Page 40 of The Tracker's Revenge

“Please, Toni. Hurry!” Eric’s voice came from behind me in a soft whisper. I whirled around, eyes flicking from left to right, my skin itching.

15, 14, 13 ...

“I don’t like this, Eric,” I said, my mouth moving in a dozen different places, the mirror reflecting my plea back at me.

It’s just a game. Just a game. He’s trying to trigger yourfleetingskill. Chill!

“Hurry!” His voice sounded truly scared.

What if he’s really in danger?

11, 10, 9 ...

Either way, he wanted me to do this fast, so I had to try. I rushed around the room, looking behind all the mirrors and ignoring my own reflection as it tried to fool me. I moved deeper and deeper into the room, my eyes roving all around, trying to catch a glimpse of Eric, but all I found were more mirrors and more panicked-looking Tonis.

7, 6, 5 ...

A growl of pain broke through my loud panting. I veered right, following the sound.

“Eric!” I exclaimed when I caught a glimpse of his red shirt on one of the mirrors. I lurched in that direction, then realized it was a reflection so he must be behind me. I whirled, but he wasn’t there. Still nothing but a reflection.

4, 3, 2 ...

At a loss, I moved closer, pressed a trembling hand to the cool surface. As soon as my fingertips came in contact with it, the reflection disappeared.

“You weren’t fast enough,” Eric said from behind me.

I froze for a second, then turned slowly to face him.

He stood there, his right hand wrapped around his left forearm. Blood seeped between his fingers. He was bending over and panting.

“What the...? How did you get hurt?”

“You weren’t fast enough,” he repeated.

I shook my head. “Are you implying that—”

“Youhaveto be faster this time.” He took a step back and disappeared into one of the mirrors.

I reached a hand out to stop him, but he was already gone. “No!”

The seconds reset on the clock, but only to ten!

10, 9, 8 ...

“Find me. Quick!” His voice echoed throughout the room, and this time, there was more than panic in it.

I didn’t waste time and started searching for him with the knowledge that I only had a few seconds before... before... I didn’t know exactly what, but I had to move quickly.

7, 6, 5 ...

Panic suffused me, coursing through my veins like hot venom. My limbs tingled, my vision blurred, and for a second, I thought I would start fleeting, but instead, I only staggered forward and fell to my knees.

4, 3, 2 ...

Eric let out another growl of pain. I glanced up and caught his reflection in the mirror to my left. Without hesitation, I flung to the right, my arms out. They wrapped around Eric’s legs. Using my weight, I tackled him to the floor.

He fell with athudand a curse.