The Grey's Curse

Chapter Thirty Four - Separated

I was out of breath as we ran in the long hallway; I was exhausted and the constant ache in my sides didn't help as it grew worse with every step I took and my clothes were practically glued to my skin from sweat 'This sucks' I glanced at Tanner who was running beside me and saw a grimace on his face.

'He really shouldn't be running with that nasty stab wound he has'

I looked down at where he was stabbed and saw his blood had soaked through the makeshift bandage, signifying that it must've opened up sometime during our run "Are..you..doing...okay?" I asked through pants even though I knew he wasn't, the concerned words escaped me before I could stop them and I watched as he clenched his jaw and silently nodded his head but I knew better than to believe him, especially with the small gasps of pain that he tried to hide.

'But I guess we don't have a choice in taking it slow and careful'

Wanting to make sure that he was truly okay enough to keep going on as we were, I made sure to stay side by side with him 'I really should work out more...actually no, never mind' And just to make matters worse, the lights wouldn't stop flickering. I glanced over to Tanner with worry and he gave me a reassuring smile back.

"It's fine Mars, I'm sure the lights will come back on soon" but naturally as soon as he said that, the lights had stopped flickering and we were plunged in darkness.

"Tanner?" I called out in the darkness, a hint of fear detectable in my voice as I blindly felt around for him, worried that we would get separated 'Nothing good would come of that' my only reassurance that Tanner was still here was the sound of his panting.

I opened my mouth; about to call out to him again when I heard his voice echo out beside me "I'm right here Mars" I let out a breath of relief and felt a comforting hand rest itself on my shoulder that slid down to my hand before locking itself around mine and I squeezed his hand back with relief.

We barely knew where we were going before and the sudden darkness only added on to that "I don't remember the way back, do you?" I asked as I used my free hand to feel around the walls as a guide in the darkness.

"No, I didn't think to memorize our steps, what do you think happened?" My jaw clenched at his question as I knew exactly what happened "I think the old hag knows that we're here" I muttered grimly; pursing my lips, knowing that if we get caught we're dead.

It was quiet for a while before Tanner spoke up "You know...if we have to run, I'm pulling your shirt and tripping you" Immediately I stopped walking and stared ahead blankly.

'Did he just?'

At my abrupt stillness, Tanner also stopped.

"Hey I was only jok-ow!" Without letting him finish speaking, I briefly tightened my once gentle yet firm hold on his hand and turned it into a death grip with a quiet vengeful laugh.

Not enough force to actually hurt him but just enough to get back at him.

"Yeah, same here" he chuckled along with me and I couldn't believe that even in a situation like this he could still joke around and make our dark and morbid situation just a tad bit better.

'And with all things considered I think we deserve a few laughs...even if it's about throwing each other to the wolves to save our own hides'

We continued walking again, only stopping when we heard loud thumps distantly behind us that creepily echoed through the dark hallways. my breath got caught in my throat as fear welled up inside of me.