Chapter 32

With my arms out, my numb ears perked, I stepped toward the incline I'd fallen down since I knew for sure that was there. Once I found it, I skirted to the left, away from the bald man. When my fingers brushed against an ice-covered boulder, I rushed around it and pressed my back tightly against it.

"You hearing me, little girl? Because I want you to know that I'm coming." His loud footsteps carried him closer, and closer still, just on the other side of the boulder.

Everything inside me grew in volume, and I felt certain he could hear the rush of my blood storming through my veins, the sounds of my labored breathing. I crushed my lips together and tried to quiet myself, but even that little movement seemed to crack like thunder.

If I ran, he'd see me. If I didn't, he'd see me. I plucked an arrow from my quiver. With my injured shoulder, I wouldn't be shooting for a while, so close-quarters jabbing would have to do. Would it be enough against his fury?