Here's the short story I promised you a few chapters back- I hope you enjoy!

I dashed through the forest at an unnatural speed. I knew the creature was still chasing me, for I could hear its desperately ragged breaths and thundering footsteps. As I ran, the leaves under my feet glistened in vibrant colours of gold, orange, and a rich, maple-like maroon. It seemed so peaceful and mesmerizing, almost too pure, as if my shoes were not worthy of treading on such beauties. Unfortunately for me, these beauties were part of a wicked scheme to distract me- they sure as hell did their job.

Before I had time to react, my left shoulder collided with a tree trunk at a tremendous amount of force. I sprawled onto the ground, spinning out of control, putting myself in a daze.

I felt my legs dangle into a nothingness, and I instinctively clamped a willful hand onto an overhanging branch. I tightly cringed, thanks to the previous tree giving my shoulder a splinterful, and now my left hand cried out with the same pitiful plea of pain. I nervously peered into the void below me. My eyes widened to full moons as I witnessed a humongous waterfall that seeped into a green, luscious valley. But, my sightseeing trip was cut short as a vicious growl and the sound of a branch crackling rang in the air.

Standing atop the branch was the beast that hunted me, its fur luminescent in the dusk sunlight, its long fangs shimmering with yellow tartar so much that it blinded me for a moment. It edged closer to me now, bending the branch in an impossible position, forcing it to practically roar under the immense weight. Quickly, I released my grip, watching the branch slingshot the animal-like demon back as I fell. I felt weightless as I plummeted, a strange feeling rising in my stomach. No- make that my stomach rising into my throat. Before I knew it, cold, crisp water had embraced me, and I emerged, gasping frantically for air. I wiped the hair out of my face; I was cold, soaking, bloody, and injured, but I was safe, just like I promised myself I would be.