The Mating Run by Leeka

In His Eyes: Karma

Zeke’s POV

My heart raced as I followed the sound, the pounding echoing in my ears.

As the trees part, a small clearing is revealed, and in its center stands a figure, concealed in darkness.

“Alina!”

I gasp, feeling a rush of relief wash over me like a tidal wave. I rush towards her, feeling the adrenaline pumping through my veins with each clumsy step. There is a distant look in her eyes as she stands there, lost in her own thoughts. My hands shook uncontrollably as they made contact with her face, desperately searching for any evidence of bruising. Luckily, there’s none.

“Alina, are you okay? What happened?”

She keeps quiet, her focus unwavering as she looks past me. I can’t help but notice the feverish heat that engulfs her skin as I run my fingers over it, sending shivers down my spine.

“Alina, talk to me.” I pleaded, my voice trembling with desperation. Her lips part, but no sound emerges from her mouth. A heavy silence fills the space between us, making it unbearable. “Are you hurt anywhere?”

I wrap my arms around her, feeling the warmth of her body against mine.

“It’s okay, Alina. I’m here. You’re safe.”

The memory of losing her resurfaces in my mind, the raw fear flooding back. I press my lips to her forehead, feeling the warmth of her skin and the softness of her hair against my face.

“I thought I lost you again,” I admit, my voice breaking. “I can’t bear it, Alina. I

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can’t lose you. Why don’t we go back to the cabin? You have to rest to let the fever subside.”

Her eyes flicker with a glimmer of recognition, giving me a surge of hope. Without saying a word, her body eases into mine, offering a sense of solace that I desperately grasp onto. I feel her head resting gently on my shoulder, and with that simple touch, my panic begins to dissipate. Her scent reminds me of home, and it’s where I long to be.

“…-Ke-”

Just as quickly as the calmness spreads through me, I hear her voice, soft and melodic.

I stiffen, feeling a wave of relief wash over me as my lips twitch into a smile.

“Alina?”

“…get…away from…me-”

Suddenly, a searing pain shot through my stomach, blinding me momentarily.

I stumble back, the pain causing a sharp groan to escape my lips.

causing my eyes to widen

Waves of panic surge through me,

what did you-

gaze fixed upon me, her claws stained crimson with my blood. A vacant look settled in her eyes, as if she were watching the scene unfold from

His Eyes:

my hand instinctively clutching the wound, my face betraying the desperation I can’t hide. She lifts her hands, and her sharp claws are aimed directly at me. She stares at them as if they belong to someone else. Apart from the flicker of profound sadness in her eyes,

an uncoordinated manner. The claws on her hands glint ominously, a stark contrast to the gentleness they once held. I raise one of my hands, palms out,

Her claws graze my cheeks, causing a sharp sting as I stagger back. Ignoring the blossoming pain, my focus remains fixed

in my voice

Her claws flash, and in a split second, I duck, narrowly escaping the attack, the rush of air grazing my face. I

it’s in self–defense, I can’t bring myself to

scream, my voice hoarse. “What

recognition dances in their eyes, before disappearing without

heart thumping loudly in my

this! Fucking fight it!”

and distant, a mere shell of the

once knew.

am I supposed to do? It breaks

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to play. There’s no more room to evade her, and I can’t keep finding ways to avoid her. The inevitable clash draws near, and I can feel the tension

x

frustration crashes over me as she charges forward. Anguish and helplessness collide, causing me to stagger backwards as my vision blurs. I fall. The sensation of the cold ground meeting my back amplifies the overwhelming

can’t afford to stay down. Fueled by determination, I push myself up, my muscles straining as I strive to reach her and break through

darkness.

“Alina!”

the air. Our eyes meet, and in that fleeting moment, I see a spark of familiarity before it disappears. It’s a cruel sight, a fleeting glimmer of

a swift motion, I grab

of it,

In her eyes, the turmoil within is evident, a silent war being waged. I cling to the hope that she’ll break free, that the woman I adore will emerge from the shadows with a newfound strength and resilience. But the vacant look returns, and the weight of disappointment settles

of the

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control you. Remember who you are. Remember us. Remember

hold and slashes her sharp claws in my direction. I stumbled backward, taken aback by the unexpectedness of her attack and I let her go. Waves of intense pain shoot through my shoulder, leaving me gasping for

“Fuck!”

desperation. My breathing becomes erratic as I clutch both the gaping wound in my stomach and my shoulder. As blood continues to pour from my wounds, my vision becomes increasingly blurred. I

way

air sends chills down my back. The sound of her footsteps reverberates in my ears, a clear indication of her determined pursuit. My chest tightens as panic takes hold. I can’t keep running from her indefinitely, and the mere idea of her injuring herself in pursuit pains

steal a glance over my shoulder, my eyes barely catching a glimpse of her fleeting figure. With an ethereal grace,

me, she’s