STORY STARTER
Submitted by Tangerine!
'...and that was the moment that I realized it wasn’t ever the plan for me to make it out alive.'
Write a story which opens or finishes with this line.
The trap
'...and that was the moment that I realized it wasn’t ever the plan for me to make it out alive.'
The door closed behind me with an insidious click. I felt my breath catch, a small sound escaping as I realized there was no going back. The memories rushed back like a great dam suddenly and horrifyingly opened, and I knew.
Too late I struggled, searching for a way out. A desperation rose within me like a meal gone bad, I felt my skin prickle and heat as my heart pounded at my ribs, frantically seeking escape just as I did.
I felt firm hands tighten at my neck, stifling a cry as I was lifted, almost effortlessly. I was helpless in this place, fully at the mercy of the demonic beasts who now loomed above me. The stared at me, eyes cold, communicating with each other in their alien, lilting tongue. I caught some of their tone, some meaning slipping through, but it was so, so difficult. Did they seek pleasure from this grim task? Enjoyment in the brutalization of another? Did I even mean that much to them?
My panic overwhelmed me, emotions clouding my judgement. I recalled such a short time ago the elation I had felt upon setting out upon this journey. I felt a fool, to be tricked so easily by the promise of adventure and exploration, a child shown a shiny new toy at great, unknown cost.
Never again.
One of the two demons turned away, my mind raced. Where did they go? What further torturous devices would they inflict upon me? I looked to the other, their hands shifted on my neck, almost rhythmically. They leaned closer, murmuring something to me, something I almost understood. It was something I had heard before, more times than I could count, it was soft, familiar, almost… calming?
But no! It was wrong! This whole this was twisted, artificial, like poison wrapped in meat. I knew what they did and they could not trick me.
I snarled at them, daring them to get closer, preparing myself for the blow even as a showed them my teeth.
They leaned back, a horrible lilting cry escaping them. For some reason this filled me with even more dread. I may have seen through them, but they knew they were in control. There was nothing I could do.
The other returned, I caught sight of something in one of their claws before it was hidden from me and I was turned. I fought, of course, but how does one fight against a force of nature. The evil of this place was far, far too strong.
They moved me, stretched limbs, examining and testing. It was all I could do to keep my faculties. The initial panic was subsiding, but a deep dread had taken its place. Festering and growing like a wound untreated. I knew it would not be long now.
There was a sudden, horrifying jolt. I spike of cold along my spine like a thorn thrust deep into my core.
This is the end, I only wish I could have…
The door swings back open, and there they are, my family.
A fierce hope ignites in my chest as they stand, resplendent in the doorway, their booming voice chasing away the demons who hold me. My family are clever, and I know they will free me. The smallest amongst them races forward, taking me from the demon with soft surety.
I curl into them, involuntarily. They curl around me, and I feel them shaking as my fear fades.
Time passes in a blur. Suddenly the world is light again, and I am free. We leave, and I spare a single look back.
Never again, I promise myself.
I will never again allow myself to become victim of the Vet.