Trapped

Chapter 4 Challenge

Following Violet's footsteps from behind, Rosalie looked her back as she compared herself. It had been a few hours; they were walking. Her new encounter was not keen on chatting nor sharing where they were heading.

It was not in Rosalie's nature to force things to happen, so she decided to be patient. If it were not for her help, she would have been dead after all; this thought haunted her as she remembered Louca's last moment. His expression was as though he was finally free, with not an ounce of fear.

"Hey, crybaby!" Violet turned, facing her. "Let's camp here tonight; night is about to fall."

Pointing to a dilapidated basement, Rosalie was perplexed at first glance, but there were not many choices. Violet displayed her sleeping bag, ensuring the entrance was locked from the outside; she dramatically sat down exhausted.

With her torch dimming the basement, they were now facing each other. Rosalie could not hold her look; she was intimidated by her strong presence. Daydreaming, she got interrupted by Violet handing her some food and drink.

"Never sleeping on an empty stomach, hope you like tuna sandwiches."

Even if she took it gladly, she felt embarrassed to take her resources. To her surprise, Violet did not eat, which made her more uncomfortable.

"What about you? Are you going to eat? Rosalie asked.

"I am not hungry," she said abruptly, standing up. "I will be up to ensure nothing happens, so be free to use the sleeping bag."

Rosalie could not let her do that alone; she was exhausted. Hence, she did not want Violet to feel obliged to take this responsibility.

"Maybe I can assist you? Or do something?"

Violet looked at her, unconvinced, as she made a subtle smile, "You would be no use to me, crybaby. It is not like you will do something when you are sleep-deprived; I need you to be well awake tomorrow."

Despite her outspokenness, Rosalie felt stupid even to ask her for help when she was genuinely much more experienced. It made her realise how unaware she was at that moment. Little did she know how much she had yet to uncover.

"Wake up, wake up"

Startled by those unknown voices, Rosalie woke up panicked. Inspecting the room, Violet remained in the same position as she had last seen her. And she was a bit ashamed to have fallen asleep.

"Did you sleep well, crybaby?" asked Violet sarcastically as she prepared her bag.

"Sorry... I did not mean to-"

"To sleep," she replied, amused. "What would you have done, anyway?

You are kind of funny! Brace yourself; we have a long journey awaiting, so be ready."

The sun was slowly rising as they departed; Rosalie had no idea where they were heading. Violet only confided to her that she needed to demonstrate her worth beforehand. But how?

As her head ruminated, Violet suddenly stopped. The woman raised her hand to signal to Rosalie not to move. Not knowing what was happening, she thoroughly followed her signals.

"OK, it is time to show me what you can do!" said Violet, pointing to a solitary ghoul. "This ghoul cannot see; however, these sorts of ghouls have sensitive ears. Kill it without being caught."

Giving her a knife, Rosalie was hesitant to take it. Her common sense disappeared as she tried to comprehend the situation.

"I-I do not know how to do that; I cannot." Rosalie claimed, anxious.