Surrounded

We have been running for hours. As fast and far as our bodies will allow. Up until now. Up until we can run no more. So we collapse on the hard, unforgiving ground. It is hard to make out our surroundings, for everything blends in to the dark night. But still, I know that we are surrounded. Trapped. Our captors breath is close. Hot, smelly and loud on our faces.

The sight that greets my eyes as I open them confirms it. At first, I am squinting through the dark in an attempt to see it. Then, my eyes grow wider and wider as they adjust to the darkness and my fears are confirmed. The pack of wolves loom over us, hungrily snarling and baring their teeth. They would blend in with the night completely, were it not for their luminescent beady little yellow eyes. All on us. All on me.

As we fell to the ground, I instinctively threw myself atop her. And so she lay beneath me. I turn my head to look at her. She does not return my gaze. Her eyes are closed and I feel my own breath catch in my throat at the absence of hers. I shift my gaze to the wolves surrounding us.

As I make to stand, they back away, though they remain in their circular formation, surrounding them. I look at each of them in turn before I look at her once again I look up and meet the eyes of a wolf. This one is not like the others. He is not looking at me like I am his next meal. He holds my gaze for a moment. Barely a moment before looking away, as if he were scared himself.

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I can barely look him in the eye. But I can tell he is stronger. The snowy steed continues to look my way, as if our gaze is glued together. But I cannot bring myself to return the gaze any longer. It is too close to home. I remember, once, long ago, when I was standing where he is now. But things will end differently for him, I know.

He peers again at the young, beautiful girl who lays motionless on the ground behind him. I follow his gaze and feel the tears well up behind my eyes. I know I cannot cry. Instead, I rise my head to the stars and let out a long, sorrowful howl.

Finally, I meet the horse's gaze once more. His eyes are wide with fear. I step forward, and he, in turn steps backward. My pack around me do not move. Some look at me, their heads turned to the side on an angle. But they do not move. The horse now stands over the goal. His gaze has turned fierce. Daring me to come closer. I wish I could speak. I wish I could tell him....

I back away, rejoining the others around me. I turn and start to trot the other way. I glance behind me. The others still haven't moved. I pause and stamp a foot on the ground. Finally they understand and begin to follow behind me. I allow most of them to pass me and chance one look at the horse, whose eyes are still on me. His eyes are still saucers. I nod once, and he copies the movement. I turn once more and follow my pack back into the night, letting out a breath. Not this time, I think, for now, he is safe. And I am glad.

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Next in the 'Silent Haunt' series.Read the story that started it all  here.