Preface

Drawing in a quick breath, I beat my wings down as hard as possible in an attempt to get into the air. This was my first time trying to fly, and I was sweating nervously in places I normally don't sweat. (Um, gross.) But it was necessary… I was being hunted. They were too close behind me, trying to capture me. Though I'd never before been in the air, I knew it would be exhilarating.

"Come back, Sierra!" the Eraser taunted from behind. He was the closest… Drool dripped from his large fangs, and I cried out. I was too young to die.

Please, please let it end quickly! I thought, and tried once more to fly.

"Sierra!" Riku's scream was above me, and I managed to fly a bit - though not long enough to feel anything from the short experience - before plummeting back toward Earth, hand extended upward as if that would somehow save me. Riku made an attempt to catch me, with the Eraser right under me and more coming to capture me.

At least the rest of the Flock will be safe. I thought, closing my eyes as I realized this was the end. My life was over.

The end… of my life… The idea had scared me as long as I could remember. And it would scare me beyond this day.

Riku grabbed my arm right before I was within reach of the Erasers below. I cried out as the rest of me fell hard enough that my arm could have been pulled right off. Riku took me gently out of their reach and held me there, floating in the air for a few moments. He was four years older than her, practically her brother. And he would be, forever.

Even as she awakened from the memory, he was still her brother.