this place have an exit?
I need out of here, I—
I fall to the ground with a thud, my hipbone stings from the impact. My chest heaves so prominently as if dislocating my heart.
The sound of my inhales and exhales heighten, filling the silent darkness. It rings in my ears like a trapped animal’s voice.
With shaky fingers, I tuck my hair back and wipe my sweaty forehead.
The smell of dust and a hint of humidity invade my nostrils. The monsters in the dark threaten to reappear. I focus on my surroundings to block them out.
There must be an exit. I’m sure my kidnapper doesn’t live here. Or does he?
What is this place, anyway?
It’s too big for a basement. The long corridors are a sou-terrain city all on their own. They’re freaking endless.
“Mae...”
Although it comes from a distance, I hold my breath at the now-familiar voice.
No way.
He still talks and sounds normal?
I struck him with all my might. With a metal plate no less. He’s supposed to at least pass out for a while, right?
Or was I that weak?
“I’m not in the mood to hunt, so don’t force me, lamb.” His voice is calm, modulated as if he’s a programmed robot. “If you show up now, I may not hurt you.” A pause. “For long.”
Sick, sick bastard!
I jump to my feet. I can’t pinpoint the sudden energy’s source, but pain and fear blur in the background. I bolt towards the unknown. Walls fade into an endless sprout of grey.
“Last chance, mouse.” His voice grows far as if he’s speaking from another dimension.
I smile. I’m losing him.
Damn the psycho. What’s with lamb and mouse?
I’ll turn into a snake and bite him in the face.
Aching pain kicks back into my muscles. Is this corridor ever going to end?
After what seems like hours, irregular long stairs come into view. My heart thunders with something different than tiredness.
Joy. Hope. Success.
Yes!
I leap to the stairs, ending the nightmare.
“It took you long enough.”
I jump back, yelping.
A dark silhouette appears from my right. Out of freaking nowhere.
Icy coldness washes over my core.
No, no, no...this can’t be happening.
Was he waiting for me the entire time?
I blink a few times, trying to make out a face. The darkness allows me to only decipher a contour of my kidnapper’s imposing physique. I can’t possibly mistake that height and those broad shoulders.
My limited vision darts between him and the stairs.
I spring to the sole possible exit.
My feet touch the first step when I’m yanked back by a strong tug on my hair. Burning pain explodes in my scalp as my back hits something warm and solid. An unrestrained scream pierces the silence and echoes down the hallway. My scream.
Tears spring to my eyes, but I refuse to either look at him or admit defeat. I stomp on his foot, hoping he will release my hair.
He doesn’t. His grip pulls harshly until I’m forced to tilt my head back to ease the pressure.
His features are still shrouded in darkness. My fingers fly to his hand, and I claw at it. No reaction. As if a mosquito bit him.
One hand gripping my hair, his other yanks and secures both of my wrists behind my back.
“Stop.” He speaks in the only composed voice he seems to own. “I may not seem like it, but I’m actually pissed off right now. You don’t want to aggravate your situation, Mae.”
My lips tremble. Not only at the unbearable pain at the roots of my hair and the building pressure on my wrists, but also at the fact that I failed my escape and possibly signed my death certificate.
He lifts and throws me over his shoulder. My head dangles on his back. The act so effortless as if he’s carrying an empty bag.
I squeal and thrash in his grasp. My legs kick at his chest, my hands hit his back and shoulders. Anywhere I can reach. If I’ll die, may as well do it while I fight.
His grasp on my thighs tightens, so hard, I’m momentarily paralysed.
“I can drag you by the hair if you find the idea tempting.”
My limbs freeze.
I’m such a coward. Seconds ago, I was going to die fighting. But the simple thought of the biting pain turns me