The Mating Run by Leeka

In His Eyes: Adieu

Zeke’s POV

A wave of determination swept over me as I surveyed my companions, their faces set in grim determination.

Standing beside me, Alina’s face showed the evidence of a fierce battle, with bruises and scratches marring her features. A silent fire of determination burned in her dark eyes, reflecting her unwavering resolve. The moment our eyes met, she offered a warm smile and a subtle nod of recognition. Nearby, Ettie stood with a resolute expression, her arms crossed firmly over her chest. The dimly lit alcove revealed the haunting sight of bruises marred across her skin, some of which were self–inflicted, and a bandaged bruise on her neck provided an additional grim detail.

And then there was Victor, his face contorted with a mix of agony and fury, his nose visibly swollen and blood streaming down his face from Alina’s forceful strike. As he struggled against the ropes that bound him, his eyes burned with venomous anger, his fists clenched tightly at his sides.

Inhaling deeply, I braced myself, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness for what awaited me.

“We need to make this look convincing,” My voice, low and intense, conveyed my message, though I directed most of my words towards Victor. I fixed my gaze on him, studying his every expression, desperately hoping he grasped the gravity of the situation. “You might think this only helps us, but it helps you, too. The sooner you help us leave, the sooner we’ll stop bothering you.”

Despite his muttered complaints, Victor’s weary expression betrayed his own longing to depart. Moreover, the scarcity of food in the forest was becoming increasingly apparent as the number of contenders diminished day by day. It was nothing short of a surprise that all four of us remained trapped and unable to get

out.

With a firm nod, Alina’s eyes sparkled with determination, her voice steady and

resolute.

“We’ll do whatever it takes to get out of here.”

Ettie stepped forward, her eyes darting back and forth between us. “I’ll make sure it looks real. But we need to be careful. If we mess this up, it could mean the

end for all of us.”

The plan was simple. We had to make it look like we were fighting amongst ourselves, like we were willing to tear each other apart to get out of this hellhole. The key to everything lies with Victor’s father. With his power, he has the ability to free us from this ongoing nightmare, and finally bring an end to the Mating Run. However, in order to do that, Victor had no choice but to plead and beg him for his intervention on our behalf.

Victor, naturally, wasn’t too enthusiastic about the idea. He thought it was a lost cause, that his father wouldn’t lift a finger to help us. However, we were left with no other option. Time was slipping away, and the urgency of the situation pressed upon us. If we didn’t take action soon, our fate would be sealed in this

place.

realistic. We put on a show for the cameras, our voices raised and faces contorted with anger, creating the illusion of a heated conflict. Swinging punches and spewing hateful

–

to the gut he knew that we were about to subject him to the humiliating plea for his father’s mercy, as the camera loomed ominously. But he had no choice. If he wanted to survive and experience the outside world once more, he had no choice but to play along.

and hoisted him up from the ground, feeling the fabric of his shirt tighten in my grip. His limbs hung limply, as if they were made of lead, but I paid no mind. As I released the ropes that held him captive, I gave him a powerful shove towards the closest camera,

Ettle trailed behind, their eyes ablaze with a resolute

breath, Victor stumbled forward, desperately trying to regain his balance. With his eyes darting around in a state of panic, the atmosphere grew heavy with

opened his mouth to speak, to plead with his father for mercy, a wave of panic washed over me as he suddenly bolted away. My anger surged through me, causing my blood to boll as I unleashed a torrent of curses and leapt forward, my hand outstretched to seize him before he could escape.

“F**k!”

as she ran after him. She quickly turned her head,

veins, Victor’s running skills left much to be desired. After running for a few seconds, I could hear his breath becoming louder and more labored as

a blur as she forcefully brought him down to the ground. The sound of Victor’s cry echoed through the air as his body crumpled beneath Ettie’s weight, hitting the dirt. With haste, I lunged forward, seizing Victor by the collar and hoisting him up with a swift, abrupt motion. I could feel his resistance as he

do you think you’re going, huh?” My growl rumbled deep in my throat, a low and menacing sound as I locked eyes with him. “You

and his eyes glared back at me, seething with a mixture of anger and defiance. “You think I’m scared of you, Zeke? You think

any

you? You’re all just a bunch of pathetic losers.”

anger intensified, I could feel my fists tightening at my sides, my body trembling with pent–up frustration. I made a conscious effort to stay collected, to prevent my emotions from overwhelming me. I couldn’t allow Victor’s words to penetrate my

do as you’re told,” I spat, my voice dripping with venom. “We’re getting out

camera, Victor’s resolve faltered, his steps slowing and uncertainty

audible over the roar of the crowd. “Please, just let me go. I don’t want

words were met with silence, as if they disappeared into thin air. We had traveled a long distance, and there was no way we would turn back now or allow him to escape from our grasp. No matter the obstacles that lay ahead, we were unwavering in our determination to see this through to the end.

there, my heart pounding in my chest, as Victor’s

the air.

“Victor Craft.”

determined whisper. I couldn’t believe my eyes as all the cameras suddenly swiveled towards him, their

we stood there, caught off guard by the unforeseen camera change, a heavy sense of anticipation hung in the air, waiting to see how

message to my

muscles tightening as I listened intently, waiting for what would come next. This was the moment we had been waiting for opportunity to finally break

our

ringing out with authority.