Prologue

A red screen of blood clouded her vision, and again she heard that screaming - a horrific wailing that tugged at the soul.  Although fear and fatigue weighed her down, she knew she must press on.  Looking around, she saw nothing but smoke and flame.  Bodies littered the once lush, green earth. 

Run!

Her left leg was heavy from the injury, and she feverishly realized she could be dying.  Her eyes grew drowsy and everything slowed. Suddenly, all she could hear were her ragged breaths.

 

In.  Out. 

 

The world started to tilt and the ground furiously rushed up to meet her.  The rocky surface met her face with brutal force—slicing her open and puncturing her right eye.  She felt no pain.  A stench of rotting mulch wafted over her as a pair of dark boots approached.  She looked up and her vision blurred. Then she smiled defiantly, her white teeth crimson with blood. 

The beast opened its repulsive maw to speak.

“Ssseekra.”  It hissed.  “Bitch.” 

A metallic voice merely an echo inside her head.  “Euy lentos shuy vagun….” 

“You will die by my hand…”

Her smirk grew.

"Nyut."  She replied smugly.  "Come."