1 Prologue

The wind howled angrily in the night sky as I bumped into trees and tripped over logs. It was so powerful against my small frame, pushing me off balance with each stride.

The only guide in the darkness was the moonlight peeking through the thunderous rain clouds. The moon Goddess must be angry tonight.

The air was thick and suffocating me with each breath.

Rain stung my face as my pace picked up faster and faster competing with my heartbeat.

I was completely soaked. I was afraid. I was hurt, but I still felt stronger than I had in a long time.

I kept running, faster and faster as my legs grew tired and weak. The thorns in my feet no longer hurt. I became more numb the longer I ran. I couldn't feel pain from my wounds. They would be healed soon. They always did.

I didn't care if my heart bursts from trying to run away. I didn't care if I was killed or hurt. This is where I would take back my freedom. This is where I take back my life or whatever I could salvage of it.

I will never stop running until I was greeted by death or free.

Death would be better than what I had endured all these years.

My white dress, stained with blood, was ripped all around with pieces of the material falling off, blowing in the wind as I moved rapidly through the night, trying desperately to outrun them. I was freezing with such a little bit of clothing covering me, but I didn't care.

My blood was hot and took the edge off the sting of the cold. One chance was all I had. There was no room for mistakes. I tried to control my breathing as fog escaped my lips with each breath.

The less noise I made, the better it was for my survival.

I could hear the swiftness of creatures nearby as the forest trees hit their form. They were following me...hunting me.

If the dark stalkers get to me before I make it out of the forest, it's over. I will be killed most certainly, but I couldn't go back now.

I couldn't face it any longer. I couldn't be a prisoner for the rest of my life. Life is meant to live, not to die slowly in the darkness of your despair. My thoughts kept me pushing myself as hard as I could.

Tree leaves cut my face as I pushed through the trails. The growls were growing nearer as the shadows grew closer. I could feel them.

The dark energy penetrated my aura. I could smell them. I pushed myself harder.

I can do this. I thought, as my heart raced.

The church was not too much further. I hope someone would be there to let me in.

The church was protected by a darkness as well. I wasn't sure if it would protect me, but I had to try.

The stories spoke of a horrible beast that lived in the church. He violently slain many who came there to do harm. He was the guardian.

I was ready to take my chances with anyone other than the person who owned my soul contract. He wouldn't have the satisfaction of taking my life.

Hot air stung the back of my neck as I desperately ran towards sanctuary. Oh no! Please no! The growls were so close. I was almost there...