Chapter One
I was running through a dark forest, something crashing through the wooded land behind me. My breath was coming in small gasps, my legs burned with the effort of running for my life. My eyes watered as the cold air struck my face, that same air was burning it's way into my lungs. I almost tripped over a large rock that was half buried in my path on this small dirt road. I coughed as I almost fell, but then regained my balance and kept running. I took a chance to glance behind me, to see what was chasing me. I instantly regretted it. A huge beast was charging at me, it's bloodred eyes gleaming in the light of the full moon. I saw it's huge fangs, glinting, covered with the beast's saliva. It was catching up. I ran faster than I thought I could, my hunting dress flapping against my legs. Suddenly, I was cornered. Fear crept through my thudding heart as I glanced at the clearing, bordered with thick bramble thickets, the only exit was behind me, into which the Beast was prowling. I backed up, against the bramble thickets, feeling the sharp thorns prick my skin. It was in the clearing. And it was after me. I finally got my first look at all of it, it was an enormous black wolf. I heard it snarl, and I barely contained the whimper of fear that threatened to escaped my throat. It turned, it's mouth dripping saliva. I felt it's rancid breath waft across my face. It opened it's gaping maw wider, and it snarled, "Wake up!" I blinked in confusion, as it started to fade. It's head was still visible, but the bramble clearing was not. "BREE, WAKE UP!" Came the shout again. Suddenly, the Beast and it's clearing were gone, replaced by my bed in my rooms. I jolted up, slicked with the salty sweat of a bad dream. I was breathing heavily, and feeling relief that I wasn't about to be devoured by the Beast. A hand was resting on my shoulder, and an inquisitive female voice asked, "Lady Bree?" I didn't answer, and then my servant questioned, "Is everything alright?" I glanced over at her, and decided I would keep the details of the nightmare to myself. "Yes Lenna, I'm fine.....just a bad dream." She looked relieved and stated, "Thank goodness my Lady, I was beginning to worry." She exited my room, headed for her own, as she knew that if I needed anything, I'd get it for myself. I sighed and got up. There was no chance of me sleeping again tonight. This was the fourth time I'd had that dream, and each time my terror escalated, and the Beast kept getting closer and closer. This night though, he nearly had me. I glanced at the silvery moon, it's light giving me an idea. I changed into another dress, though not a sleeping one. I slid some slippers over my feet, grabbed my bow and arrows, and headed to the archery range.
