From the Ashes

Chapter 17 ~ An Attack in the Woods

    Her lungs screamed for air but she didn't dare slow her pace or even risk a glance behind herself. Twigs and undergrowth snapped as something hurtled after her. Morana's eyes were wide with terror and she flung herself over a fallen log. She stumbled as she hit the ground on the other side.

    She managed to recover herself without falling but her gaze snapped to the dark figure behind her. Blood red eyes pierced the darkness and locked on her. Hunger seethed within them. Morana ripped her gaze away and kept running.

    She couldn't outrun her pursuer forever and there was no one who could help her. This was futile. One desperate attempt before she met her end. Morana cried out as a heavy weight collided with her back, throwing her to the ground.

    She rolled over, but her attacker was already on top of her. A scream tore from her throat and tears poured down her cheeks. There was no mercy in the face that loomed over hers.

    "Please!" She begged. "Please don't do this. You know me!" She gave one last shriek before Neeri's fangs pierced her throat and her vision stained crimson.

•༻☽☾༺•

    Morana lurched awake with a gasp, her hand flying to her neck. It was whole and warm, not riven or wet with blood. Her hand slid up to her face and she gulped down heavy breaths. She was aware of Tarion watching her, but didn't acknowledge him. Morana closed her eyes and fully hid her face in her palms.

    "What happened?" Tarion asked quietly.

    "Nothing. Just a nightmare," she whispered.

    "It wasn't nothing. You're shaking."

    She hadn't even noticed the shudders wracking her body. Morana sucked down an even deeper breath and attempted to hold herself still. "How long until we leave?" She asked when she knew she could speak without her voice wavering.

    They'd been spending less time resting and more time hurrying towards the library ever since they crossed the river. Tarion had found a few signs of Corrupted Fae residing in the area, so they were moving swiftly and carefully.

    "Soon," he answered. "What did you dream about?"

    Morana sighed, attempting to sift through her jumbled thoughts. He wouldn't keep pressing her if she didn't answer, but he wouldn't forget. She didn't want him to start going easy on her out of concern or pity. Morana lowered her hands at last.

    "I dreamed about Neeri. She was chasing me and when she caught me..." She traced the side of her neck with two fingers, knowing he'd understand what she meant. "I don't know how I'm going to help her after all of this. What if she doesn't remember herself? What if she stays...insane, like the rest of them? I don't want to have to kill her, but..."

    A muscle in his jaw twitched and Tarion turned his face away. "It might be a mercy, like you said before."

    Morana studied him, silently debating with herself before she found the courage to ask her question. "What's it like?"

    He tensed immediately, then his shoulders slouched. "It's like a fog in your brain. It pushes everything else out except the need for blood. It reduces you to your most primal, animalistic instincts."

    Tarion's garnet gaze shifted to the smoldering fire pit. "I was a monster when I was first Corrupted. I shouldn't have been able to come back from the things I did then." His eyes flickered to hers. "If I could come back, then Neeri will too. Trust me."

    "How long did it take you?" Morana asked.

    "Over a century." Tarion rose and began scuffling dirt over the last live embers from the fire. "Come on. We might as well get an early start." Morana just nodded and gathered up her things.