Eternity

CHAPTER 5: FAVORED

I round the corner and bound out into the blankness of the dark realm. Suddenly, a thin sheet of ice forces its way under my feet, and I fall flat on my back, hitting my head. The cold immediately seeps through my shirt. Little stars dance around my vision. I attempt to get up, but the ice pulls me in and freezes my entire body down. I struggle to get free. Laughter sounds behind me. Panic courses through my veins, and I would shake if I could move. Rachel walks into my line of sight, the forcees from the versus course behind her. Another girl with white hair strides in, her face freckled with snowflakes, her icy blue eyes stare straight through me. “Rachel, I don’t want to hurt you.” She laughs, “You won’t be able to!” She raises her hand out in front of her, and a sphere of fire forms instantaneously. Just as she’s about to launch it at me, someone grabs her from behind. “Break it up!” A man’s voice yells. The ice beneath me is no longer unnaturally cold, and I can finally pull myself free. I get to my feet abruptly. A middle-aged forcees holds back Rachel, and an old man scolds ice girl and the other forcees, and lastly, a tall guy who looks around my age stares me down. “Are you alright?” He asks. I nod, brushing little snowflakes off my bare arms. “Here.” He hands me a black coat. I take it greedily and pull it on. “Now you three get out of here! You’re lucky I don’t report you to Damien!” The old man bellows. That makes them run. The old man and middle-aged forcees turn to me. “You’re lucky Damien favors you so much, or we woulda’ let you be toasted.” The old man grumbles. My brows furrow in confusion, “Damien favors me?” I question. The three guys exchange glances then all scoff. “Sadly, I believe you’re his favorite.” The forcees chuckles, his voice rich with an Irish accent. “Why would I be his favorite?” The tall guy snickers. “I don’t really know considering your current state.” The others unsuccessfully mask their giggles. I frown. “Never mind. Thanks.” I turn and start heading back to the building. “No, wait, I’m sorry!” The guy yells. I continue walking without a response.