Laurel
In the dark woods, the moonlight lit our path.
“Here we are, love.” Haakon crooned as he set me down. He grinned at me as if we’d met in a tavern and he’d wooed me, instead of breaking into a holy sanctuary and carrying me off in the middle of the night.
“Who are you?” I cried. “What is this? Why have you taken me? Why are you here?” I shook, teeth chattering as they did when I was afraid.
He touched a finger to my lips.
“Do not fear,” he said gently. “You’re safe now. We are here to protect you.”
“Then leave us alone,” I cried, remembering my frightened friends.
“We cannot. If you stay behind, a great evil will claim you. It is on its way, even now. Without our rescue, you will lose your life.”
“What?”
A howl went up, an otherworldly sound. A great wind rushed passed us.
