Game of the Vampires

Chapter 26:

     

     There was no way. It couldn't be true. Not Mai. 

     Right now, I felt like cold water had been poured over my head. Because until now, the possibility of any of my friends being chosen seemed impossible. Yet, here we were.

     For the longest time, it seemed like time froze. We couldn't even register the sound of the other numbers being called. All we could gawk at was Mai.

     Mai's eyes filled with tears. Despite this, she held her head high, not looking at any of us. She wanted to seem strong, but I knew she was only seconds from crumbling.

     The chosen slaves suddenly stood to leave. And just like that, time launched back into full speed.

     I gulped. A million thoughts rushing through my mind. I couldn't lose Mai. I couldn't let her do this.

     Mai started to shakily rise from her seat. Grayson latched onto her hand, begging her to look at him. She wouldn't, and she tried to pull away. However, he was more stubborn; he wasn't going to let her go just like that.

     When their eyes finally met, I saw the pain that they both shared. That one look finalized my decision.

     Before Mai could pull away, I stood. Murmuring a goodbye, I turned and followed the crowd of slaves.

     I briefly heard my friends' voices far away. I heard them trying to stop me. I even heard their footsteps, but I didn't stop.

     The group passed through the dining room doors. We walked until coming to a stop at the main office.

     The main office was known as the in-between. It was the door to and from the human world. Now that we were here, that meant we would be crossing over. No wonder the slaves chosen never come back.

     The watchers were all gathered in the main office as they messed with the controls. Their attention wasn't on us, and I was surprised no one tried to run away.

     I felt someone touch my shoulder. I turned around to see Grayson.

     "Grayson, what are you doing here?" I whispered as I made sure the watchers weren't here.

     "We began looking for you. What are you doing here? Why are you doing this?" he countered.

     I sighed, looking at Grayson straight in the eye. "I can't let them do this to her. She's like family to me. She doesn't deserve this."

     Grayson shook his head in disbelief.

     "She's all I have, Grayson. The only thing close to family. She has you and the others." She has someone that will miss her.

     I added, "Go to her. Just don't let her come here. Keep her away from here. Just until it's over."

     Graying blinked. "You're serious about this? This is basically suicide," he said in barely a whisper.

     I nodded. "Go," I said.

     Grayson sighed before he handed me a band that almost looked like a bracelet. It was almost the color of my skin.

     I gave him a confused expression as I stared at the band.

     "It's a skin manifestor. We artists use them to do tattoos and such. You secure it where you want the image. Think of the image and it will last until you take the cuff off. In your case, you would think of Mai's slave level. That is, if you're serious about this suicide mission of yours," he mumbled.