Kingdom of Blood & Bone

Their clothes tore from their shivering bodies as they continued to run through the dark woods, the sounds of men shouting and hounds barking following their every step. Her hand's tightened around the ragged raven doll, every breath like sharp needles in her throat.
"Almost there, keep running." Her mother huffed, pulling her along. Her tired legs stumbled over fallen branches as she tried to keep up, the barking growing louder. In the distance, she could see an opening in the trees, but, distracted by the sight, her leg foot caught a stone embedded in the ground. Her ankle twisted painfully. With a shriek, loud enough to alert those following, she let go of her mother's hand and fell to the cold ground. Her mother quickly scooped her up, struggling under the weight. Underfed and weak, she pushed forward, walking as fast as she could to the clearing.
"It'll be alright, we're almost there." She said, whether her words were meant to encourage Syvett or herself, Syvett did not know. Syvett clung to her mother, but stared in horror at the doll, lying on the ground.
"Aaris." She whispered in defeat. Tears welled into her eyes as her mother carried her from the doll and into the clearing.
__________________________