Velna and Erick's footsteps pounded urgently against the dark forest path. Branches snapped beneath their weight, leaves rustled violently under the breath of the night wind. Their breathing came ragged, chests rising and falling as though about to burst. Neither dared to look back, even as the monstrous roars from the bridge echoed through the night, making every hair on their bodies stand on end.
"Don't stop!" Erick barked, his voice strained between gasps. His hand occasionally shot out, tugging Velna's arm so she wouldn't stumble and fall behind.
Though her body was bruised and battered from the earlier battle, Velna forced herself to keep pace with him. Her legs felt unbearably heavy, as if iron weights were shackled to her ankles. But she knew—if she stopped, death would be upon her instantly.
And then… something unnatural tore through the darkness.
Wuuuung!
