The Mating Run by Leeka

In His Eyes: Memories

Zeke’s POV

The soft glow of dawn seeps through the cracks in the cabin, casting a gentle light on Alina’s still form. I wake up with a start, a knot of worry forming in my chest. Something feels off, and the quiet hum of the forest outside does little to ease the

unease.

Carefully, I untangle myself from the makeshift bed, the creaking floor beneath my feet betraying my movements. Alina remains nestled in sleep, her breathing erratic. I hover over her, concern etching lines on my forehead. Her forehead feels warm to the touch, and a frown deepens as I realize she’s running a fever.

I try to gently shake her awake, but she remains completely still, her face contorting with every twist and turn as the fever takes hold of her.

“You’ve got a fever. Hold on, I’ll be right back.”

Stepping outside, I am greeted by the forest’s fresh morning air, while a rusty bucket catches my eye. One of the sponsors gave me a gift, and it seems like I accidentally left it there. The metal feels cold and unforgiving as I wrap my fingers around it.

With the bucket in hand, I walk over to the gurgling stream and fill it with cool, clear water before heading back to the cabin. Carefully, I immerse a cloth in the cool water, wringing it out to just the right dampness before softly gliding it across her forehead, careful not to hit her bruise. Even in her sleep, she shivers at the touch, feeling the cool water against her fevered skin.

“Sorry if it’s cold,” I murmur, my thumb brushing away a stray strand of her hair. “But we’ve gotta bring that fever down.”

As I finish brushing Alina with the cool water, a low rumble emanates from my stomach, reminding me of my hunger. The chaotic struggle for survival had consumed my every thought, leaving little room to even consider the growling

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Intus Kyes: Memories

hunger in my stomach or the passing of time since my last meal. As I watch her peaceful form, a silent promise etches itself in my heart – she needs nourishment, a key to her recovery.

I lean in and plant a tender kiss on Alina’s cheek as she stirs in her sleep, savoring the softness of her skin. “I’ll bring you some food.”

Before setting off into the forest, I make sure to attend to both our bandages, ensuring they are clean and secure. Alina remains oblivious, lost in the cocoon of dreams. My hands moved with careful precision, wrapping each bandage with practiced expertise.

My eyes are drawn to a glint, revealing a small, weathered knife placed on an improvised shelf. Although its blade is worn and weathered, this tool has become an indispensable part of my daily routine. As I reach for it, the weight of the knife in my hand feels reassuringly familiar. I could feel a surge of power awakening within me, as if my instincts were preparing for another exhilarating hunt.

Outside again, the air is a mix of earthy scents and the promise of the unknown.

The forest watches as I step over the threshold, a lone figure navigating its vast expanse. The cameras, hidden among the foliage, track my every move, yet the weight of Alina’s well–being rests solely on my shoulders.

I pause, unable to tear my gaze away from our humble cabin, the memories flooding back with each passing second. Despite my desire to stay by Alina’s side as she sleeps, I am left with no option but to leave. I turn away with a sigh, my determination growing stronger as I feel the gnawing hunger in my belly.

The forest embraces me, its towering trees forming a serene, noiseless ceiling. Navigating the twists and turns of the familiar paths, I rely on my hunter’s instinct to guide me. With each step, the rustle of leaves beneath my feet amplifies, resonating through the forest and igniting my senses, making me acutely aware of my surroundings.

As the leaves rustle, a small creature scurries through the underbrush, making its presence known. The knife in my hand feels like a natural extension of my intent, empowering me with a sense of control. With a swift movement, I secure a small

adrenaline

creature in my hand, I make my way back

cabin.

gentle sound of Alina’s breathing, indicating that she was still fast asleep. I noticed that her breathing had become less shallow, a hopeful sign since I had been away.

thoroughly, ensuring that all the skin is removed before skewering the meat on a stick. With

a Hupnos, I can only imagine the hazy fog that fills their mind, making it hard to think clearly. I know that their life expectancy

my vision to blur as I clumsily shift in my

smell. But I know it’s too late, I can feel the smoke coating my lungs

to do within the Mating Run, the Alpha eagerly provided me with detailed explanations about their elaborate strategies to achieve their desired outcome

smoke that turns Hunters into aggressive beasts. A smoke that can really mess with people’s

Eyes:

a hurry to wrap up

that billows from the ground, I can’t help but feel like the universe is toying with me. Uncertainty hangs heavy in the air, causing me to tense

something completely

the cabin

鏡

the shifting shadows dance across her face, captivating my attention. The moment our gazes

detachment that has taken its place. The way she looks at me is filled with curiosity,

mine, I can feel the hesitancy that fractures the deep connection we once had. Urgently, I stress the importance of my words, laden with concern. “Cover your nose. There’s something

head. I’m not sure if she’s intentionally ignoring the smell or if she genuinely doesn’t notice it, but she carries on without flinching. The smoke–filled air seemed to have left a subtle blush on her cheeks, making it difficult to determine if it was the cause or her fever. With a hungry look in her eyes, Alina slowly approaches me, her tongue flicking across

Without fail, I kept my hand covering my nose, trying to

nose.”

matter how hard I try, she’s not listening, lost in her

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Eves

and filled with an unspoken desire. With soft and curious fingers, she begins to trace the shape of my exposed chest, igniting a tingling sensation throughout my body. As she looks at me from under her lashes, a lump forms in my throat, and a

be the

anticipation and vulnerability washes over me, causing a low groan to escape my lips. As her fingertips make contact with my skin, a wave of heightened awareness washes over me, stirred

of sensations, I reflexively attempt to

away.

drawn together in an irresistible magnetic embrace, and I am captivated by the alluring closeness of her presence. Without

in, her warm breath tickling my

“You smell good.”

to the irresistible attraction, allowing myself to be pulled into the gravitational force of her captivating presence. Her warm breath against my skin sends a shiver down my spine, and

her up and bringing her back into the cabin. It became a whirlwind of arms and legs, a chaotic jumble of bodies colliding and grappling with one

I placed my hand on her hip, I could feel the softness of her skin

Sun, 10 Mar