I stumble t

, but as I peer into it, my heart thuds - hard - in my chest. I sense movement by the window and I immediately rush to it. I'm ju

in my room

re the

s Alex

the guards

, why didn't I t

citement pas

time. I hear voices outside the window, a few seconds later, and I know some of the men have jus

time for m

to be one with the night. I hold onto the window ledge for support as I slip out. Luckily, my room is on the

w seconds. My feet ache slightly, but I stand warily, flexing them while I look around to see if I've been discovered. A quic

ipate father's angry voice stopping me in my t

smell of the approaching winter. As I walk further inside, I become entranced by the sprawling

debut, shining brightly and casting a warm blue light across my pathway. Scuttling rabbits pla

seems to

g outside in the first place. Lost in the beauty and tranquillity, I walk deeper inside,

erily

y packed the trees are, I'm guessing very far inside. Hardly any light makes i

en before turning, I know I wouldn't like what I'll see. Unfo

hulking, with fur so black, they blend in with the darkne

ble air of mena

nd feral. One bite from the

words. I should have been more

oo lat

revealing sharp jagged teeth. Spittle dribbles from it in rivulets

one for when

and let out a