Castlevania: Awakening

Chapter 7

Without another thought Laeleth ran — adrenaline surging through her body and fueling her flight.

She could hear the growls and snapping of teeth as well as the mechanized whir of the crossbow.  Demetrius’ voice was growing fainter.

There was so much noise! The trees were far too close! This was that awful day with the vampires all over again, but worse.

She was leaving Demetrius behind and her heart sank more and more the farther she ran.
She glanced back only once and saw that he had not followed her as he had promised.
Was he all right?

The tears stung her cheeks as she tried to discern where she was. She did not even have time to stop and check for all the ranger signs that Demetrius had marked along the way.
Laeleth had the suspicion she was being followed so she dare not stop. She knew it could not be human. There was a shadow close to her amongst the trees — the shape of a large beast in hot pursuit.

Her breathing was ragged and labored. She was exhausted and was not sure how much farther she could go. After walking all day with little food or water her stamina was nearly spent.

As she glanced sideways she did not notice a low hanging branch. It caught her in the face and she collapsed to the forest floor as she let out a sharp, loud cry.
Something warm and red began to run across her face as she dizzily tried to stand; hot tears burned her eyes as she tried to refocus on the trail.

Laeleth reached her hand to her forehead and felt the searing sting of where the branch had cut her. Drops of blood, like little rubies, ran from her fingertips.

Suddenly a large and powerful wolf dashed forward from amongst the trees!
He stood poised in front of her as though he would attack at any moment. His fur coat was raised and on edge; every muscle within him tense and alert.
His fangs were bared as he crouched before her. Saliva dripped hungrily from the vicious looking jaws. A deep and ominous growl came from within his throat.

Laeleth gasped at the sight and felt frozen to the ground. There was no point in resistance. She was cornered once again. She had not the strength to run any longer.
The wolf had followed her tirelessly all this time and Demetrius was nowhere to be seen.

Laeleth bowed her head in defeat and waited.
She had no will to even live — not if it had to be like this; not after all that had happened and all that she knew could happen.
If her life were already doomed than perhaps it was best that she died here and now. Perhaps it was better that Zobek could not find her and take the power that Gabriel had been so convinced was within her.

She closed her eyes and felt the moist and rank breath of the wolf close to her face. He was panting heavily, only pausing to lick his frightful jowls.
She turned her face away and clutched Demetrius’ cloak closer around her. She only wished it would all end now — and quickly!

“Goodbye, Laevon,” Laeleth whispered her final farewell.

But in that instant she heard the growl turn to a whimper. Surprised at the reaction she looked up and saw the murderous beast as tame as a village dog, cowering in fear. His magnificent tail was tucked between his legs as he slowly slunk away into the shades of the forest.
Her widened eyes followed his departure in amazement.

She quickly turned her head back towards where the wolf had just been standing.

There, in front of her, was the imposing figure of a man. His long scarlet robe and dark hair were blowing in the gust of wind that had seemed to arrive when he had.
His eyes glinted wildly like red flame and she looked up into the serious, severe face of the vampire. He looked dreadfully angry and stern. Without even a word he turned to go.