Dragonsong

Chapter Four

I get shoved into a large golden room with the rest of the slaves. Many of them are panicking, trembling with fear of the unknown.

"Erika! What's going on?!" Sonia shouts as she runs up to me from across the room.

"I don't know, but we'll get through this. Don't worry."

Suddenly, a guard grabs me and pulls me away from Sonia.

"Erika!" Sonia shouts my name as I'm dragged away.

I struggle against the guard, but it's no use. They guard drags me down the hall and throws me into a small room. I'm shocked when I look up and see who's waiting for me there.

Tiffiny walks over to me, a wicked grin on her lips.

"It wasn't smart pissing off Ryanair. I doubt you'll survive the night."

"What do you mean? What's going on?"

"Oh, it's just a little game we like to play with the new slaves. You're all hearded together, dressed in our favorite color, gold, and... you're set free."

I don't believe that.

"What's the catch?" I ask as I climb to my feet.

"The catch? Well, it's you, of course. We'll be hunting you. And if one of us catches you before dawn, we get to do whatever we want to you. For a whole night." She says, giving me an unsettling grin.

My blood runs cold when I hear her words. Tiffiny drags her long, boney finger under my chin, her voice sickingly sweet.

"You know, a night can feel like a long time... especially with someone like me. But I'm nothing compared to Ryanair."

Just then, Tiffany shoves me towards some gold clothes on the floor.

"Good luck tonight. When someone catches Ryanair's eye... they never last long."

Tiffiny leaves, slamming the door behind her. Trying not to panic, I turn towards the clothes. I sift through the pile of fabric. Most of what I find are skimpy, barely-there dresses.

"Sick freaks," I mutter to myself.

But then, I find something at the bottom of the pile. A black and gold outfit made out of thick, sturdy material. Its a black, tank top and shorts, with golden gloves. I discover a piece of paper in the pocket and read it.

Remember, stay alive. I'll find you.

I gasp as I hold the paper in my shaking hands.

"Damon.." I mutter softly as hold the piece of paper to my chest.

I hurry and put the clothes on. I want a moment to just think but as soon as I'm clothed, a guard bursts through the door and drags me outside.

"Let go of me!" I shout as the guard throws me outside where dozens of humans are being chained.

Just then, someone comes up behind me, purring in my ear.

"Run fast, little girl. I love and good chase."

I whirl around to find Ryanair, which makes me clinch my fists.

"Stay the fuck away from me, Ryanair."

He chuckles.

"Mmmm. Fighting words. That's cute. But a few hours eith me and you'll forget how to fight. You'll forget you ever could."

Just then, he puts a blindfold over my eyes.

"I look forward to our time together."

"Go to hell, you sick-"