The Fate Of The Marked

Chapter Nine

When I opened my eyes, I was in hell.

It wasn't what I expected. It was freezing and completely dark. Shadows loomed just out of arms reach. I curled back at the low growls.

If I listened closer, I could hear faint screams. I was too afraid to move and I hated myself for it. Something touched my arms and I yanked away. It scratched me, I felt the blood run drip onto my pants. I didn't dare scream.

If there had been any kind of light, I might not have been as terrified. I might have been able to get out.

But there wasn't, so I sat completely still, horrified.

The screams got louder. I tried to cover my eyes, but it didn't work.

"Elliot!"

I couldn't move. It felt like someone had reached into my chest and pulled my lungs out. The voice was so familiar.

"Elliot, run!" It screamed.

I pushed myself up, propelled into motion by the urgency of the voice. Something snapped at my legs. I bolted forward, towards the voice. I hit a wall and ran my hands along the wall. They met something wet.

The smell of iron hit my nose at the same time as a wave of nausea. Hands were on my shoulders and I felt someone lean in to tell me something. Their icy breath seemed to freeze my soul more and sent a heavy feeling of dread into my heart.

"This is what you've done," She whispered.

I sat up with a jolt, feeling as though I had been dropped hundreds of miles. I rolled over enough and reached. I was shaking from head to toe and the sharp voice rang in my ears.

"This is what you've done."

Arms wrapped around my shoulders. A wave of panic hit me like a train and I struggled away, kicking and clawing. The touch never left, but I managed to elbow myself right on the slice in my chest. I stopped for a moment as the pain sank in and managed to open my eyes all the way for the first time.

I was in a hospital room. The gip on my arms lessoned slightly and I threw myself away. They pulled me back. I felt heat build up in my palm and I raised my hand up as I had before.

"Kid, stop!" The voice made me pause.

I looked at who was holding me for the first time. It was the professor from the library. The one who had walked me out. Adrenaline told me that he was dangerous, that he could be anyone, I didn't know him. Confusion washed over me and I lowered my hand slowly.

His hair was a mess. His suit jacket was thrown onto the chair behind him and his tie was loose. His shirt had blood on it. My blood. I hoped.

"Your alright, kid," The professor said, letting go of my arms. "Try not to move. You have stiches on your chest."

"Do you remember what happened?" He asked. "Your at Memorial General. Gave me one hell of a scare when you kneeled over."

I shook my head, but couldn't stop myself from reaching up to rub my neck. Whatever had been there was gone now. Another wave of dizziness came over me and made me question my own stability. He eyed me warily before sighing.

"Lay back down before you pass out again."

I glanced the floor, but he waved me away. I sat back slowly, never letting my gaze leave him completely. I could feel myself shivering and had to keep from pulling the blanket around me.

"Ill call a nurse," He said, standing. "Don't go anywhere, kid, I mean it."

"Wait," I said.

He paused and turned to look at me again.

"Are you coming back?"

I felt like a total idiot. I didn't even know him, I didn't even know his name. But he obviously didn't want me dead, and I kind of appreciated that.

"Scared of the dark, are you?" He asked with a small smile before flipping the light onto bright.

I blinked.

"Monsters don't go away when you turn the lights on," I whispered.

He stared at me for a long second before taking the seat beside the small bed. He leaned forward, resting one elbow on his knee and stretching his other hand out for me to shake.

I didn't.

"I don't think I ever got your name, kid." He said. "I'm Derek. Derek Donavan."

"Elliot," I replied.

He smiled a true, genuine smile.

"You'll be alright, Elliot. I wont let any monsters get you." Derek said softly. "Even if the lights are on."

As if anything could ever be that simple..