As I slosh through the muddy swamp, I could feel the evil presence all around me, waiting for the right moment to pounce, ending my life in one go.

I was trapped and I knew it.

I stopped for a brief second looking around, hoping I could see a way out but I saw nothing, just the surroundings of dark shadows, tall trees and creepy vines all sucking me into my doom.

I heard a cry in the distance, They were getting closer. Closer to catching their prey. Closer to the power they envied.

Me.

I looked up to the starry night sky praying I would survive, praying that my life would not end in these last horrible moments of darkness. But I knew there was no hope left for me unless a miracle happened. A miracle so tiny but so crucial, that would be all I needed

Another cry came from within the lifeless trees, much louder and much more demanding, bringing me back to reality. I could barely see where I was any more, Only moonlight streamed through the twisted branches causing illusions of shadowy creatures in my vision. The perfect atmosphere for dark creatures of the night.

I needed to keep going, to get out of this swampy marsh and make my way to freedom but it was getting harder every step. It was like a magical force was holding me back. I put more strength into moving and that was a deep mistake. My leg caught in a tree root, ripping my pants and cutting my bare flesh. Pain rippled through my already beaten and bruised body.  Each step I took weakening me further, until I couldn't bear it any longer.

I collapsed into the mud, gritting my teeth as the pain hit me like a wave. I felt cornered, like I had nowhere to go and no place to hide from the creatures.

A photograph fell from my pocket and glinted from the faint moon, a photo of my ultrasound, my baby to be, my whole life. This was the inspiration I needed. I picked it up, grunted as I got on my feet once again and looked towards where I came from.

The only way out of where I am was to face my fears, face the creatures of the night, fight my death bed. I will face them with the hope of life and my baby. I repeated to myself, the love, power and strength of humanity. I knew I didn't have enough power to take them all on however many there are, But I do have the courage.

Blazing with strength now, I could finally see my chasers. Deformed creatures known as hunters. They do not like difference in this world for they want to rule.

With all my might I thrusted my energy towards them hoping to save a couple of seconds to do the unthinkable. My body went limp from the effects, slowly collapsing into the muddy darkness below me. But I had no time to waste being in pain so I mumbled some words. A spell I would need in an emergency and that emergency is now.

The effects were already taking place, my belly was already shrinking, no I hadn't killed my child, I had saved her from the same fate as me. She was safe, my little Scarlett was safe. For now...

I was now defeated. I couldn't defend myself anymore. More cries were happening now, the hunters were at the edge of the swamp they knew I was done for.

I sobbed, crying away all sadness so I could finish of strong. I wanted to be strong not just for myself but for everyone I loved and most of all my child I shall never know.

I took in my last scent of freedom and then they were upon me.

My death came slowly or what I thought was death but it wasn't, I had it all completely wrong, this was just the start of the Phoenix destiny...