C2 THE CHASE

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In the deep forest, heavy and fast footsteps were heard accompanied with heavy breathing.

Elina kept running. Her whole body was gripped by fear. Her eyes were wide opened and shinny. Her ears became sharper to capture the slightest sound.

She slowed down, hugging a huge tree. She slid down and squatted beside the tree trying to catch her breath.

She was tired, her eyelids very heavy, but afraid to close her eyes for fear that the creature chasing her might re-appear. She heard another growling a distance and her body shivered.

She sat on the ground, raised her knees, rested her jaw on them and wrapped her arms round her legs.

Her heartbeat was too fast as if her heart would pull out of her chest. She trembled and tears shimmered in her eyes.

" G....r....r....r....r!" Another loud rumbling growl was heard and closer to her. She pursed her lips to prevent her sobs from escaping her lips. Her fists were clenched and her nails dug into her flesh. She was too scared to feel the pain.

" I wouldn't have gone to wood today". She drifted into thought.

Elina was a seventeen years old vibrant girl and the only daughter of her parents. They moved to Bernlus some years back. She was excited when she learnt they were moving to Gonzola town temporary.

Gonzola town was a small tourist town with historical events which led to the publishing of a book titled " The Quenched Light". As an inquisitive little girl, she had grown to become adventurous.

Gonzola was said to be one of the most developed city in Bernlus and also the Capital but suddenly encountered a tremendous set back after intruders sneaked into their town, stole their resources and forceful mined their diamonds indiscriminately.

Their women were abused and their men killed. It was said that the Princess escaped from her captors, stole explosives, his them in her body,went to the base of the intruders in the middle of the night and denoted the explosives.

Though the intruders were killed, the Princess lost her life. In her memory, her giant statue was seen standing gracefully at the entrance of the city.

This event was recorded in the book "The Quenched Light". The ruins of the war could be seen in various towns in the city.

Elina, who had been restricted from climbing the "Desolate Hill", one of the tourist attractions in the town had sneaked out after she returned from school this day.

She had sat on the highest point on the hill, held her favorite book, "THE QUENCHED LIGHT" and was in deep thought.

It was also written that the real diamond village was mainly occupied by Kimberlite believed to harbor the world rarest diamond. As she sat on the hill in a daze, she had wished the content of the book was real.

After the book was published by an unknown author and placed on different strategic points in the world, Geologist visited the town searching for traces of Kimberlite but nothing was discovered except the ruined mines of lamporite.

Aircrafts from more powerful countries invaded Bernlus and flew over her cities searching for traces but aside the ruined mines, dense forests and buildings, nothing was found. Thus the reason why the content of the book was said to be false and misleading.

* * * * *

" So you've decided? Can't you change your mind?" Jordan wasn't happy about his friend's decision. He stared at him worriedly.

" I've decided. I can't watch them push me into something I don't want". Sean's voice was low and filled with sadness.

" You're leaving school Sean!". How can he accept this decision?

Sean had paid him a visit to inform him of his decision to leave Seattle. His parents had been forcing him to marry a girl he doesn't love.

He was aware Sean repelled females. He had joked about him remaining unmarried because of his cold attitude towards girls.

Choices especially life time choices as marriage should be left to him to decide. How can they force a girl on him?

If Sean leaves Seattle, he would definitely miss his last year in school.

" I know. I'll leave". He laid on the bed staring at the ceiling.

" No matter what happens, don't tell anyone my whereabout".

"Where are you going to?" Jordan's voice was filled with reluctancy.

" Bernlus".

Jordan's eyes widened in shock. Why Bernlus? He thought he would move to another city in the country not another country.

" That's another country"

"I know. I won't stay there forever. It's for a while. Remember no one should know this".

"What if they investigate? Your family is capable of that". He asked in concern.

"I'm not a fool to disclose my real identity. Don't worry, everything have been well planed".

The atmosphere in the room wasn't lively. The two men were immersed in their own thoughts.

Back home, Becky entered the room and shut the door gently. She walked to the bed and sat down staring at his brother who had lost weight. Her heart ached.

"Victoria! It's because of you my brother is like this. I hate you". Her thoughts were crowded with hatred for Victoria.

" Brother! She doesn't worth this. Why should you lose weight because of a girl?" She pulled his arm, to get a response from him.

"I know it hurts to see mom and dad do this, but locking yourself up in her won't help. It wouldn't move dad or make him change his mind".

" Beck. Promise me you would take good care of yourself even if I'm not here". His voice was emotionless.

His word scared Becky. What does he mean by if he wasn't there?

" Brother! Don't do anything stupid ". She stared at him vigilantly.

He chuckled lightly and turned his gaze towards her.

" I'm not stupid and won't do anything stupid. Trust me".

"Should I send your dinner here?"

"Yes. You can".

She left the room happily to get his food.

Sean narrowed his eyes and stared at her back. He took a deep breath.

" Take care of yourself self Beck". He muttered.

*END OF FLASHBACK*

He pulled out of his thought, hissed and returned to his room. He would meet her tomorrow. The thought lightened his mood immediately.