I was running as fast as I could. I couldn't tell you what from, all I know is that I couldn't stop. I could never stop running. The chase wouldn't end. This so-called game wasn't designed to end.

It's was always destined to be this way. I wouldn't know what to do with myself otherwise. I had to find a way.

As I ran through the cold, dark forest there was a rustling sound behind me. Something, no, rather someone had found me. If I stopped, that would mean he won, and I don't know what'll happen if I lose...

I stumbled over a tree root, causing me to fall. There was an audible thud when I hit the ground, the game was over, I was sure to be caught. I couldn't get up, my ankle was as broken as my trust in him was. I groaned through gritted teeth at the pain I had felt, but I couldn't focus too much on that, I had to stay free.

I turned around quickly, grabbing a dagger from my pack, ready to defend myself at any costs. "Stay back, I won't hesitate to protect myself" I shouted into the darkness. I suppose I was expecting an answer, though none had come. The rustling sound had gotten louder, closer as I prepared myself for the worst, praying that if it were him I could fend him off.

It stopped.

"Ruby?"

I was able to muster a sigh of relief, "Felix, my god you can't scare me like that... Never, okay?"

"Promise," He replied clearly relieved that I was alright. "Did you find him?"

"No, if I had, I'd be in better shape right now,"

"Don't worry, we'll find him, but for now I think we should probably keep running," He stated. "The game isn't over yet,"

"How am I supposed to do that? I can't walk let alone run,"

"I'll help you,"

"No Felix, I'll just be dead weight. Keep going without me, I know you'll be able to find Jaxton on your own."

"I can't just leave you here,"

"Yes. You can," I said as a tear rolled down my cheek, I didn't break my confident tone as I reassured him. "I'll be alright. Even if Peter finds me, I'll be alright. You can leave me, I'll be safe,"

"Okay," He replied his voice breaking as he did so. "I'll be back by morning, don't fall asleep,"

"Felix, I'll be alright."

Those last words echo in my head as I sit here every night. Broken and captive. The camp is warm compared to the cold forest that night. There's always a fire, cheery and bright music, everything that would make this terrible experience feel comfortable and safe. It wasn't. Two weeks captive in this camp could change a person for the worse. I never let it get to me.

I think the most comforting thing was that I knew Felix would be on his way to find me soon. The real game had just begun.