The torch had burnt out a while ago and still she kept searching. He had asked her to meet him by the small creek, and he never showed. Maybe he was hurt by her revelations to him earlier in the day. While attempting to find her way back and not tear her gown or dirty it, she had become lost. Nearly overwhelmed with utter disappointment and chiding herself for her foolishness. She heard a noise, a bare snapping of a twig. Stopping and looking around slowly, a small growl reached her ears and made her heart jump in her chest.
Eyes wide, she began to run, slowly. More cracking of branches and animal noises surrounded her. Making her feet move faster, caring not any longer for the gown, one of her best, with fabrics imported from afar. Her heart beating a million times a minute. Her breath making her throat raspy as she desperately tried to find some source, some landmark that she was on the right path home. A growl from the front made her dart off quickly to the left into the deepest part of the forest.
Stumbling, she quickly regained her balance and kept moving. Continually running, losing a slipper in the process, tears streaming down her face. The noises had stopped. She stopped, looking around and clinging to a tree for safety, to catch her wind, to try to figure out what to do next.
Then another snap, so close. No God! Save me! She was off again... This time running even quicker. Hands lifting her skirts high above her knees, she felt the savage branches tearing at her skin and clothing.
Hours passed as this unknown assailant hunted her. Hearing the nearly inhuman growls and the nearness of the predator, seemingly maneuvered against the noises of the night, when this one was certain she would hear it, feel it deep in her soul. With only a few moments reprieve interspersed with running for her life.
During one of those moments, she felt something encase her ankle and started to run, but fell face first into the thick undergrowth of the forest. She could barely see lights up ahead, presumably from the castle where she resided with her Father and Mother. If only the guards would hear her cries. But, what if this individual would kill her before they got there. It would be best to wait for the perfect opportunity. Then she felt the hot breath on the back of her neck and the clawed hand on her wrist. Her gown was being shredded violently. Ribbons and lace tearing into her bosom as it was heaved from her body. Being tossed about to allow this transgressor easier access to rid her body of all fabric.