Book 19: Run

Oakley

I’m not sure where I am. If it’s the Goddess’ afterlife, Her Golden Kingdom that awaits all true believers when they pass have been massively led astray. 

I’m freezing. My skin feels like ice as I blink into hazy, silver light that bleeds through the shadows of a forest. Raindrops slither from dark green leaves and fall onto my cheeks and neck, sliding like tears. Or, I’m crying, which would make a great deal of sense, seeing as I feel like I’ve been through a meat grinder. I’m lying on my back when my memories begin to sizzle back into focus. My last lucid memory registers. The thing that rose over the plains, with its black wings and grizzly, terrifying snout. Its teeth, barbed tail, and scale-like armor that was so black it seemed endless. 

My breath comes in quick gulps. I slowly lift my head, taking in my scraped up, naked b