Excerpt
She attempted to steady her breathing that was now coming in short and shallow, and to keep her body from trembling any further. Anything that could give her away would only mean her death. She heard the sound of metal slicing through air then felt the soft petals and leaves as they gently floated atop her head. She covered her mouth to stifle her gasp.
It is only a matter of time! Her racing mind screamed as she fought to keep still.
Her body was aching to run but after a brief moment she viewed it as a foolish idea for she was absolutely certain he could outrun her. Her heart drummed wildly in her ears as she struggled to listen, to hear his footsteps, but the beating in her chest was all she could hear. It seemed even the birds had hushed their songs, knowing danger was near.
Oh, god no. Please no! She cried out frantically in her mind. Do not let him find me! However, her prayers were not to be answered as he sliced through the foliage and towered over her, casting a shadow that seemed to drag on forever. She turned and began to crawl away, urgently, in a desperate attempt at escape. He grabbed her hair, wrapping it around a large hand and with a jerk, pulled her to her feet.
She choked on the scream that threatened to break loose as pain seared every inch of her head. She felt the welling of tears burning her eyes that she refused to allow to surface. After all, any sign of weakness was sheer pleasure to his wicked and crazed mind, one she would not allow. He leaned over her shoulder and the drumming in her ears nearly drowned out all sound.
"So you thought to run from me?" he whispered in her ear. His words were like poison as his hot breath grazed her ear.
She stood silent, frozen in fear.
"Answer me!" he shouted as he tightened his grip, pulling savagely.
She remained soundless. Not a second later an infuriated grunt arose from his throat. It was then she had become aware of the sharp pain in her left side. Looking down she saw the blood that oozed from the wound his blade had delivered seeping into her dress, causing flesh and fabric to stick.
Oh god, he is really going to kill me! She thought wildly and heard the sound of his dagger being raised, the metal slicing through the air. She could see the lethal instrument in his hand above her, red and dripping.
"It will be my pleasure to be the one to rid the world of you!" he hissed as he was about to strike.
She closed her eyes and held her breath, her insides shaking, her pulse racing wildly as she awaited the final blow, which seemed to drag on endlessly. After a moment she could feel his hold loosen and her hair tumble down. She heard the weapon hit the ground and opened her eyes then, drawing a breath, turned quickly. She watched as he fell back, dumbfounded, staring blankly at her.
She stood transfixed as his body collapsed, back arching. Mayla was unsure if she should laugh or cry, or both. She had never seen anyone reach such a horrid end before and it frightened her, yet the relief of surviving his wrath was overwhelming to her senses. She was still looking upon the limp form as she collapsed to her knees.