1 Prologue

The boy panted as he ran through the darkness of the forest, staggering over roots and rocks. He looked over his shoulder, quickly facing forward again as he continued to run, scared of the consequences if He caught him.

Shouting as he stumbled over a particularly large root, Kalen struggled to stand up. Hearing the crackling of leaves, that footsteps followed, behind him, he stumbled his way up. Kalen began to run again, faster this time, cursing under his breath as he pushed himself to the limit, gasping for breath.

He heard the snapping of twigs and leaves coming closer, and attempted to speed up again with no success. The crunching sounded directly behind him and tears streamed down his face as he cried silently, feeling His breath hitting his neck as he ran.

Falling again, Kalen stayed face down on the forest floor, tears still sliding down his dirt smudged face. There was no point in running now that He has reached him. Kalen knew that He had allowed him to run, hunting, playing with him to show him who had the real power.

"Come now, pet," His sibilant, smooth voice whispered as His hand pulled Kalen's limp body up, encircling his waist with His arms.

"You know what the punishment is for running," He spoke possessively into his ear, His face right behind his head, breath brushing the back of his neck again.

Kalen sobbed harder as he attempted to escape once more, knowing there was nothing he could do. He would follow through with what He said. As Kalen continued to struggle, he didn't see His face lowering to his neck, pointed teeth gleaming.

Kalen cried out at the stinging bite to his neck, yanking his head away sharply as he tried to push away from Him. There was no where for him to move because of His steel-like arms around his waist.

Knowing what was coming because of his latest escape attempt, Kalen let his body go limp as He picked him up bridal style, carrying him back to his personal hell, His laughter echoing in his ear as black invaded his vision.