Page 177 of Wild Embers
I’ve only taken a couple of steps when a bush beside the path rattles.
My grip on the lead tightens, forcing the polyester fibers to bite into my palm.
It’s a squirrel.
Or a bird.
Except it’s winter. Squirrels hibernate, and birds fly south.
Quickening my pace, I pull Shadow rather than lead her like I’m supposed to. My breath turns into shallow gasps as my chest rises and falls in rapid succession.
A blur of warm gray darts in my path and emits a low growl.
Bear’s protective stance in front of Shadow and me turns into a predatory bow.
A drop of sweat rolls down my spine as my knees tremble, threatening to give out.
My voice is tight, cracking slightly as I shout into the trees. “H–hello?”
Nothing.
My words don’t even echo through the wooded area.
Forcing my pitch up an octave, I call out again. “If someone is out there…”
Nothing.
The trees don’t sway.
The snow doesn’t fall.
The stab of terror in my gut is almost unbearable.
Keeping my attention on our surroundings, I turn Shadow back around. “Okay, that’s enough walking for today. Let’s go back.”
Bear takes the lead this time, setting a jogging pace for the three of us.
My breaths come harder.
Quicker.
Heavier.
I’m no longer a princess in an enchanted fairytale. I’m more like the damsel running away from the mysterious evil spirit that haunts her.
A deafening crash reverberates through the wood.
My heart stops, and I’m unable to move.
Fear takes over every muscle in my body.
Shadow lets out a squeal and stomps her hooves, while Bear takes up his hostile stance, showing his teeth as he growls at the threat.
A crack of a fallen branch.
The snap of a twig.
Oh God.
