Shadows Can Be Trusted

Chapter 1: Running Away

Yuma's Pov 

My breathing was heavy and I could feel my lungs growing tired as I continued to run. 'I can't let them catch me....I can't!' I looked over my shoulder to catch a glimpse of the townspeople chasing me, to my inner dismay they were still close behind and I suddenly knew no amount of running would save me. I inwardly sighed as I figured they would continue to chase me until they got the privilege to kill me. I turned my head forward once more, this time my eyes frantically searching for a place to hide and catch my breath. Moments of searching slipped away quickly along with the distance between me and the followers. My eyes finally landed on the thick trees of the forest. It was just a short jog away, I didn't know if my legs could take much more strain but I concluded it was my best shot of survival at the moment. I changed my direction and pushed myself to run faster,when I reached my hopefully salvation I ducked into the shadows of the trees and jumped behind a close by boulder. Hoping and praying that my attackers had lost sight of me or would just run past my hiding place. I crawled deeper into the wooded area with the hopes of losing them. I heard shuffling feet, the sound caused my heart to pound and I stopped crawling among the bushes. Though after a few moments of nothing I came to the realization they'd stopped....as if they didn't dare follow me into the woods.I tensed once more as one began to speak.

"Ha! She's done for now" "Stupid creature...!" They cursed at me, they spoke as if I had just signed my fate when I entered the woods. 'What did they mean I'm done for...?' I questioned myself internally as I allowed my eyes to wonder about the dim surroundings as I heard the mob's voices and insults slowly fade away as they retreated back to the village. I wasted no time and stood to my feet, no matter the consequences I had to keep moving. I didn't want to chance the idea they would regroup and come in after me. I ran deeper into the forest with my legs feeling like jelly. My whole body ached as I continued to jog quickly, my throat was dry and thirsty. Even though I passed many different puddles I dared not to drink from them. I had no clue if the water was even safe to drink....or if it was even water. I had no idea where I was running, just that I had to get far away and to safety before I could come to a stop and rest my tired legs. As I ran I searched my surroundings for what seemed like the hundredth time in the last half hour, surely there had to be something around me that would indicate a way out of the forest or even clue me on someone else being close by to help me, sadly though I saw nothing of the sorts. I left out an exhausted sigh before I stretched my legs and went back to jogging among the gray dimmed woods.

I ran for what seemed like forever, continuing to look around as I went but I was no longer looking for anything particular... I was just looking to look. Moments before I was going to give up and stop to breathe I ran right into what felt like a wall...only the wall fell with me. I let out a cry of confusion and fear as I closed my eyes tightly and allowed gravity to bring me down and onto the forest floor....well at least I assumed that's what I was now laying on, it was hard and cold and from my earlier observations the ground looked hard and cold. I slowly opened my eyes, expecting to see brown soil...instead I was met with pale colored skin. My eyes widened and I panicked, 'human skin?! What the heck am I touching right now!...?' I heard someone groan, they sounded close by. "Gosh Lady....what the heck?...!" It took me a few seconds before I realized I wasn't on something...I was on someone. I scrambled off the person apologizing and giving them a good 6 feet radius of space. "OH MY GOD! I'm so sorry! I-I...I didn't see you!" I focused my vision and took in the details of the person as they stood up. Their choice of clothing was strange and it exposed their whole chest, allowing a perfect view of their toned body. Quickly I looked up and put my focus on their other features. They were definitely a male Elf, their sharp pale ears and exposed chest gave me that much. I was unable to see their face due to a black cloth covering his mouth and nose and a hood shadowing over his eyes. He dusted himself off and fixed his cloak "Yeah, I figured you hadn't seen me after you ran into me..." I could sense him rolling his eyes. "S..sorry" "Yeah you've already said that....." He turned his figure to look at me "What exactly is a weak fragile female like yourself doing so deep in these parts ... .and without a guide, you looking to get killed, little miss?" He spoke in a tone I was unable to classify. " No it's just.. I was being chased by my village and I ran here to hide" I admitted slowly. He seemed to look me over before speaking with a slight laugh "Your...running from your own village..?" He scoffed and then asked "What exactly did a pretty thing like you do to tick off a whole village...mess up a dance step or something?" He walked towards me, as he walked he began circling around me. I fidgeted slightly, I wondered if I should tell this total stranger the real reason, would they attack me too? I blew out a breath and decided

"Well you see I'm-" Before I could even speak a full sentence the male put his hand over my mouth "Shush..!" He ordered, and I compiled without any hesitation. Once I did, I could hear the sound of something moving in the bush around us. I felt the hand over my mouth remove itself. "Stay quiet, and do exactly as I say if you wanna live...." He spoke in a hushed tone, I nodded and waited for instructions. "Grab my cloak...." I stared at him, confusion clear in my expression. "Just do it..!" he hissed as he jerked his head over to the left as something growled. I quickly reached out my hand and grabbed the rim of his dark cloak, it was surprisingly soft. "Try not to lose your lunch..." He muttered, I then watched as his form changed and his body began melting into the shadows. I watched, slightly surprised. My own body began to follow his, starting with my hand that was holding onto his cloak. I allowed it to take me into an infinite darkness. 'Is he a shadow elf?' I thought to myself. Minutes later I felt like I was floating and then I was met by a blinding light. "Well here you are little miss, safe and sound..back at your pathetic village." The male spoke in a tone that sounded like he was annoyed. My eyes widened as I realized he was correct and I was back in front of the village I had escaped half an hour ago. Before he got too far away from me I grabbed his arm and pleaded "Please... don't leave me here" My eyes began to water as I became scared. I knew for a fact if I stayed here any longer I'd be seen and killed. He turned his body, at first it looked like he'd deny my request and push me away but he just gave an irritated sigh. "God ... .What are you crying for lady? Isn't this your home?" He gestured to the town with his other hand. "Not...not anymore" I hugged myself with my head down. I felt him looking at me for a few moments, he then let out another annoyed sigh. "Only because you're the first pretty human I've seen in a long time...I'll help you get to the next town over or whatever..." I felt my cheeks warm and knew I was blushing a bit "Thanks but..." I blew out a breath as I decided to tell him the truth, he already promised to help me after all. " I'm not fully human... I'm half... Spiritual shadow" The male was silent he then scoffed "Yeah, and I'm half fairy...let's get moving lady" His tone made me believe he was joking and didn't believe me, I watched him turn and began walking away, back into the forest. I followed with a frown...

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A/N: "Hey there, I'm Aria. I'm one of the writers of this book. I hope you guys enjoy this chapter me and Silver made together. Write in the comments if you wanna see more. Don't forget to check out TotallyCertifiedNerd's Wattpad. See ya"