And this is why.
“Hey!” I shout putting the gun in front of me. I cringe at the thought that I just exposed myself to a predator. What kind of an idiot am I?
For a moment everything is still. Dead silent. My muscles tighten more, waiting for the noise to come again.
I swallow and slowly approach the dumpster. I want to run, but what if this creature ends up ripping apart a child, or another innocent civilian? A prince like me should be the first one to take a hit.
My racing heart begs to differ. My thoughts switch between wanting to run and wanting to protect people.
I'm sure I'm dead. The only way I'm getting out is in someone's digestive system.
At least, I could get a shot in its head, or fill its stomach before it goes feasting on anyone else. You know, whichever works.
I take careful steps approaching the dumpster. Even with my palms sweating and my legs vibrating with fear, I keep moving forward.
This is it.
I get right in front of the dumpster, about a foot away from its mouth. My breath shakes as I peer inside, seeing nothing but darkness. Either the creature is hiding, or I’m just hallucinating. I would prefer the latter.
I debate whether or not to move a step closer. Then I take it, stretching my neck over the opening aware that I could be looking at death any moment. This could be the end. Getting swallowed by a dreamscreecher.
At first, I still only see darkness.
Then a pair of glowing, purple eyes blink back at me.
Before I can jump back, the eyes spring up at me as something crashes into my temple, making me yelp and fall into an abyss of death.
Chapter 3
Ignatia
“What the fuck!” I shout as I look outside the dumpster. Adrenaline pounds through every blood vessel.
Shit! That was too close.
I jump out the dumpster, taking only a glimpse at the man I just punched. He's tall, blonde and has a black suit.
Not enough time to look.
I bolt down the alleyway. I must keep going. I can't stay. I need to get to Caelestia before someone knows who I am.
Or rather,whatI am.
I almost turn the corner before my foot slips on a can in the alleyway. Damn it! My legs slide from under me and my ass lands on cement.
Pain throbs from my stomach, earning a wince. I have to keep going.
“Hey!”
I twist over my shoulder to see him sitting and looking my way, rubbing his temple. That took him thirty seconds to recover from. He's already pushing himself up on his feet, probably doesn't remember I hit him.
I scramble to get on my feet when I misstep and trip myself again. Fuck! I'm dead!
“Hey! It's okay.”
“It's not okay you fucking bag of shit!” I snap before I meet his eyes. Blue eyes. Beautiful blue eyes. A watercolor painting of a summer sky, only for a drop of black to blotch the piece, creating a gray ring around his pupil.
He's…
