Prologue

La Rue yelped as a wolf with red eyes and sharp canines snapped at her hind legs. Another nipped at her side and managed to grab some of her fur. She dodged a tree, barely escaping yet another wolf's attempts at wrapping its jaws around her neck. As she ran she heard one yelp as it hit the tree, feeling a little braver now that she lost possibly one.

She was running for her life through the mountains and forests, hoping for a reprieve from the countless beings who wanted to hurt her. Each time she thought she found a safe place, something happens.

La Rue sniffed the air, and scented more wolves just like those behind her. She skidded to a halt then shot to the left. Ahead, deer scattered and little creatures burrowed or climbed into their nests, afraid for their lives. If only one would help her, just a tiny bit. She wanted somewhere to hide. She wanted to feel safe for once in her life. 

But of course, safety wasn't meant for someone like her. La Rue could only hope to escape again and again, could only hope she could find a safe place where no one would dare chase her without reason other than their entertainment. 

Her eyes narrowed on a trench ahead and knew she couldn't jump the distance. Whining softly, she once more skidded to a halt and darted her eyes for a way out. The trench was ten feet wide and seemed to run for miles to either direction. Behind her, the red-eyed wolves closed in. Soon, she wouldn't be able to go anywhere. 

She glanced down into the trench and flattened her ears. It was deep and seemed to have muck at the bottom. It stank like feces and urine, but it was her only option. Glancing behind her to see the wolves a few yards away, she jumped in. 

With a splash, La Rue half swam, half dug her way to the other side. Above, she heard the wolves growling and snarling with anger at her escape. She wondered why they didn't follow. After all, it wasn't like there was any predator here to attack. Plus, they were as dirty as she had been, smelled even worse, at least until she decided the smelly trench was better than being torn apart alive.

Dread coiled itself in her gut. She was new to this territory, they weren't. It's likely they have good reason to fear. But La Rue saw nothing, smelled nothing but the odors she was in. Turning her head, she saw the wolves leave, tail between their legs. They were scared…