I opened my eyes and realized I was immersed in the dark outdoors. Nighttime, then. I ran, naked, in an unfamiliar forest. So fast, my feet hardly touched the ground. The path snaked along beneath my racing feet, unsure of the surface, yet unable to slow down. Somehow, I managed to avoid the leafy ferns on either side of the rutted pathway from hitting me in the face.
Escape!
Only one thought echoed in my head: don't get caught!
I kept running. I sensed danger following close behind. Lightning flashed through the overhanging leaves and branches, barely giving off enough light for me to make out the winding path. Thunder boomed far above the thick canopy sheltering me from the rain.
Won't stop. Can't stop. Air whooshed by and made my eyes water. I shook my head to clear my vision, afraid that once blinded, I'd run off the trail and get caught.
No. I had to escape.
I'd been running for so long that my legs felt like lead. A frantic pulse throbbed at my temples. My heart beat painfully against my ribs. I gasped for breath.
Too late.
Too slow.
I turned around just as razor-sharp fangs sank into my neck.