Page 25 of Corrupted Torment

On our way back from the supply run to the outpost, the siren’s loud shrieks pierced the air. Now, loaded with supplies, it’s become a deadly race for us to get back to camp before the hound-like men are let loose on our trail. With Dario pinned between us, my mind can remain focused, especially as Sol’s whining continues from behind.

“We could wait them out. Three against one. You ever see the fuckers come at you more than one at a time? There’s no need for this bullshit.”

I take a deep breath, not letting his arrogance piss me off further than it already has. We butt heads from time to time over how to deal with the people that rule our lives. He still hasn’t lost faith that someday we could leave this place. He’s younger than me, and only came to the island a few years back.

This place hasn’t broken him yet.

I know better.

We need to move. Get back to the safety of the caves. We were closer to the outpost than to home when the siren started and it’s frustrating. My body feels like it has a constant itch beneath the skin. Taut with tension. I know it won’t go until we’re back. Where it is easier to keep Dario secure within our cavernous abodes.

Anything could happen out here. It’s not just the ones who hunt us we need to watch out for. Other boys and men, they can be just as merciless. If not worse; we’ve heard the rumours.

Cannibals.

Who knows if it’s true or complete bullshit? I just know I don’t want to end up in someone else's belly. When the shrieking stops, I pick up my speed. The thumping footfalls and crashing of foliage is reassurance of the others behind me. None of us have the stealth to move with both speed and silence. Especially carrying such heavy packs. In this situation, it’s best to just get moving.

“So now you’re just ignoring me. Great,” Sol huffs with annoyance. I count to ten inside my head to quell the anger. To be quite honest, I’d almost forgotten he was speaking. I wastryingto forget. I swear he only speaks now to piss me off.

A delicate hand slips into mine. I can’t help but look back into Dario’s green eyes, offering him a soft smile of thanks. His comfort always offers me the strength I need and is something I cherish.

It’s the most natural thing in the world for me and Dario to hold hands. I’d do anything he asked to make him happy; I even ignore my own dark desire for fear of him losing his smile. Squeezing his hand, I drag him further onwards. Ignoring the now chuckling Sol behind. He knows I’d lay down my life to protect Dario. It’s why he took his place at the rear without a fuss. For that, I’ll need to remember to thank him.

When we’ve both cooled off that is.

* * *

The heavy weight of watching eyes has my skin prickling with unease. I don’t know how long we’ve been walking, but we still have a long way to go. I stop, raising a hand to the others and am grateful they follow my lead as they gather in closer. We all duck low. The terrain is full of shrubs and bushes, plenty enough for us to hide in. The sun is low in the sky, and it’s not long until sunset. It makes vision much harder as I peer into the surrounding trees.

Tense moments pass as I stare into the surrounding area when I spot Rafferty. A hunter, and a man who should be against us, but in the past, he’s helped us. His finger is to his lips. I tilt my head to him in acknowledgement.

I look at Dario and Solomon, checking that they have seen too. Both nod, though Sol’s big brown eyes roll with animosity. He doesn’t like the idea of Rafferty helping us. Never has. Stubborn to the core.

Howls erupt around us. I realise we’ve been herded in place, yet we didn’t see anyone coming. My shoulders stiffen. The noise is to scare us from hiding. Dario’s hand grips mine tighter, and his body trembles slightly. I know he’s never fully healed from that first night out here in the woods and despite my efforts, he’s always been more reserved.

Laughter and rowdy banter comes from behind us, ahead of us, everywhere, from multiple sources. It’s not the predators who come after the sirens. These are some of our own. Ones who take pleasure in the hunt as much as the ones who brought us here.

Among their many crimes, they enjoy stealing, fighting and humiliating the weak. It appears they also want to give away our position to those true hunters. As they come into view, I see the multiple lines scoring their right arms. It’s a mark of who they are. These are the men who claim to have devoured flesh. Today is not the day we will find out the truth of that rumour.

Rafferty lets out a piercing whistle and stands to gain the men’s attention. Their raucous laughter vanishes, and heavy footsteps move in his direction. He remains still. His grey eyes are bright, his smile wide as he takes in the five men moving towards him.

“Hello. You appear to be after your injections, gentlemen. Either that or this unseemly loud behaviour is rather unnecessary.” His jovial tone is ridiculous. I bite my lip to hold back the laugh while shaking my head. He has no fear, standing confidently before these men who look at him like he’s nuts.

I’m pretty sure he is.

It makes me wonder if they’ve not encountered Rafferty before. More often than not, he’s on our side of the island. They look from one to another. One of the younger men in the bunch, wiry with thick black hair, steps forward. He clicks his neck, attempting to intimidate Raff, who just fake yawns and looks at the standard watch all his fellow hounds have.

“I don’t think so. We don’t answer to you,” the man jeers. His neck arches back, snaps forwards and spits into Raff’s face. His friends laugh as a dark smile pulls at his lips. Raff swipes his black uniformed arm across his tanned cheek.

Faster than I can track, the man is on the ground, a needle pressed to his neck. Raff presses the plunger down and laughs maniacally. His smile is something out of nightmares. His teeth look elongated and are much sharper than usual. The low sun sinking to nightfall, catching his grey eyes. They almost seem to glow. The whole thing gives off a monstrous effect on someone who is a normally handsome man.

“You chaps want yours now?”

The others run.

“Oh, I do so love when they run, unfortunately today I have other business.”

They leave behind their wiry brethren, who shuffles backwards away from the predator. He spins to get to his hands and knees and follows behind the others.

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