#awib.starter

Another day, another nightmare. Her brother’s face looming above her, blood soaked, teeth stained dark, sharp fangs dripping with ichor. A hand around her throat, pain throbbing across her body. Her vision was going black, stars dancing in the twilight. “Riordan--” She sputtered. “Please--” There was a loud crunch and she dropped to the floor, gore splattering her face.  She woke in a cold sweat, blankets and pillows thrown across the hotel room, a cry caught in her throat. She rose from the bed and grabbed her running clothes from her bag, throwing them on with a speed she could hardly feel, trying to escape the feeling of fear caught in her bones. A good morning run and she’d feel better. A twenty minute drive later, she found herself in an isolated spot near the bayou, a good place to run in peace. It was reminiscent of some of the places she and Kodey used to run together back home. She started slow, following the path as the sun slowly began to peek over the horizon.  Her bruises from the night before were aching with the strain of her muscles, purple and angry against her pale skin. Even if it was well intentioned, trying to protect someone, she should have expected a fight. She should have seen the first blow coming. Next time though, she’d see it. She’d know. She’d be ready.  She hadn’t heard anyone else on the trail earlier, but now she heard footfalls nearby, likely behind her, another early riser catching up. She could only hope they didn’t mention that she looked like she’d been hit by a truck. “Mornin!” She greeted, with false cheer. She might as well make the most of some company.