Chapter 2 STRANDED

Eyes cloudy, I stumble to my bedroom.

As soon as I step inside, I immediately sense something's not right. My room is pitch black. I've never been one to fear the dark, 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 just in time to see a figure dropping onto the ground and running at a fast pace, into the surrounding trees lining the pack house.

Someone was in my room. . . again.

Where are the guards?

Where's Alexander?

Why didn't the guards alert Father?

More importantly, why didn't I tell anyone sooner?

A zing of excitement passes though me.

I'm not going to let this slide. Whoever came in here thinks he can get away with it but not this time. I hear voices outside the window, a few seconds later, and I know some of the men have just come back in from night patrol. It will take a short time for replacements to take their place.

This is the time for me to strike.

I change quickly into a black hoodie - making sure to shuck my long hair into it - and black leggings. I need to be one with the night. I hold onto the window ledge for support as I slip out. Luckily, my room is on the first floor. The climb down is easy, until my left foot slips, and I go sliding down without any resistance.

There's nothing to break my fall so when I land on the ground in an ungainly heap, it's hard, and makes me see stars for a few seconds. My feet ache slightly, but I stand warily, flexing them while I look around to see if I've been discovered. A quick scan shows nothing is out of order. I hunch my back and start to run toward the trees which are only a short distance away.

My heart is beating a mile a minute as I anticipate father's angry voice stopping me in my tracks. Thankfully, nothing of the sort happens.

Once I'm completely swallowed up by the trees, my heart beat slows and I inhale the crisp, clear smell of the approaching winter. As I walk further inside, I become entranced by the sprawling trees and their creaking branches. The height of each seeming to soar far and beyond into the sky.

The sky is speckled with stars which cast silvery streaks across it, while the moon makes its debut, shining brightly and casting a warm blue light across my pathway. Scuttling rabbits play under goatees of hanging moss while berries lay ripening under the leafy floor of the woods.

The woods seems to be alive.

Joy blossoms wildly inside of me and I splay my hands wide, forgetting my reason for being outside in the first place. Lost in the beauty and tranquillity, I walk deeper inside, loosing track of myself and time until I stop suddenly, the realization crashing into me.

It's eerily quiet.

I don't know how far inside I've walked, but judging from how dense and tightly packed the trees are, I'm guessing very far inside. Hardly any light makes it's way down. I realize I've lost my way when I can't seem to find my bearings.

Suddenly, my skin prickles, and the hair on my skin rises. Even before turning, I know I wouldn't like what I'll see. Unfortunately, nothing prepares me for the sight that greets me.

About eight to ten wolves surround me. They're huge, and hulking, with fur so black, they blend in with the darkness of the forest. Their eyes shine with malevolent intent.

There's a palpable air of menace about them.

Rogues are very dangerous and feral. One bite from them and you'll turn into one.

I should have heeded Alexander's words. I should have been more careful. I should have listened.

It's too late now.

One of them opens its massive jaw and let's out a snarl, it's mouth revealing sharp jagged teeth. Spittle dribbles from it in rivulets and I know it's just waiting to sink those sharp teeth into my skin.

I know I'm done for when it charges.

I close my eyes and let out a wordless scream.