Chapter 21: Speak for Yourself

Mercy Hall

Mercy trails Ambrose deeper into the woods. She's following a man - a male human at that. One who now leads her into the thicket.

What would her sire say? Hell, for that matter, what words of wisdom would her brother whisper in her ear? With her luck, they'd like the human. A heavy sigh passes her lips.

Filtered moonlight weaves through the limbs of the canopy overhead. Light rain falls. A well-rehearsed orchestra of the night comes to life. Owls hoot. Crickets serenade. Nocturnal creatures scurry across the fallen leaves and low-lying branches.

A twig cracks.

Mercy's ears perk then twitch. "Did you hear that?" She surveys the area.

Eyes. She feels them on her. She can't shake the sensation they're being watched.

Ahead of her, Ambrose slows his pace then puts a hand out, motioning for her to stop.