Page 30 of The Hunted

14

Raven

(First Hunt)

Opening the door, one of the manor staff hands me a white box tied with a black ribbon. I accept it, and he nods before turning to leave. The door clicks shut.

What is it?

For such a large box, it’s surprisingly light.

I untie the bow and pull back the black tissue paper to reveal a white flowing dress with a fitted bodice. I pull it out, and it drapes to the floor around my feet.

I’ve been chosen. Jesus Christ! I’m not ready for this! I just got here!

Lea comes in, and her face falls when she sees me holding the dress.

“You’ve been chosen for the Hunt.”

It’s not a question.

“It’ll be okay, Raven. I know this seems early, but it will be okay. I’ll help you prepare.”

Lea told me she was here for three months before she was chosen. I’ve barely gotten to ask around about my sister. Most of the time I just listen to the other girls talk and ask them about Scarlett in a manner that doesn’t draw attention to myself and my true mission here. I try to stay as invisible as possible, getting away as fast as I can if I think a man is trying to approach me.

A lot of good trying to stay hidden did me.

My hands tremble as I pull the dress on. It feels like a noose around my neck.

“Breathe girl, breathe. You’ll manage. I was afraid my first time, too.” Lea zips the dress for me and it’s tight, suffocating me. I can’t respond. She’s talking, trying to distract me from my nerves, but honestly, I don’t hear a word she says. My own thoughts consume me as I sink into a nearby chair.

Soon, I’ll be having sex with a complete stranger after they hunt me through the woods like I’m a fucking deer. Who will win me? Will I be attracted to him? Will I enjoy it? Oh God, what if I enjoy it? What does that say about me? What if I hate it? I can’t say no. I can’t blow my cover. Jesus, why did I come here?

The million questions plaguing my mind are momentarily stopped by a knock on the door.

“They’re here for you,” Lea says, and she helps me up from the chair that I’m clinging to for dear life.

I pad in my bare feet toward the door and slowly turn the knob. The same man who brought me the dress stands before me.

“Miss Wyatt, we are ready for you.” He raises his hand for mine, and when I accept it, he pulls me from the suite.

I glance back at Lea, and she offers a small smile as I leave the room and head toward my first Hunt.

My legs shake with every step down the hall. My escort stops at the door to the gardens and turns to me.

“You may begin whenever you are ready, Miss. The gentlemen are awaiting your entrance. As soon as you walk through that door, The Hunt begins.”

He slightly bows in my direction then turns and stands with his back against the wall as he waits for me to exit.

My heart pounds in my chest. My breaths come short and fast. My palms dampen.

Is this what a panic attack feels like?

I have to do this. If I don’t go through it, I’ll be escorted from the premises. I’ll lose any chance I may have of finding Scarlett.

With strength I truly don’t possess, I push open the door, and the wind blows through my hair.

I take a deep breath, and I run.

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