Running From Time

Chapter 4

I woke up the next morning and immediately sensed that something was wrong. As I rubbed my eyes, a door slammed downstairs and I jumped. Hopping out of bed, I was about to grab a weapon when I realised that I was practically a walking weapon. My eyes glowed green and I crept across the landing and down the stairs. Footsteps off to my right made me jump and I walked in that direction. Whoever was there had better be ready to explain what they were doing here. Just as I turned the corner, I caught sight of a girl standing outside my back door, staring at me. Hoodie Girl. I ran for her but she darted out of sight almost immediately. Turning tail, I ran for the front door, holding my hands out and busting it open before I reached it. But I was just in time to see Hoodie Girl running out of the now open gates. She knew the password. But why didn't she kill me? She'd been in my house probably all night and had had all the time in the world. But she didn't even touch me. I quickly checked the house over to see if she'd rummaged through anything or broken anything. But nothing was out of place. I frowned and went to have breakfast.

**********

Serpius walked around the outside of the circle, staring at each of the hooded figures in turn. Ms. X stood, trembling, and Serpius gently caressed her smooth skin. A bead of sweat slowly made its way down her forehead.

"Now, Ms. X..." Serpius purred into her ear and she gulped.

"Yes, master?" She asked nervously.

"Did you succeed in your task?" She nodded hesitantly.

"Yes, mostly."

"Mostly?" Serpius' eyes turned red.

"Christopher took the pill. But he's not dead." This was the first time that Serpius had ever looked surprised.

"Is that so? Well...I could just fry you on the spot but I think I have another use for you." She nodded, shaking in her shoes.

"Yes, Serpius?"

"I want you to bring him to me." Her eyes widened and she shook her head.

"No, he'll kill me! There's something odd about him, like I can feel power radiating off of him like with you." He took a big step towards X and looked her straight in the eyes.

"You dare defy me?!" He growled menacingly, eyes glowing. X shrank down before him.

"N - no, I'm just - " He shook his head suddenly, dispersing the anger.

"It's OK. Just get him to me soon, or - " He dragged his finger across his throat. She nodded quickly and left the room, running straight through the gates.

**********

"How long are we going away for then?" I asked Lydia, who was perched on my coffee table. She smirked and leaned in closer.

"So you are coming, then?" I nodded and she grinned at me. "Well, I was thinking we could go for about two weeks. We're going to the UK."

"The UK?" I asked and she nodded. I guessed I was allowed back in now, considering my probation was over.

"Is that okay with you?" She asked and I smiled. It would be nice to go back there again.

"Yeah. I haven't been there in years." I was very surprised that we were going so far abroad. I had been under the impression that this would be a short trip to somewhere within the United States.

"I was thinking we could leave in a couple of days. All I have to do is book the flight." My eyebrows shot up and she snorted.

"That soon?" I asked in surprise and she nodded. I needed to start packing, then.