Unraveling Eden ✔ [ONC 2021]

Chapter Eight

Chapter Eight

My bare feet pounded against the forest floor and I ducked and swerved around branches, leaping over rocks and roots that got in my way. I clutched the sides of my nightgown tight as I ran. I could feel the bottom of the gown ever so lightly brushing against the grass, the delicate turf whispering as I passed through. I continuously swiped my hair from my face as strands whipped around me, but trying to hold it in place also began to slow me down. I needed to focus on making it out alive.

With each step, my heart thumped louder in my chest. My lungs screamed for air and my mouth was bone dry, but I couldn't afford to stop and catch my breath. The wheezing that escaped each breath became louder than the sound of my feet pounding against the guards, my mind was racing with thoughts, yet I couldn't focus on a single one in order to map out my next move. I just ran, letting my body guide me as far as it could before it inevitably collapsed. I wanted so badly to just stop, to try hiding behind a tree or a bush, and hope that the guards give up. No, any mistake now could have cost me my life. Nausea plagued my stomach at the mere thought.

Though the sound of horses' hooves was getting louder, ringing through my ears. I looked back, only to feel my foot be snagged between two roots. The wood digging itself into my heels, like a fish on a hook, clawed its way into my skin. Falling into the dirt, my head bounced against the ground. There was no way I was getting out of this anymore and I began to accept my fate. I couldn't get up. I couldn't outrun them. They wouldn't ever stop chasing me. This was it, I was done for. Frantically, I tried to free my foot with my trembling hands. I knew it was useless, but I wouldn't go quietly, not without fighting with every breath that I still had left. "Come on, come on..." I muttered under my breath as tears slipped down my cheeks, but it was no use.

The ground floor began to shake beneath my palms like an earthquake, they were nearing. I yanked my foot out, feeling the branches scrape my skin. A hiss escaped my lips and I could immediately feel the blood trickle down my foot, mixing with sweat and dirt as I freed it. I stumbled to my feet, my eyes searching every which way. A man's voice trumped through the trees, echoing. His words were clear as day and I knew then he would be here in a matter of moments. His parade of guards probably was not far behind. My feet moved beneath me even though I could no longer feel my legs. A force within me took over, my body moving by its own volition. I feared I would soon meet my fate, but no matter, I kept moving. Just not fast enough.

"There she is!" a stern voice piped and I turned as the man on horseback drew his bow. This was the end. Before I ended up in a cell, or worse, I looked up at the stars for one last message.

"Goodbye, Nik. I love you," I whispered as tears streamed down my cheeks, anticipating the pain that would follow. The arrow pierced through my midsection and a high-pitched scream rang.

I shot up in bed, gasping for air, but the oxygen burned my lungs as I inhaled. My whole body was soaked in sweat, from head to toe. My hair sat heavily on my head, strands plastered against my forehead from the sweat that beaded on my skin. Frantically, my eyes searched the unfamiliar surroundings, though the darkness didn't help. I clutched my stomach, almost sure I would find an arrow piercing through my abdomen and blood pooling around me. Thankfully, the skin beneath my palms was dry and unscathed.

The light flickered on and strong, familiar arms wrapped around me. "Hey, you're alright, you just had a nightmare."

His voice sent shivers down my spine and tears pricked my eyes. My hands shook as I reached for him, pulling at his white t-shirt. "Nik?" As soon as it slipped off my tongue, I knew I was wrong. The dreams were really starting to mess with my head. It just felt so real, like I had really been there. The pain that radiated from the arrow, the sorrow I felt when I thought I would never see him again. It was the kind of thing you never recover from.