Chapter 2: Stuck in a Storm

Alayna

Two months later

Icy wind slashed my face as I ploughed my way across the muddy terrain of an abandoned field. Lightning crackled and thunder rumbled. Leafless gnarled tree's bent over in submission to the fierce wind howling about, their branches swinging and whispering as they rubbed against each other. Usually, I wasn't easily scared but the haunting landscape had really began to creep me out. I sweeped my gaze around, hunting for any signs of my pursuer. Nothing. I should be glad, but his absence unnerved me. I shifted my arms carefully so as not to jostle the Mia swathed in blankets. A small sneeze sounded and I startle. Panicked, I peel away the layers to find a pair of chocolate brown eyes framed by thick eyelashes on a little face so familiar that it brings a pang of sorrow every time I see it.

"I'm sorry, gurya. Hold on a little longer. We'll get out of here soon." I smile at her. Inwardly, I pummel myself for not taking care of her better and letting her get sick. Mia punches with one little fist. I chuckle at her enthusiasm wishing I had more of that as well. "Now, lets get you bundled up before your cold gets worse." I sigh.

I manage to wrap her feverish one year old body back with one hand, bending over it to shield it from the raging wind and rain. Casting another look around for any life, I send a quick prayer for our safety from all kinds of evil before popping a mint in my mouth. I had already given Mia her share of milk, which I had bartered for from a little girl. It cost me my beloved pair of earrings, gifted to me by Sarah. I was loathe to give them but the little thing wouldn't take anything other than it. Throwing my shawl over the both of us, I proceed forward. My teeth's chatter. My neck has burrowed almost all the way in the shawl around my neck. Mia is wrapped all around with thick blankets like an egg. My vision is blurred from all the rain aimed at my eyes. I squint through the haze trying to find my bearings but immediately give up. Instead I rely on the polished compass clutched in one hand against Mia's side. It's the one and only belonging that is maintained and not useless.

A fork of lightning slashes across the sky , it's gleam illuminating the world for an instance before it all goes black.