so good that night. But with who?" I thought, scratching my chin. "Emma? That's the only plausible explanation. Oh my god. Norman..?"

I was snapped out of my dirty thoughts by an eerie growling. It came from behind us. It's footsteps were loud, but slow. "Lights out!" I whispered. Our lanterns were immediately doused. But it was too late. "Run!" I cried. The soft buzzing of fireflies and illuminescent plants surrounded us. 

Freedom is so beautiful, yet so cruel.

The forest was dark, silent. Except for the heavy panting of a group of sixteen children and the raging screeching demon behind us. It's thunderous footsteps were the equivalent to lighting a beacon. Don, Gilda and Emma led the pack while Ray and I took care of the back.

"Jump!" Emma cried from the front of the group. The crunching of leaves underneath our feet were silent for a split second as we gracefully hopped over a protruding tree root. Well, all except one. Jemima tumbled to the ground. I cursed under my breath, scooping her up in my arms. I placed her head on my shoulder. "Don't look at it!" I yelled. "Just pretend it's a game of tag!"