Trembling, his breaths coming out as short, ragged gasps, Vai remained under the bed. His heart was pounding against his rib cage, like a wronged prisoner demanding freedom. The footsteps were growing louder, the ear-peircing screech of a sword being dragged across the floor echoing in his ears. Vai held his breath. A bead of sweat dripped down his forehead, along with a small crimson dot of blood from the earlier cut he had obtained.

A man’s voice suddenly called out across the room, “I’m not playing hide and seek, _boy_, so I’ll pick up the pace.” The man’s footsteps ceased for a few moments, Vai could see his black boots from under the bed.

“I’ll count to three…” the man continued.

Vai fumbled with his dagger, drawing it silently from its sheathe. He had to aime for the throat, like what his father told him.

“One…”

Vai positioned himself to be ready to pounce out from under the bed.

“Two…”

The hilt of his dagger was slick with sweat, forcing him to clutch tightly at the dagger, his knuckles going ivory-white.

“Three.”

At that moment, Vai leapt out from under the bed, his dagger raised. He brought the dagger down, and… he felt a cold, vice-like grip on his wrist, preventing him from moving his weapon hand. Tentatively, he looked up to be face-to-face with the exact man who was chasing him. He blanched.

“Your time is up. Better run!” The man called, releasing his wrist and smirking nefariously. Vai stumbled back, scrambling to regain his purchase on the ground. He turned and darted down the corridor. His feet were racing with his heart, small whimpers escaping his throat as he ran. Thumping footsteps followed behind, a malicious smirk on the man’s face.

Panic gripping him like an ice cold hand, Vai turned a corner, only to be met witha dead end. _Crap…_

He turned to look at his pursuer.

“This experience has been… delightful, boy, but, unfortunately, all good things come to an end...”