Game of the Vampires

Chapter 22:

     

     As difficult as it might be to understand, I dearly missed working. Before, it gave me something to think about. I never really cared about having to work. Sure, I didn't like how we were treated, but I did miss working. Now, I longed for something to do. 

     I was bored out of my mind. I was restless. From the moment I woke up, I couldn't stay still. I couldn't deny that I liked sleeping later than usual. It was weird, but it was rather nice. However, that was about the only perks I saw in not having work. 

     I tried sitting in different positions to go back to sleep, but the light breaking through the window kept me awake. I eventually settled in hanging upside down from the bed with the top of my head brushing against the floor.

     I sat this way for a moment, keeping my eyes on my bedroom door. The light from the hall peeked through the crack from the bottom of my door. However, I could never hear any footsteps or voices from people that were passing by. 

     Letting out an exasperated groan, I sat up on my knees. I ran my fingers through my dark, tangled hair. Now could be a good time for a shower. Or, I could explore the slave quarters. 

     Events from yesterday in the library played through my head. What if Kadrian was there? What if a watcher or vampire was in there?

     Well they can kiss a horse's rear.

     I shoved the voice away and rolled out of the bed. I threw on my shoes before I headed out of the room.

     I wandered down the many halls, not really caring where I was going. I knew to stay clear of the entertainment rooms because that's where the watchers and vampires would most likely be if they were to cross over from their world.

     I made sure to also avoid the security devices that were placed on the walls. Someone had once told me that these devices helped the watchers spy on us more. I often wondered if the watchers placed the devices in the walls of our rooms. However, I hadn't seen a single one.

     Most of the rooms I came across were empty or locked. Even the rickety lifts could only be accessed by the watchers. Only few were open to slaves. I encountered a few other slaves who gave me a wary glance. I shrugged them off and kept walking.

     I found myself standing in front of the door to the fields. At a distance, I could only see out of the window. As soon as I stepped closer, the doors automatically opened, letting in a gentle gust of wind.

     I looked around me to see if anyone was around. Seeing no one, I stepped out and began to walk around.

     I stuck to the towering wheat stalks in order to avoid the watchers. Whenever I encountered a slave, I kept my head down and walked on.

     I navigated my way through the wheat fields before I found myself in the corn fields. I eventually was standing in front of Paul's stump.

     I smiled to myself as I moved to lay on my back beside the stump. I folded my hands on top of my stomach. My eyes turned up to stare at the misty, blue sky above.

     It seemed like the sun hadn't fully shown the entire time I had been here. True, there were warm days, but the sun was always covered by the clouds.

     "I don't know why, but I feel like you can somehow hear me wherever you are... the afterlife.... heaven?"

     I smiled as I thought about a smiling Paul.

     "Wherever you are, I wish you were here because I honestly need a friend. I could tell Mai, but she wouldn't fully understand, you know?"

     I released a sigh as I closed my eyes. I must be losing my mind. It wouldn't surprise me.

     Several moments of peaceful silence went by. I had almost sunk into a comfortable sleep, but that was interrupted when I heard an annoyed voice from above.

     "You."

     I opened my eyes and saw the bald-tattooed face watcher. This is the kind of luck I have.

     "Get up," he commanded. "Come on, on your feet."

     I sighed before I pushed myself up from the ground. I dusted off my clothes and swung my glare up at him.

     "Did you smart off again and earn yourself a day in the fields? From what I heard, you are one of the slaves for the games." He smirked.

     "Unfortunately, that means no work for you. And no work means no dilly-dallying for you."

     With that said, his hand gripped my upper arm before he began to drag me from the fields.

     I tried to put up a fight, but it was useless. His grip was iron-tight.

     Baldy brought me inside and lugged me towards my room. He opened my door and tossed me in. Before I could move to my feet, he slammed the door closed and locked it.

     "The door will unlock automatically when the work day is over. Until then, you are to remain in there. Besides, we wouldn't want you to get injured and not be able to play in the game," he said in a mocking voice.

     As I heard his footsteps retreating, I felt my blood boiling. I walked towards the door, trying the knob. Of course, it was lock. I kicked the door a couple of times as I muttered curses.

     When I had let off some steam, I stomped over to my cot and flopped down.

     There was no telling how long I would have to wait to get out of here. Since it was still early, I knew I would be trapped here for some time.

     Foolish watcher. It was my right to get to enjoy the simple pleasure of the outdoors before I was led to death.

     With being chosen for the games, we had a few rights now. We were allowed to be in certain rooms during the day, but we were not allowed to work. We were allowed to eat two meals a day, now. I assumed that was to fatten us up. I wasn't biting the bait, though.

     Letting out a frustrated growl, I decided to sleep the time away. I rolled over and closed my eyes.

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     Very short chapter, I know. However, it's a filler. Plus, I'm trying to update the next chapter, so bare with me please. Ok? Ok. :)

     I understand this chapter is boring. It's supposed to be in order to set the mood for how Airlia is feeling with having to adjust to the vampires' new standards for the slaves in the game.

     Song: "Invisible" by Plumb