My Soul To Take

[four] My Soul To Take

I was running. My heart pounding, lungs gasping for air, sides aching. I ignored these discomforts though because I knew that if I stopped, I would never run again.

A white, lacy night gown fluttered behind me as a ran. It was not familiar and I did not recall wearing it before. Distracted by the night gown's sudden appearance I nearly tripped. I forced all thoughts from my mind, concentrating on one thing.

Escape.

The dark, dungeon-like hallway I was running down only seemed to get longer. No matter how fast I ran, the door at the end did not get any closer. If anything, it seemed to be getting farther.

My legs started to hurt, but I ignored them and pushed myself to go faster. I had to escape. This was my only chance.

"Run all you want, but you will never escape." A deep voice laughed at my efforts. The voice carried throughout the entire hallway but when I looked behind me, I saw nothing.

"I will escape! You cannot stop me!" I screamed hysterically. I knew that if I did not reach the door soon, my legs would eventually give out. I could not run forever.

"Insignificant mortal. You are stupid to think that you could escape me!" His voice bellowed powerfully filling the room again.

A door suddenly appeared on my right. I skidded to a stop, yanking the doorknob. A feeling of surprise and relief washed over me when it opened instantly. I scanned the room and spotted a window. It was not very big but it was big enough for me to fit through. I pulled the window up, but it wouldn't budge.

I looked around the room, knowing I didn't have much time. There was no other way to escape. This window needed to open.

I pulled with all my strength, praying that it would open. After more seconds than I had to spare, the window finally gave and opened. Without even thinking, I threw myself out.

It did not matter how far away the ground was. Even if I died, it would still be better to die out here than to die as a prisoner.

A smile found its way to my face. I had escaped. I did it.

The ground was coming up faster and faster. I positioned myself so that I would not land on my head.

Seconds before I hit the ground, something grabbed my arm, yanking me upwards.

"No!" I cried, knowing instantly that I had been caught.

"You're a clever mortal. But your cleverness will only get you hurt. You cannot escape me." The deep cruel voice, whispered in my ear.

I screamed as I sat up instantly. I was covered in a cold sweat. It was just a nightmare. I told myself.

It was just a nightmare.

But no matter how hard I tried, I could not escape the feeling of reality. It had felt so life-like. It felt like I was there running. In fact, my heart still pounded, my legs ached.

It was just a nightmare.

I kept repeating it until it felt almost true. It was just a nightmare.

It was not real.

I was almost fully convinced until I looked down.

There on my arm, clearly visible, was a handprint.

I gasped as all the doubts returned. It had been real. Someone had been chasing me.

But that's impossible! I contradicted myself. I had been sleeping. I was locked in this room. How would I get out? I looked down. I was still dressed in the clothing I had been wearing when I got here.