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forceful this time, she stuffed Lucky in, snapping the cover shut. Loi slipped the pack on.
    'I think its time to go,' Sian said as she strapped her bow to her back.
    'Where?' I hissed.
    She inclined her head in a direction and staring hard, I saw what looked like a trail.
    Sian looked at us.
    'Guys, we’re probably going to need to run.'
    We gave tense nods.
    'Okay Kassie and Loi will lead; Cat, you and I’ll take up the rear. Loi, keep your sword drawn. You too, Cat, and give one of your daggers to me.'
    I nodded as I slipped a dagger out of its sheath handing it over, and then drew my sword.
    Not as easy as it looked in the movies. The scabbard on the back would take a bit of practice. My heart pounded in my chest. The rush of adrenaline made me dizzy and nauseous.
    I want to run!
    Loi stepped up to me.
    'Hold it low with the point raised slightly, remember to lift it as you go over things and be aware of where the end is. You don’t want to skewer any of us by accident.' She attempted a smile but it didn't meet her eyes.
    I squeezed her arm gently and met her eyes with as reassuring look as I could muster.
    'I’ll manage.'
    I sounded far more confident than I felt in that moment.
    We shifted positions. Sian glanced around and checked that we were ready, then snapped, 'Go!'
    We raced off. Crashes and furious shrieks came from behind. I didn't dare look back in case I lost track of the end of my sword.
    Sian risked a quick glance.
    'Move it guys!'
    Loi could feel her pulse throb at her temple and she willed the migraine away. That's the last thing I need right now, she thought, and focused on the track in front of them.
    Please, please let this lead somewhere, somewhere safe.
    My breath burned in my chest as I willed my legs to move faster. The track was narrow and veered all over the place; we ducked under branches and dodged around trees.
    Sword up, Cat, watch where the end is. Bloody hell! I tripped but managed to stay up.
    'Careful,' Sian gasped.
    Terror crept into my belly and made my knees feel wobbly and useless.
    No. Pay attention, watch the track. I kept my view narrow so I was focused on it. The track flew past in a blur of green.
    Please don’t let there be any more of those things out there. There's no way I would see it.
    FOCUS. I brought the thoughts inwards, stuffing them far away in my mind, trying to prevent the hysteria that built.
    Out in front, Kassie stumbled and Loi yanked her upright. Kassie’s breaths were ragged as she focused on lifting her feet high enough so that she wouldn’t trip. She could feel the fear buzzing between the four of them. The disgusting creatures hunting them shrieked again, a hideous sound that made her cringe.
    I am NEVER casting a spell again, she thought, why the fuck is this happening to us?
    It was a love spell for Christ's sake!
    Loi jerked her head out of the way as a low branch loomed. Spying a fallen log ahead she let the others know then hauled herself over and spun back to lift Kassie off.
    'Thanks,' gasped Kassie.
    Loi nodded, and Kassie ran on while Loi waited for Sian and Cat. Once they were over she raced back to Kassie's side.
    The log had slowed us down a little and the crashing footsteps that followed sounded closer. Adrenaline seared through my veins as I caught a glimpse of one of those things, it had gained on us.
    'RUN!' I screamed.
    Audrey darted past and launched herself at the thing, snarling. It shrieked and jerked away. The sense of relief nearly tripped me, my focus on Audi as I lurched over a root. I managed to keep upright and she appeared at my side again, no worse for wear.
    Suddenly the forest disappeared and we sprinted across open grass land, buildings visible about a mile from us. I stumbled at the change in ground under foot and the almost debilitating sense of relief at the sight of civilization. A surge of fear ran through me.
    Do NOT fall, I growled in my mind, we are so close.
    Sian could see the buildings more clearly now. They