I don’t really know. But I do know seeing him makes me feel sick and panicked.
The oval track brings me back around to Gabriel once again. He smiles, his cold snake-like eyes closely watching me. Joan strikes the ground with her whip, demanding the racers to move faster. Amy still jogs beside me, being quiet now. Running doesn’t seem to affect her too much. Her face looks fresh and her skin is still dry. Sweat drips from me as if I’ve just taken a shower. Approaching the place where he stands, I slow down impulsively. But no matter how slowly I run, the distance between us is closing. Blood rushes through my veins and I feel like I’m about to faint. But I never do so I continue jogging.
As I move past him, he grabs me by the arm and yanks me to a sudden stop. I stumble and almost fall, lowering my head. His fingers seem to be made of steel, strong and easily capable of inflicting pain. He squeezes my arm tightly and I have to force myself not to cry out. I already know crying or begging won’t do any good.
“You’re the slowest racer I’ve got,” Gabriel says calmly.
He smacks my head and I fall to my knees. Amy stops, standing a few feet away, watching the scene with hesitation. Gabriel turns to face her and she lowers her gaze, taking off and proceeding along the track.
“Slow racers can’t hope to outrun chimeras, can they?” he asks, smiling. “The slow racers get eaten more quickly. So what’s the point in keeping you alive when you’re already as good as dead?”
I drop my eyes, staring at the ground. I think about the books I’d read back in Dimitri’s mansion. I think about the glorious brave heroes rescuing damsels from dragons and werewolves. I know nobody will be coming to rescue me.
“Look at me,” Gabriel says.
I look up at him.
“Stand up,” he orders.
I rise to my feet.
Gabriel smirks, his deep blue eyes locked onto mine. He slaps me hard across the face and I stumble backward a few steps, but don’t fall. Several racers jog past behind my back. Nobody stops. Nobody comes to my aid. I think of Trent, wondering what part of the track he’s at now. Joan and Brutus yell at the racers to increase their pace.
“Don’t look so stricken, I’m just playing,” Gabriel says softly. “You’re not really a bad runner, Kora. You’re actually a pretty good one. I saw you evading the chimeras. I have to admit I was quite impressed.”
He looks at me kindly, but I don’t buy his sudden change in attitude. I don’t believe he’ll let me go this easily.
“Why do you think I’m doing this?” His grin becomes malicious. “Why am I bothering you, Kora?”
Because you’re a killer and psycho, I think with disgust, remaining quiet.
“Tell me!” He grabs my shoulders, shaking me. “Come on, open your mouth and speak! I know you have a brain somewhere inside your head. You spoke to me before.”
I press my lips together and don’t utter a sound. No matter what I say, it would only worsen my situation.
Gabriel punches me in the face, a quick straight blow. My head jerks backward and I fall. I lie prone on my back, gulping for air, letting out a helpless sounding groan. I touch my nose and look at bright red blood staining my fingers.
Gabriel lurks above me, watching with a satisfied grin. He kicks me in the side and I roll into a defensive ball. A few more racers jog past, their faces purposely turned the opposite direction. Gabriel grabs my pony-tail and yanks me up into a sitting position. I don’t resist, holding my breath and ready to take whatever punishment is given. He slowly raises his hand and quickly slaps me one-two-three times. My cheeks burn and I’m growing dizzy. He releases my hair and I drop back onto my side, my body shuddering involuntarily.
My eyes glue to the holstered gun on Gabriel’s waist. I envision myself grabbing the gun and shooting him point blank in the face. But I remain motionless instead, just lying passively on the ground.
He kicks me in the stomach again. I groan in pain. The next instant Amy approaches and shoves Gabriel away.
“Leave her alone!” she screams.
“No, don’t!” I try to exclaim, but my words come out too soft and slurred.
Gabriel swings an arm around, delivering a hard punch into the side of Amy’s head. She falls, but only for a moment. Snarling, she gets back to her feet, lunging forward and elbowing Gabriel in the face. He staggers backward, carefully touching his nose, then stares at his bloody hand in astonishment. Amy stands between Gabriel and me, breathing heavily now and preparing for another attack.
“It’s astounding,” Gabriel smiles, unholstering his handgun and pointing the barrel at Amy. “You’re coming with me.”
Amy emits a fearful noise from her throat. I jump to my feet, stepping in front of her.
“Please,” I beg. “Let her go.”
“Get out of here.” Gabriel fires his gun above my head. I shiver
