Pah! Pah! Pah!
Gunshots cracked through the silence of the night, sharp and merciless.
I ran.
Branches whipped against my arms as I pushed deeper into the woods, my lungs burning with every breath. The cold air sliced through my chest, and each exhale came out in visible clouds, quickly stolen by the wind. My clothes weren't enough—not for this kind of cold, not for a night like this.
Not for a baby.
I tightened my grip on the small bundle inside my thick jacket, shielding her as best as I could.
"Bah... bah!"
I froze for half a second.
Oops. She's awake.
"Shhh..." I whispered urgently, lowering my head to her. "The bad guys will hear us."
Jessy's tiny sounds softened into quiet whimpers. Eight months old—and already running for her life.
I adjusted her closer to my chest and forced my legs to move again.
Just keep going. Don't stop.
The forest stretched endlessly, a maze of shadows and whispering trees. The darkness felt alive, watching, waiting. Every snap of a twig made my heart leap into my throat.
Morning. I just need to reach morning.
If we make it to daylight... maybe we'll be safe.
Maybe.
My thoughts spiraled despite myself.
How did I end up here?
Why am I running?
Who... am I even running from?
The questions clawed at my mind, but I pushed them away.
Not now.
Right now, there was only one thing that mattered.
Survive.
Survive for Jessy.
The cold grew harsher as the hours passed. My feet ached with every step, numb and stiff inside worn-out shoes. My legs trembled from exhaustion, threatening to give out at any moment.
But I couldn't stop.
I wouldn't.
Not while she needed me.
After what felt like forever—miles of darkness and fear—I stumbled into a clearing.
And there it was.
An old house.
It stood crooked and forgotten, its wooden walls rotting, windows broken, roof sagging under years of neglect. It looked like it could collapse at any second.
Perfect.
"Let's rest... just for a few minutes," I murmured, my voice barely steady. "We can't stay long. They'll find us."
I pushed the door open with a slow creak and stepped inside.
The air smelled of dust and decay.
I laid Jessy carefully on a worn couch, its fabric torn and stiff, then quickly scanned the room. My eyes landed on a cabinet. I rushed toward it, rummaging through whatever was left.
Empty.
Everything was empty.
"Shit..." I muttered under my breath. "Nothing."
My throat felt dry, almost painful. I turned and spotted a sink. With a small spark of hope, I twisted the faucet.
Water flowed.
YOU ARE READING
The Assailants
AventureIt was one of the cold freezing nights of January when the Arcane's assasins attacked. I failed to protect the family I was in charge to keep safe but I was able to save the most precious thing the family possessed, Jessy. I took her away racing wit...
