Slave >> Bellamy Blake

One

Even though the air in my lungs became scarce and my legs weakened beneath me, I kept running with no certain destination. All I needed to do was keep going--don't stop. My heart was thumping relentlessly against my ribs as skinny tree branches and dead leaves whizzed past me. 

I could hear the Collectors advancing quick behind me--their footsteps loud against the wet mud. The fact that they stayed silent whilst chasing me made the entire experience even more unsettling. 

I began to choke on my own cold breath as the evening turned into night. Darkness loomed over the demented forest, encasing everything in shadows. I couldn't see more than a few feet before myself, using the trees as visuals to help me through the blackness. I leaned my back against the tree, my chest heaving as spurts of foggy air cascaded before me. As I stood catching my breath, my arms erupted in tiny goosebumps, causing me to shiver against the skin-biting cold. I could feel my head become faint as I tried to take another step. My calves constricted, the muscles becoming numb. My vision started to cloud against the darkness. 

The Collectors' footsteps sounded louder and louder as I stayed glued to the tree, unable to move. Their glowing lamps illuminated my pupils, the light blinding me. One of the Collectors grabbed me by the bicep, yanking me to the ground. I could hear the familiar sound of chains clanging--the cold metal encircling my wrists in a matter of seconds. 

"You should've known better," the Collector said, his voice scratchy and low. "Bellamy won't be pleased with your erratic behavior."

I tugged hard against his restraint, knowing there was no chance of escaping this time. "I don't give a damn..." 

The Collector pulled the chain, jerking me to my feet. In one swift motion, he pulled his elbow back and slammed it into my nose. He smirked as I held onto my bleeding nose. "You should."