Chapter 3
A soft, powdery snow began to fall from the open sky. It made the whole world seem white and hazy, as if I were walking in a dream. My boots leeched in the cold, wetness, and I felt my toes slowly grow numb and unfeeling.
But I didn't care.
The only real thing I could wrap my head around was my own heartbeat. It boomed loudly into my eardrums, threatening to burst from my chest. Threatening to drown me.
The next thing I was aware of were two, gentle arms around my shaking shoulders. I didn't turn to look at who was comforting me, I could only stare at the empty whiteness. The place where the Hunters had emerged from. The place where they had dragged my little shadow off into the fading darkness.
It took me even longer to realize that I was crying. Soft, hot tears stung my icy face, leaving me frostbitten and deeply confused. I could only stare.
"Maegan...come on, come with me," a voice whispered into my ear. I knew who it was without having to hear him.
James led me back into his house, holding me with difficulty. His staff was also supporting him.
Noticing this, I gently jerked away from his grasp. He only held me closer.
"Don't, I have you." He muttered. He was obviously more worried for me than his own center of balance. I couldn't understand how he was moving as fast as he was, with only one leg. My own tears had already soaked my face, without leaving a hint of dry skin left. I felt like ice.
James let me go only to open the door, and held my shoulder to lead me to the couch. I was so distraught that I obeyed him, folding my hands into my lap and looking at the floor.
I heard another body fall next to me, and quickly wiped my face with my palms. Setting his make-shift crutch onto the floor, James watched me with mild concern. He rarely ever showed his own emotions.
I looked at him, asking him with my eyes all of the questions that threatened to choke me.
Why? How? What will I do? She is so young! How can this be? What will happen, now?
But, of course, we already do know what will happen now.
My little shadow. My best friend. My apprentice.
Little Ariana Mahoney will die.
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Empty as my Heart
AdventureI stared right into the Hunter's eyes, frozen and afraid. Afraid for my life. He just looked at me, calmly and robotically. As if I were just another kill, nothing to worry about. Not a threat to him..or his friend. The raid poured down hard, m...
