Viral Hunt

CHAPTER4

ELENA’S POV

And just like that, I fell. Again. Only this time, about a hundred others we with me. But it was weird. It was as though we were being dropped somewhere.

Through the rushing wind, I strained to open my eyes. Only to see a large expanse of green, white, red, and yellow. And one covered in fog that made up the center.

It was as mysterious as everything that was happening.

And we were all falling fast towards the large expanse of green. Squinting, I could barely make out other figures falling towards the other areas.

Even with the way my heart pounded against my chest, I managed to make out some faces in the other groups.

Turning towards the group falling towards the expanse of white, my gaze darted towards some figures that stood out.

Particularly a young woman, whose features remained ice cold even in the face of danger. I made a mental note of her, only for my blood to run cold the minute I took my gaze away from her.

It was him. My eyes turned blood-red as I made out Eric’s figure amidst the rest. But prior to what I had seen, he looked even better than he did when we were together.

“Argh,” a guttural sound escaped from my lips as I tried to claw my way towards him. Ignoring the fact that it was virtually impossible.

As though sensing my gaze, an odd look flashed across his face. I watched with gritted teeth as surprise fluttered across his features, before a bright smile bloomed.

The hatred in my heart intensified as I clawed and clawed fruitlessly, as we completed our descent.

The minute we were about to make contact with the ground, the light that helped us float, flashed. Transporting us to different areas, until I found myself alone with no one around.

“Ugh,” I groaned, as I found myself thrown into a bush. I jumped out of it before I could get stung by any thorns, or bitten by animals.

I wasn’t even sure if there were any animals present, but easier safe than sorry.

“That bastard!” I cursed, after making sure I was safe. I paced, thinking about ways I could get my revenge.

I wasn’t sure how to yet. But one thing was for certain. I wasn’t going to let him get away. Even if it was the last thing I did.

“Contestants!” A booming voice that sounded all too familiar resounded, pulling me out of my reverie. I looked up to see multiple drones buzzing out of a portal in the sky.

Their blinking blue light spread across the world we were in. Carrying with them that thing’s voice.

“You have ninety days to make it to the center alive. It doesn’t matter if you’re in the eastern forest. Or the northern ice fields. Or the southern volcanoes. Or the western desert.”

The voice paused, as I looked at the surrounding greenery. Letting out a sigh of relief. I couldn’t imagine being thrust into extreme environments like that.

“Failure to arrive on time will mean absolute death,” the voice droned on with barely suppressed excitement filling its tone.

“The masters of the galaxy are watching, so KEEP THEM ENTERTAINED!” It’s final announcement boomed as the drones whizzed away. Disappearing into the foliage.

Although, I could still barely make out their blinking lights if I focused. I shook my head as I thought about the new objective.

I was to make it to the center of the world if I was to pass the test. But even more so, to get my hands on Eric.

My fists clenched at my sides as I thought of him walking around after sacrificing me. After everything I had done for him.

I shook my head as I muttered to myself, “All in due time.”

I surveyed the area, taking in the large expanse of green as far as the eyes could see. There were trees, trees and more trees.

And I wasn’t even sure where to begin. “Oh, and you don’t want to be without cover when it gets dark. Byeee!”

The announcer’s voice resounded. His words seemed a cold shiver down my spine as I saw the sun begin to set.

I picked a direction using the mental image I gleaned during our fall. Stirring a light jog as I ran through the forest.

Keeping my eyes peeled to avoid tripping on any branch or loose root. It was easier said than done as the forest was filled with trees twice the size of anything I had ever seen.

The eery quiet helped me mentally tick off the presence of animals. It was quiet. Too quiet. No sound of insects or bird chirping.

I was thankful for the absence of mosquitoes but at the same time, the closer the sun was to setting, the scarier things got.

Tears pooled at the corner of my eyes as I moved with an increased intensity. Searching for anything I could use to take cover for the night.

My search continued fruitlessly, until I walked into a clearing. In the center was a pool that reflected the moonlight.

Wait. Moonlight?

I looked up and the color drained from my face as I rushed towards the cave that sat on the other side of the clearing. But not until the long awaited sounds of insects came buzzing.

And just like clockwork, the roars of animals came. Like monsters out of a horror movie.

I shut my eyes as I ran with gritted teeth. The cave almost at the tip of my fingers. I ran as fast as I could until a cold sensation wrapped around my figure.

I ducked, tumbling until I finally regained my bearings. I stood, the dust settling quickly. I tried to stifle the quivering of my legs as I saw the huge mountain of a bear in the spot I was just in.

“s**t s**t s**t,” I cursed as I willed my legs to move. But with no avail. I stood, scared shitless as a large bear paw was raised, smacking towards my head with a force that was certain to kill me.