Resisting the Fear

**Angel**

My run through the forest felt endless, each step echoing in my mind where fear and adrenaline battled within me. I could feel Lucian's presence behind me, even though he hadn’t caught up yet. Every shadow among the trees, every sound of rustling leaves made me think he was there, ready to grab me again.

I knew I had to find Dimitri and the others. They were my only hope of stopping Lucian before he caused more destruction. The image of what he had done inside the mansion was still etched in my mind, and I couldn’t let him do that to anyone else.

The terrain was uneven, with roots and stones making my path difficult, but I couldn’t stop. My breath was ragged, and the pain in my legs was intensifying, but the fear of being caught drove me forward. I was alone, and the feeling of vulnerability was overwhelming, almost paralyzing. With each step, my heart pounded harder, as if it would explode from my chest at any moment.

Suddenly, I heard footsteps behind me, quick and determined. My heart raced, and I knew I needed to find a hiding place, somewhere I could protect myself or at least buy some time. Ahead, I saw a small dip in the terrain where a fallen tree had created a natural shelter.

Without a second thought, I dropped to the ground and crawled into the shelter, trying to control my breathing, which now seemed too loud, as if each gasp could give away my location. The silence around me was oppressive, and each second dragged on as I waited, praying that Lucian wouldn’t find me. My body was rigid, every muscle tense, ready for the worst.

The footsteps grew closer, and I held my breath, fearing the sound might betray me. I could hear him walking slowly, as if sniffing the air, searching for my presence. Fear gripped me, but I knew I couldn’t allow myself to make any movement. I needed to be invisible, a shadow among shadows. I could feel the vibrations in the ground with his heavy steps, and his proximity made my skin prickle with pure terror.

Lucian stopped very close to my hiding place. I could hear his heavy breathing, filled with anger and frustration. For a moment, the terror was so great I thought my heart might stop beating right then and there. But he didn’t see me, didn’t find me. He hesitated, as if listening intently, but then, after what felt like an eternity, he moved away, his footsteps echoing in the opposite direction.

I waited a few more minutes, long enough to be sure he was truly gone, before slowly emerging from my hiding spot. My body was trembling, and the adrenaline that had fueled me earlier was now starting to fade, leaving a crushing exhaustion in its wake. My heart, still pounding hard, began to slow, but the fear that Lucian might return continued to haunt me.

I needed to keep moving. The fight was still happening, and Dimitri needed to know that Lucian was loose. I began to walk again, still cautious, trying to make as little noise as possible. The fear was still present, but the determination to stop Lucian was stronger. I knew I needed to warn Dimitri before it was too late. Every step I took, the darkness of the forest seemed to close in around me, but the light of dawn was beginning to break on the horizon, giving me a thread of hope.

After what felt like hours of walking, I finally started to hear familiar sounds. The distant sounds of combat, the growling of wolves, the clash of bodies fighting. I was close. The relief was immediate, but I knew I couldn’t relax yet. I needed to find Dimitri.

As I approached the battlefield, the scene began to unfold before me. Wolves in their human and lupine forms fought fiercely, the ground already stained with blood. It was a terrifying sight but also a reminder that we were all fighting for our survival.

I continued to move through the shadows, trying to avoid being noticed by Lucian’s allies who were still in the area. My only goal was to find Dimitri and warn him of the impending danger.

Finally, I spotted Dimitri fighting alongside Leonardo. The relief I felt upon seeing him was immense, but I knew there was no time for celebration. I needed to warn him about Lucian, I needed to make sure he knew the threat was closing in.

I approached cautiously, trying not to draw the attention of the enemies around. When I got close enough, I called out to Dimitri, my voice low but urgent.

“Dimitri!” I whispered, trying to get his attention without attracting unwanted eyes.

He turned, his eyes wide with surprise upon seeing me there. “Angel? What are you doing here?”

“Lucian,” I managed to say between ragged breaths. “He… he escaped. He’s coming after you.”

Dimitri’s eyes narrowed, and the fury growing in his gaze was palpable. “Where is he now?” he asked, his voice firm but filled with a concern I knew all too well.

“I managed to lose him in the forest, but he could show up at any moment. We need to be ready.”

Dimitri nodded, his expression hardening as he processed the situation. “Let’s end this, once and for all.”