The Mating Run by Leeka

Chapter 31

Root

The air hangs heavy with the acrid scent of vomit.

I’m hunched over by the side, retching violently as my body rebels against the weight of guilt and fear that clings to my insides. Each convulsion sends waves of nausea through me, a physical manifestation of the turmoil within.

Ettie’s voice, a distant murmur, penetrates the fog of my anguish.

“Alina, you need to stop. It’s done.”

Her words, meant as reassurance, fall on deaf ears. I can’t shake the images that replay in my mind–the brutality, the blood, the makeshift grave. The forest seems to close in around me, its ancient trees bearing silent witness to the chaos that has unfolded in their domain.

As I retch, Ettie continues to stand near the makeshift grave, her gaze fixed on the rocky ground. “We did what we had to do, Alina.”

Her words cut through the fog, a stark reminder of the unforgiving reality that governs the Mating Run. Survival leaves no room for hesitation or remorse.

I wipe my mouth, trembling, and attempt to rise.

The forest floor feels unsteady beneath me, each step a struggle against the lingering shadows of guilt. Ettie turns toward me, her eyes holding a mixture of concern and frustration.

“Alina-”

“Ettie… We… We can’t afford to stay here. We shouldn’t. The cameras are watching. We need to go somewhere they can’t see us..”

I stumble towards Ettie, my legs weak beneath me.

ווו

0

177

64%

5/ Fri, 8 Mar

Root

Ettie’s gaze softens

and we made ours.”

“Alina, survival comes with a price. Elijah made his choice,

“We?” I mutter to myself, my entire body shaking. “What do you mean we?”

Anger pulses through me

mel that still linger in my chest.

like a wildfire, fueled by the charred remains of guilt

The echoes of Elijah’s demise reverberate in my mind, a haunting melody that refuses to be silenced. Yet, as I turn my gaze toward Ettie, a different kind of fury

takes root within me.

“Ettie, it was all you! You did that! It’s not something we both decided on! Why did you kill him?”

The words burst forth, sharp and accusing. My voice, usually soft, carries the weight of betrayal.

Ettie meets my gaze, her eyes defiant. “Alina, he touched you. He was going to hurt you. What choice did I have?”

The forest, with its silent trees and hidden cameras, bears witness to our confrontation. The air crackles with tension, charged with the unspoken truth that now stands between us.

“You had a choice, Ettie! You didn’t have to kill him like that!” My fists clench at my sides, the anger boiling within me. “We could have found another way, stopped him without resorting to… to this.”

are no rules, no mercy. You think he

courses through me. “That doesn’t give you

within them. “You think I enjoyed

။။

0

2/7

Fri, 8 Mar DB

Root

think it was easy for me? He had to die, Alina. I

you.”

didn’t let

wall of resistance against the accusations that hang in the air.

64%

be done. If you can’t

out for this.”

the embers of my anger. “Don’t act like you know what’s best for me, Ettie. You didn’t save me. You just replaced one

you, Alina. If that means making tough decisions, then so

are.” I say the words, instantly regretting it the moment

think you can survive this on your own? You’re naïve, Alina. In this forest, trust

between us, now shatters like glass. I clench my teeth, determined not to let Ettie’s decisions define my

I won’t compromise

through the cave. “Who you are? In this forest, that’s a liability. You’ll either

of her judgment stings, but I refuse to let it break me. “I won’t lose

eyes narrow, her tone cold. “Sometimes, Alina, you have

0

Fri, 8 Mar

Root

defeat

@64%*

“I won’t let fear and violence define me. I’ll find another way, even

on my own.”

forest, indifferent to our conflict, remains a silent spectator to our unraveling camaraderie. Ettie’s gaze, a mixture of frustration and concern, searches my face.

can’t survive this alone. You need someone you

on my tongue. “Trust is earned, Ettie. And right now,

sound of a stifled sob reaches my ears, and I stiffen immediately, my eyes

on Ettie.

In that moment, my heart softens, a realization dawning upon me – we’re both victims

voice hesitant, as if navigating a fragile bridge. “I’m sorry. I… I didn’t mean those words. I just… I’m scared, Ettie.

up, her eyes stained with tears, and for a moment, the distance

on the verge of shattering. “How can we go on if you don’t

reminder of the fragility of trust. I step closer, my heart heavy with the weight of my own insecurities.

searching mine for sincerity. “I thought we could rely on each other, Alina.

0

3.7

14.08

Root

Mar

ப

65% #

in this struggle, and the survival of our camaraderie is

Ettie. Scared of becoming something I’m not. But I’m also scared of losing you,” I admit, the words hanging in the air like an unspoken

did what I

not just navigating a forest filled with perilous beasts; we’re navigating the complexities of our own humanity.

reaching out tentatively to touch her shoulder. “Ettie, I’m scared because I care about you. But I can’t blindly accept everything. We need to find a balance, a way to survive without losing ourselves.”

to make you doubt me, Alina. I just… I

of survival, each step fraught with uncertainty. “We need each other, Ettie. But we also

choices.”

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255