Ruin: It's Our Fault [BK. 1]

Snowfall, Ch. 12

[Picture: Piper]

της πόλης και ένα στρατόπεδο

City And A Camp

PIPER'S POV

My legs begin to feel like twigs, on the verge of snapping, as we continue racing through the woods. The freezing air brushes by me, and my grip tightens around my dagger. I hold it close to my heart.

Amélie is in front of me, so all I have to do is simply follow the flowing red hair. She has her bow in hand, and ready to be fired when needed. Ahead of her, is Tara and Ender, while Graham, Lydia, and Hayes are somewhere behind me.

I stumble over a branch in my way, but quickly regain my balance. It'd be nice if the Hunters happen to have another hiding spot around here.

What Graham had said about the Traitors on our trail, makes me aware that we are easily outnumbered.

"They've split directions!" I hear Hayes call from the back, meaning that there's less of them on us.

"Just get out of sight!" Amélie remarks, and we all understand what she wants us to do. We all scatter, breaking from our single file running line. We know to stay in the area, but to hide. I look around at my options.

I spot Ender already hidden behind a huge bush-like plant. I know I'm running out of time, so I turn to the nearest tree and begin to climb. I haul my full bodyweight upwards, and continue going higher until I'm sure I'll be out of sight. I cling to the thickest branch, and just wait.

I catch eyes with Graham, whom has the same idea as me. He puts a finger to his mouth, and I nod.

Below, there is heavy footsteps. I am able to see the tops of their heads. There's probably eleven of them, maybe more. The one in the front, leading the charge, has thick red hair, and what looks like blood on his face.

He's saying something to those behind him, but I can't quite make it out.

I feel my heart pounding in my chest. It's almost like I can hear it. Can they?

The leader speaks again, and this time I understand, "We'll split up even more. Go in every direction, as far as you can. We cannot let them get away!" With that, the group breaks into even smaller groups, and then they take off- in different directions, like the boy had recommended.

We all freeze. They're gone, but we want to be sure. I'm pretty sure it's five minutes later when Hayes gets out of his hiding space. "They're gone," he confirms, motioning for us to come out.

I climb down, slowly and carefully, until my boots are planted in the ground.

"They're an Atlanta team," Tara says confidently.

"So we're close," Lydia adds, twisting her thick, curly hair up into a bun on her head.

My jeans have many holes and rips in them now, but at least it's something. We all silently agree to keep going. Once we reach Atlanta, I'm not sure what our plan is, but whatever it is- it will have to work.

What if I get to see my family?

-

We lay in an empty field, looking up at the starry sky. I sigh, trying to take in the beauty of the night, but I just can't.

"I wish we could do this every night." I say, my eyes growing tired.

I have a feeling he's smiling. "Me too," Ben remarks.

"Do you think mum-"

"Piper, let's not talk about that right now."

"Okay."