Seven

  Shit.

  My heart raced as I dashed across the forest, trying to evade the traps I had set in case of emergencies. The sound of sirens grew louder, the cops were closing in, and everything was ruined. I knew I wouldn't be able to live this down, One and the rest of the numbers would make sure of that. How could a simple abduction go so wrong? We had the Waltons on our side and even offered them a cut of the ransom. We were low on weapons due to the Broker, but we had managed with less before. Maybe it was the recruits? They weren't well trained, but still, how could we struggle like this against children?

  The sound of crunching leaves came from behind me, sending shivers down my spine. I stared into the dark forest, and a pit of darkness stared back at me. A flicker of aureate, fast and almost unnoticeable, shifted across my vision.

  It was him, the little monster. I never felt true terror until I met him today. He incapacitated my men with ease. When I crossed fists with him, I knew I didn't stand a chance one-on-one. But he didn't attack; he was still. He was hiding, waiting for me.

  "What do you want!" I shouted, my voice trembling. My outburst was rewarded with silence. "Come on, I know you want something, or you'd be attacking me!"

  "Patchwork," he hummed in an African accent, sending chills down my spine. Then it clicked - the black and white hair, the beautiful, art-inspiring face, the deadly gold eyes. He was a descendant. I knew what he wanted, but I couldn't give it to him, because I wanted the same.

  "I don't know anything! One tells me nothing! I would gladly offer you the information," I yelled, my voice shaking with fear.

  I was met with more silence.

  "Then. You. Die," the accented voice lulled, sending a wave of terror through my body. I knew I was facing death, and there was no escape. The monster was coming for me, and there was nothing I could do to stop it.

  With a pounding heart and unsteady breath, I bolted into the dark, foreboding forest. The sound of my footsteps echoed like the drums of doom, each step a herald of my impending demise. The forest was a labyrinth of twisted branches and jagged rocks, a living nightmare that seemed to conspire against me with every step. The rocky terrain shredded the soles of my shoes, leaving me to stumble and trip on the unforgiving ground.

  As I fought to make my way deeper into the woods, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched. Every rustle of leaves and snap of twigs set my heart racing until I saw them. Two gleaming eyes, like golden orbs, stared back at me from the darkness. They seemed to glow with an eerie light as if the shadows themselves were afraid to touch them.

  I froze, my blood running cold as the eyes drew closer. I could feel the goosebumps rising on my skin, my hair standing on end. I knew I should run, but my legs felt like lead, rooted to the spot. I couldn't tear my gaze away from the eyes until I heard a crack behind me.

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  With a scream, I broke free from the spell and started to run. My mind was foggy with fear, my steps unsteady as I stumbled through the darkness. I couldn't shake the feeling that the eyes were still following me, closer now than ever before. I knew I had to keep running, but every glance over my shoulder revealed nothing but the darkness and the terror that lay within.

  With a final burst of energy, I pulled the gun from my pocket and aimed wildly into the darkness. "Get away from me!" I screamed, pulling the trigger. The sound of gunfire echoed through the forest, and I saw a flash of movement. I didn't stop to see what it was, I just kept running until I collided with a tree branch, causing me to fall. But I quickly get back on my feet and keep running without looking back.

  How come none of the traps have gone off? I’m the only one who knows where they’re placed.

  I ran until I reached the edge of the cliff. As I stood on the edge of the towering cliff, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. The sheer size of the drop was intimidating, and I couldn't help but wonder what lay beneath the dark, swirling waters. But my curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to jump.

  As I soared through the air, I turned to see a figure leaping off the cliff behind me. It was a boy, and his golden eyes glinted brightly against the dark morning sky. I should have been afraid, but something about him felt otherworldly as if he were a force of nature.

  As I hurtled towards the water, the boy threw a knife at me. I twisted my body to avoid it, but the knife changed its trajectory mid-air and headed back toward me. How was this possible? My mind raced with confusion and terror as the knife pierced my palm. The pain was excruciating, but somehow I knew that this was just the beginning.

  I smashed into the water, and as I swam back to the surface, I saw the boy swimming towards me with a look of determination in his golden eyes. I tried to swim away, but the waves were growing larger and heavier, and he was gaining on me. I could feel his presence behind me, like a dark force closing in.

  Just as I thought all hope was lost, a wave crashed into us, sending me spiraling into the depths of the water. I was pulled into a dark vortex, and as I tumbled through the water, I saw the boy's golden eyes glowing in the darkness. I knew then that he was not human, and that he would stop at nothing to claim me as his own.

  I washed up on shore, I had no idea where I was but I was breathing, I was alive. I tried to move but my leg wouldn’t budge, it seemed broken.

  “I bet you’re relieved.” A voice said. My head snapped up but the figure was obscured by the shadows of night, but I did recognize this voice.

  “One?” I asked.

  “Bingo,” he said.

  “Why are you–” realization hit me. “You don’t have to do this, give me another chance, please. I won't mess up, it wasn't my fault! It was the descendant!”

  “Shhhh, I get it and I watched most of it. Man, that kid hates us. I mean I get why but damn.” He chuckled.

  “So you’ll give me another chance?” I asked. One came closer and put his arm on my leg.

  “We’re leaving, you know? To the Mist Trial, Four will stay here with his men but he doesn’t have a place for you.” He said.

  “No please I–” He covered my lips with his finger.

  “You were always a disappointment, from the time you woke up until now, honestly it disgusts me to know you exist,” He smiled at me and pointed toward my leg.

  It was gone.

  “AHHH!” I screamed something primal that echoed through the dark forest. One placed his hand on my other leg and that too disappeared, all that remained were my pants. I shrieked as I watched my body slowly disintegrate, limb by limb.