But the Nephilim steps hesitantly deeper into the forest. I wait, turning my head to watch him. He disappears into the fog and slowly the sounds of his searching fade. Still not daring to breathe, I crawl slowly out from between the roots. I hiss as my ankle snags on a sharp branch. Eyes darting around the forest for any sign of him, I crawl to my feet. Keeping low, I run carefully through the brush towards the highway. My head is light, soaring with the thought that I may have managed to escape.
Suddenly, a hand tightens around my arm and drags me backward. I cry out, losing my balance. Fear lances through me as I see the Nephilim's red gaze. Tears well in my eyes and I can't stop them from falling as the Nephilim snarls at me. His eyes blaze with anger and I see violence in the curl of his lip. He wrenches me towards him and holds me tight enough that I grimace. The Nephilim strikes me hard on my cheek. I taste blood in my mouth.
Dazed, I go limp, and he pulls me deeper into the forest. I stumble along behind him, blinking to clear my head. I swallow the blood in my mouth, grimacing at the sweet tang of it. His hand is crushing my fingers and I try to wrestle away from him, digging my heels into the forest floor. The Nephilim whirls around, teeth bared. His vicious gaze makes my heart freeze. I lash out at him with my foot, trying to catch him in the knee. He anticipates my attack and sidesteps it with ease. He snatches my raised leg with frightening speed and twists. Whimpering, I spin with his twist, stopping him from dislocating my muscles. He uses his leverage to force me to the ground and I face plant into the dirt and soft leaves covering the ground. The smell of fresh soil would be pleasant if I didn’t feel him on my back, his hands running over me.
He tears my cloak off, snarling like a feral beast. Visions of the Nephilim forcing himself on me fill my mind and I scream shrilly. The sound echoes through the forest and I don’t care how many beasts it attracts. I would rather be torn apart and killed than endure this assault. The Nephilim strikes me again, flipping me over onto my back and straddling my hips. I writhe beneath him, trying to gain some leverage to force him off me. But he’s strong despite his slim size, and he’s fast. He grins when he pins my arms down on either side of my head.
“Hello, little bitch,” he snarls with a wicked smile. I stare at him with wide, fearful eyes, trying to think of a way to escape. But he has me pinned tightly and overwhelms me in terms of speed and strength. “No hello for me?”
I open my mouth to answer him, but I can’t force out the words. The thought of saying anything to him beyond a curse has me sick. My mind is hazy with fear. He pierces me with his red glare, as if offended. I spit at him, spraying his face. Even I’m surprised by my own bravo, and I look in shock at the mess on his face. He growls at me, the noise ripping from his throat. I squirm, trying to wrench my arms out of his grasp but he squeezes me tighter until I squeal like a stuck pig.
“You have no idea how furious you’ve made me,” he says threateningly. “Did you think I wouldn’t find you?”
“Get off me,” I scream, bucking my hips.
“Shut up,” he hisses. He looms over me, only inches from my face. He hasn’t bothered to wipe away the spit. The Nephilim’s eyes dart to my lips and I blanch, knowing he’s thinking of the bit of my soul he leeched. He relaxes a little and a smile blooms on his face. “I’ve been craving you so badly. It’s all I’ve thought of since you ran from me. But don’t worry. I’ll finish you off now. I’ve realized taking my time with you won’t be as satisfying as I thought.”
“Please,” I whisper pleadingly.
The Nephilim ignores me. “I think I’ll do it now, one big gulp.” He shudders, eyes closing with ecstasy. “You are so delicious.”
I scream as he lowers his face closer. Birds erupt into the sky from the trees, screeching wildly. My voice joins them, a chorus of fear. I can’t close my eyes to block the beginning of my own death; I’m too frightened. So, I stare the beginning of the end in its red eyes.
Chapter 18
Kane
Yellow eyes watch me from the dark fog in the forest. I know the ghouls won’t step into the light on the highway, they’ll wait, looking for an opening to tempt a traveler into the woods. I can only hope Briar wouldn’t be foolish enough to fall for any illusions or tricks they may have conjured. They prefer to mimic the cries of infants, and I sense Briar would be the type to barrel into danger if she thought a child needed her. But Briar’s scent is strong on the highway.
I pause on the road, sniffing, my nose in the air. I’ve lost her scent. That sweet cologne is missing. I backtrack, eyes narrowed. But the signs lead to where the trail ends, beneath the lamp. I call on my powers and send them rushing out away from me, searching the forest for signs of life. I catch a faint heartbeat pounding wildly. Fear wells in my chest, surging upwards like a geyser, and I break into a run
