ARIA’s POV

I dashed into the woods, my feet pounding against the earth as I desperately sought escape. The trees blurred together, their branches reaching out like skeletal fingers to snatch at my clothes. I didn't dare look back, fearing what I might see. My breath came in ragged gasps, my heart racing like a wild animal.

As I ran, the forest floor seemed to grow treacherous, roots and rocks jutting out to trip me up. I stumbled, my foot catching on a hidden root. A sharp pain shot through my foot as I felt a thorn prick my skin. I bit back a cry, not daring to make a...