Run.
That was the instinct that tore through me, wet leaves slapping my face as I blindly fled what could be the worse than death. My sandals dug into my toes as I hauled myself over a slippery log, the silence of the jungle punctuated by my short pants.
Better run through the jungle, Ui'stbi.
Something stung my leg and I wince but I cant stop, there is no stopping now as I hear the crack of tree branch not far behind me. No, not this early, not like this— is what my brain frantically screams as I begin to hyperventilate my leg burning as I jump over a small stream. The small splash made me regret my decision as the clicks were heard, trailing behind me almost enjoying the view of my scramble through the thick brush.
I felt hot liquid ooze down my ankle and I was tempted to smear it on the leaves but there was no time, no time at all. If only I could find a river or a mudbank then perhaps I—
Shit.
I landed hard, knocking the air out of my lungs as I tried to get up but a heavy, so very heavy foot stepped on my back pressing me down into the foliage of the jungle. Hot tears filled my eyes as I tried not to cry. Oh fuck. Not this. There was the slicking of metal unsheathing and the wrist blades pinned my head down, my throat so easily trapped between them.
There was a deep throaty laugh, almost a nostalgic sigh as three red dots centered on my temple.
"Caught you…"