Thank you for taking the time to read this! This scene was slightly longer than I expected, so I'm posting it and chapter three separately. I hope it's not too slow so far. I'm using the first couple of chapters to set everything up, but I'll sneak in some action and hints. :)
My heart was pounding in my chest. Head low, I ducked among the buildings and alleys without daring to look back behind me. I could hear the thuds of pursuing footsteps hot on my trail. As I approached the intersection, Another tall, hooded figure stepped out of the shadows to my right and began making his - or her, I couldn't tell - way towards me. I picked up my pace, a trickle of sweat running down my collar.
Stupid, stupid. Why had I let myself be in this situation? The Z had seemed like a haven, a world of guessing and games where I could make or break my fortune in a heartbeat. And who knows? Maybe I would meet my father there. He and I needed to talk.
I'd never meant to rack up debt. I'd never thought I'd have to take a loan from a local businessman. I'd hoped I could pay it back, although maybe not with interest. It looked like I had been wrong, dangerously so.
Another figure rose out of the gloom to my left, and I broke into a full run. Even as the ground blurred under my feet and the buildings flew by, the trio kept up easily. This was bad, very bad. If they could keep up even as I ran at uncanny speed, they were either Nephilim, which was an issue, or they were fallen, which was a nightmarish idea. I had no choice but to keep running and hope that they gave up before I ran out of fuel.
Adrenaline pumping through my veins, I twisted and wove down streets and between buildings. No matter what I tried, the trio stayed with me. Fueled by fear and grim determination, I doubled my speed, thundering down the street. My pursuers still kept pace.
Suddenly, a tall brick wall loomed in front of me. For the industrial district, it was relatively new, not yet covered with graffiti and sporting a large KEEP OUT sign. Turning to the right, I found a tall building blocking my way, and to the left, a seedy motel with flickering lights in my path. Spinning around, heart in my throat, I saw the three Nephilim standing in my way, trapping me. My stomach was turning over, my brain screaming at me to flee. I swallowed, hoping that the Nephilim hadn't seen it, and curled my hands into fists. "What do you want?" I demanded.
You know what we want. The answer came in my head, echoing around me mind. Swallowing my confusion, I continued, "I don't have your damn money right now. I just need another week, and I can pay you back." There was no answer from the group, but I could sense their disapproval. "Call me tomorrow, and we can talk this over rationally."
"Enough," The word was spoken out loud this time, in a deep male voice that commanded attention. "I don't have the time to play games with fools."
Two of the Nephilim grabbed me by the shoulders and pinned me against the ground. I fought, lashing out and kicking, swearing and screaming empty threats. The two guards ignored me, indifferent to my struggles.
There was a hissing sound, and the third Nephil approached me with something in his hand. It glowed white hot, and he held it uncomfortably close to my face so I could make out the imprint of a black handprint in the metal. "It's not personal," He soothed as the ring dipped lower, closer to my collarbone. "You'll understand once I explain everything."
The metal met my skin with a sickening sizzling sound, and the smell of burning flesh, my burning flesh, snaked through the air. An explosion of heat and pain made my vision flash white as I arched up against the ground. I couldn't think, couldn't talk. The only thing I knew was pain, and the only sounds I could form were agonized screams.
What did you guys think? Please review and give me your feedback! Expect the next chapter fairly soon, so keep posted!