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I frown at the words. “Don’t I get to specify what I want?”
The laughter has an almost evil edge to it this time and it sends another shiver down my spine. “No, Little Darling.”
“Now run.”
I don’t need to be told twice. My feet are moving before I even think about it.
I'm thankful for the full moon and my decent night vision keeping me from running into the first tree I come across.
My heart races as I sprint through the dark forest. Every snap of a twig underfoot, every rustle of leaves sends my senses into overdrive. I can't afford to make a sound, to give away my position to them so quickly.
The shadows of the trees stretch out like menacing claws, threatening to ensnare me at any moment. My mind races, trying to stay focused on the path ahead while also keeping an ear out for any signs of their movement.
I come to a stop behind a tree to catch my breath and get my bearings; the forest feels like it is closing in on me.
“Don’t stop now, Little Darling, you’ve only just started.”
The voice sounds from multiple directions, but I don't know where it's actually coming from.
But I do exactly what the voice wanted: I run.
The branches and underbrush scratch against the fabric of my clothes and I’m suddenly thankful they didn’t remove them. But I know I won’t be able to use these clothes for work again; they are no doubt already ruined. The occasional sting to my scalp makes me wish I wore my hair up for work.
The moonlight filters through the leaves, casting eerie shadows on the forest floor. My mind races with every step, trying to map out the terrain, searching for any advantage I can get. I have to be clever, outwit them at their own game.
As I run, I mentally calculate my options. My bound hands are still a hindrance, limiting my ability to defend myself if necessary. But I can't let that deter me. I have to stay nimble, swift, and focused.
With each passing moment, the forest seems to grow darker, and their laughter continues to echo around me, chasing my every step.
As I dash through the undergrowth, I spot a faint glimmer of moonlight reflecting off a small stream. It might offer a path to follow.
Without hesitation, I change my direction and follow the stream. The cool water soothes my skin through my clothes as I splash through it, the sound masking my footsteps. I know that I can't afford to be too loud or too careless.
I start to pick up on the patterns of the forest, the way the moonlight filters through the branches, and the subtle sounds of nocturnal creatures. I try to use this knowledge to my advantage, to stay one step ahead of them.
The darkness seems to be my ally now, concealing me as I continue to move through the forest. Every now and then, I get a glimpse of a figure in the shadows, but I refuse to let them know that I see them. Instead, I make quick detours, changing my path, keeping them guessing.
I stop again and crouch behind a tree when I see one of them ahead. The figure appears almost like he’s taking a stroll, without a care in the world. I keep my eyes on him as he keeps walking, moving away from where I’m hidden.
“Boo, Little Darling.”
The voice comes from my left, completely taking me by surprise, but I’m already moving. My feet take me quickly in the opposite direction of the voice.
My heart pounds in my chest as I try to suppress my ragged breaths. Every nerve in my body is on high alert and the adrenaline courses through me, urging me to keep moving, to keep running.
I can't see them, but I know they're out there; watching, waiting. Their voices and laughter continue to echo around me, taunting and tormenting me.
As I run, my mind races through possibilities. The forest seems to go on forever, and I'm lost in its labyrinth of trees and shadows. I don't know if I'm getting closer to the edge or deeper into its heart.
I spot a large rock formation in the distance, its dark silhouette contrasting against the pale moonlit sky. It could offer a vantage point, a place to gain a better sense of my surroundings.
I change course and head towards the rocks. Every step is careful and calculated, as I try to remain as silent as possible.
But just as I approach the rock formation, a shadow looms over me. My heart skips a beat, looking up to see one of them perched on top of the rocks, staring down at me.
“Hello, Little Darling.”
I let out a startled yelp as I almost slide in the dead leaves. They scatter across the ground as I try to stop. Thankfully, I catch myself in time and change direction yet again.
