Book 16: A Coward

Lexa

The forest comes alive. My wolf’s body glides unsteadily over roots and rocks, the moss cool under my soft, recently unused paws. My heartbeat drives adrenaline through my veins as I barrel, often losing my balance and sliding over the unfamiliar terrain. The smells are all wrong. The creeks that run through the forest like veins drift in different directions every time I pass, making it impossible to gauge where I am and what direction I’m traveling, but I keep running. I don’t know what else to do against this beast of mist still pursuing me deeper into the woods other than lie down and stay as quiet as possible, like on the beach, but I made that mistake before.

I didn’t fight. I watched everyone get killed instead. It’s a regret I’ll carry for the rest of my life.

The beast shrieks as it gains ground, coming up behind me with its talons