The Fray of Werebirds [Discontinued]

Chapter 4 - Run!

Sirena jumped out of the way just in time, dragging me along by my shirt and causing me to scrape my knee. I didn't have the chance to complain, though, because our pursuer didn't miss a beat.

We sprinted frantically across the street. Unfortunately whoever wanted to waste us had the advantage of speed. The car swerved right and left, doing its best to destroy every obstacle in its way. I glanced back for a moment, which caused me to tumble awkwardly to the ground.

Icy dread crept into my limbs, freezing me in place. My lips shook violently as the monstrous car charged at me incredibly fast, its wheels spinning rapidly, flinging dust behind it.

I wanted to move out of the way, but my legs refused to budge. Time slowed and the world seemed sluggish.

I remembered with a jolt the pain I had experienced from the bullet shot and immediately the numbness escaped my body. I swiftly pushed myself off the ground and rolled away just as the car whizzed past me, narrowly missing me.

The car proceeded, aiming for Sirena, who stood with unwavering confidence in the middle of the road, hands on her hips. Her golden eyes shined fiercely, as if she was challenging the car.

The vehicle accelerated faster than ever and, just before it crashed into Sirena, she sprung away and onto the pavement, landing smoothly on her toes. The car kept going straight forward and collided violently with a building.

BOOM!

The blue car erupted into flamboyant flames. Although we were quite far from the explosion I could feel the heat of the blaze on my cheeks. Thick smoke rose from it, floating into the sky. People gathered around, gawking at the accident and capturing photos. Sirena trudged away in silence and I followed her lead until we were back in the forest.

"Someone tried to kill us," I said. It was more of a statement than a question.

Sirena paused and handed me a pocket knife out of nowhere, she muttered, "Get used to it."

I stared down at the polished blade. Suddenly anger flared in me, burning my patience and tolerance. I gripped the weapon tightly and glowered begrudgingly at Sirena. Being attractive wasn't an excuse to shove me around however she wished.

"What do you mean get used to it?" I scowled, "I almost got killed twice because of you," I added mockingly, "Milady."

"I didn't ask you to come on that stage," she shot back, her eyes boring into mine.

"I was trying to help you!"

"Such a naïve human you are," Sirena sneered, "If you hadn't interfered with my plan then they wouldn't still be trying to kill me now!"

"Who and why are they..." I trailed off, "I don't even care! I just want to go home! I've had enough of this!"

Her hand reached out to clutch my shoulder but I swatted it away and dove deep into the heart of the forest. Sirena's voice faded behind me as I bolted faster into the void of trees, pumping my arms and legs, ripping through the vines and bushes with no purpose or destination.

A black seed planted itself in my heart. I loathed Sirena for her cockiness and her carelessness. I loathed her even more because of my stupid love for her. It was all thanks to that pathetic crush I had on her -a crush that had lasted for barely a few minutes- that I ended up in this mess, lost in a ridiculous forest with my life on the line.

The wind whipped through my hair, making it flail wildly. My throat felt like sandpaper and, before I knew it, tears were spilling freely across my cheeks. I ran until my stomach cramped and my lungs screamed. Finally I staggered to a stop and crumpled on the grass, panting and sobbing as the jumble of sweat and tears stung my eyes.

With the knife still in my grasp, I cried myself to sleep.