Hope's heart raced as fast as her feet were running, each breath a ragged gasp. She knew she shouldn't, but she risked a look over her shoulder. All was still behind her so far; no one had noticed her escape. Her thin dress, definitely not made for running, was clinging to her curvy frame, damp with sweat. Her long auburn hair cascaded down her back, the waves in her hair bouncing with the motion of her movement.
A light went on behind her. Shit.
Someone had noticed she was gone.
The moon above her shone brightly, more than enough light to guide her way. Hope held her side, a stitch forming there. The pain made it hard to breathe, but she ignored it. She just had to make it past the forest; after that, she would be free.
Rapid footsteps sounded behind her. Fear made her heart beat even faster; he was catching up. Don't look back, she reminded herself. Failing, her head turned. He was close enough she could see his eyes shining brightly in the moonlight.
Stifling a terrified scream, Hope kept running. But she was tiring; he was catching up with every step.
WIth a powerful inhuman leap, he closed the distance and shoved he forward. Hope landed hard on the ground, all the breath knocked out of her. A whimper escaped her lips.
"You thought you could run," he hissed, the sound low and angry. Hope quivered in fear.
"Please," she told him. "Let me go! I won't tell anyone!"
He laughed, the sound cold and hard.
"You think I'll just let my pets leave as they like?" He flipped her over easily, straddling her and pinning her down with his weight. His green eyes flashed. Hope purposely looked away. Don't look at him, don't look at him...