Survival

Valentina's heart raced as she crept between the trees. She was anxious to be sneaking around behind her family's back, but her excitement overpowered her caution. Soon she would be in Lucian's arms again, their forbidden love hidden from her world.

"Lucian?" she whispered, reaching their usual meeting spot. No answer came.

Valentina settled onto a fallen log, smoothing her chiffon dress. She closed her eyes, savoring the night sounds - rustling leaves, chirping crickets, the distant hoot of an owl. Any moment now, she would hear Lucian's familiar footsteps…

A twig snapped. Valentina's eyes flew open. "Lucian, is that you?"

Rough hands seized her arms. Valentina screamed as she was yanked to her feet, finding herself surrounded by a group of grim-faced humans wielding torches and weapons.

"Well, well," a gruff voice sneered. "What do we have here? A pretty little Faerie wolf, all alone in the dark woods."

The hunters…she realized immediately.