Ruin (Rhodes #1) by Rina Kent

                             The sound of my inhales and exhales heighten, filling the silent darkness. It rings in my ears like a trapped animal’s voice.

                             With shaky fingers, I tuck my hair back and wipe my sweaty forehead.

                             The smell of dust and a hint of humidity invade my nostrils. The monsters in the dark threaten to reappear. I focus on my surroundings to block them out.

                             There must be an exit. I’m sure my kidnapper doesn’t live here. Or does he?

                             What is this place, anyway?

                             It’s too big for a basement. The long corridors are a sou-terrain city all on their own. They’re freaking endless.

                             “Mae...”

                             Although it comes from a distance, I hold my breath at the now-familiar voice.

                             No way.

                             He still talks and sounds normal?

                             I struck him with all my might. With a metal plate no less. He’s supposed to at least pass out for a while, right?

                             Or was I that weak?

                             “I’m not in the mood to hunt, so don’t force me, lamb.” His voice is calm, modulated as if he’s a programmed robot. “If you show up now, I may not hurt you.” A pause. “For long.”

                             Sick, sick bastard!

                             I jump to my feet. I can’t pinpoint the sudden energy’s source, but pain and fear blur in the background. I bolt towards the unknown. Walls fade into an endless sprout of grey.

                             “Last chance, mouse.” His voice grows far as if he’s speaking from another dimension.

                             I smile. I’m losing him.

                             Damn the psycho. What’s with lamb and mouse?

                             I’ll turn into a snake and bite him in the face.

                             Aching pain kicks back into my muscles. Is this corridor ever going to end?

                             After what seems like hours, irregular long stairs come into view. My heart thunders with something different than tiredness.

                             Joy. Hope. Success.

                             Yes!

                             I leap to the stairs, ending the nightmare.

                             “It took you long enough.”

                             I jump back, yelping.

                             A dark silhouette appears from my right. Out of freaking nowhere.

                             Icy coldness washes over my core.