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Then I heard it again. This time, the sound was closer. I whipped around, eyes searching frantically for any sign of the hunter.
Then another whistle…
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
My heart raced faster as the sound grew closer and closer. My breaths came out in short gasps as I tried not to scream out for help.
What the hell did I just do?
Why the fuck would I sign up for this?
This was insanity!
I could see the mist from my breath in the cool night air, adding to the demented atmosphere around me.
And then I saw him. A shadowy figure in a bone mask emerged from behind a tree and began to stalk toward me. He wore black gloves and a hooded sweatshirt that covered his hair, and he blended with the night. My heart leapt into my throat as I realized that the chase had truly begun.
His mask made of bone said it all. He was a beast. Primal. And I knew one thing.
Run.
These were the rules. I’d run, he’d chase, and then when he caught me, he could do with me however he chose. But facing it head on…
Staring at the beast in the stag mask head on…
Though he was a man simply in costume, there was nothing less animalistic in how he presented himself. I knew this was part of The Hunt. I knew this was the ritual. But actually seeing it. Actually feeling it…
Run.
I hesitated for a moment, wondering if I could reason with him. But before I could even open my mouth, he lunged at me. I dodged out of the way, barely avoiding his grip. I could feel the heat of his breath on my neck as I ran deeper into the forest.
There were grunts and pants, as if the man had morphed into an actual stag.
The thrill of the chase was intoxicating, but it was also terrifying. The trees rushed past me in a blur as I struggled to keep pace with my racing heart. But no matter how fast I ran, I could still hear the thud of his footsteps behind me.
I cursed myself for ever agreeing to this madness.
But it was too late for regrets now. I knew I couldn’t keep this up forever. Sooner or later, he’d catch me. And when he did, I had no doubt he’d show me no mercy.
Branches scraped against my skin, but I didn’t slow down. I had to put distance between myself and the man in the mask. I wasn’t ready yet.
I couldn’t give him my body yet.
I couldn’tgivehim my body at all.
What had I done?
My foot caught on a rock, sending me sprawling onto the ground. Before I could scramble to my feet, the beast was upon me. He towered over me, his massive frame casting a shadow over my trembling form.
I saw the fierce glint in his masked eyes, and I knew one thing. Resistance was futile. I was his to do with as he pleased.
His gloved hand grabbed me roughly by the arm, bruising my flesh as he hauled me to my feet. I stumbled forward, trying to keep up as he dragged me deeper through the forest. I could hear his heavy breathing and the sound of his boots pounding the earth beneath us.
I wanted to tell him he was hurting me. To tell him he was being too rough, but I feared that would only fuel him more.
Finally, he stopped, and I looked around to see that we were deep in the heart of the forest. The masked man pushed me to the ground, and I scrambled backwards, hoping to put some distance between us.
But he was too quick, and he pounced on top of me, his massive frame pinning me to the ground. The heat radiated off his body as he leaned in closer, his breath hot against my skin.
