Branches scratched at my face, the wind howling past my ears as I pushed my battered body forward. My lungs burned, my legs felt like they would give out at any second, but I couldn't stop. The rogue was right behind me, his snarls growing louder, closer.
I swerved sharply to the left, my feet slipping slightly on the damp earth, but I forced myself to keep moving. The forest was dense, its shadows deepening as the last traces of daylight bled away. If I didn't lose him soon, I would be too exhausted to fight back when he caught me.
Think, Vanessa. Think.
Ahead, a massive tree lay uprooted, its thick, gnarled trunk forming a natural bridge over a small ravine. My heart pounded. It was risky-the drop below was steep, jagged rocks littering the bottom-but it was my only chance.
Gritt
