NAMIKO
Pain exploded through my arm, white-hot and sharp.
“Arrg!” I cried out as my body hit the forest ground. Leaves scattered beneath me as the world spun before my eyes.
I clutched my wounded arm on impulse, trying to breathe through the agonizing ache.
But I couldn't stay down, or whoever is trying to kill me would definitely succeed. I promised myself a life, and I can't lose that now.
Ignoring the pain in my arm, I dug my fingers into the dirt and forced myself to move.
“Get up, Namiko, come on. . .” My words came out in a desperate whimper. Tears burned the back of my eyes, but I sniffed them back, clenching my teeth as I gathered the last of my waning strength.
My hands trembled violently, unable to assist me with my weight. I plunged back to the ground, face buried in the
