• Crunch.... Crunch..... Crunch.....
    Pine leaves crackle underfoot. The girl cautiously surveys her surroundings. Watchful grey eyes dart, deep and long of lid. Golden, red, brown leaves tumble to the forest floor, a whisper of sound and motion. But her ears ignore those meaningless whispers.
    She has more to listen for. Something to fear.
    A blurr of motion causes her to whip around; in shock, in fear.
    An arrow sticks in the tree, inches from her head. She knows the next one will shoot to the heart. Her heart races, just as her bare feet race across the forest floor. The hunters footsteps follow; heavy, unlike her light feet. A hand darts out, catches her long dark hair. She knows the chase is over before the knife rakes across her throat.
    Blood on the ground. Soaking the pine needles; the leaves of gold, red and brown. The light fades from those wide grey eyes.
    It's over.