Chapter 1
Hannah's First Knight
She raced through the trees. Twigs cutting at her legs but she took no notice. They were near by now, and she had to escape them.
Desperately she ran. No breath left, but she didn't even hesitate. If they were to catch her, any hope for her, would fade away.
If only she could escape the dense forest. Then she would be able to turn and fight them, however among the close trees,
she had not enough room to swing her long blade.
-
Something was glistening ahead of her. The invasion of light in the forest edge. Suddenly she broke through the trees.
She burst out into open space and warmth surrounded her, as her attackers advanced on her.
Pain shot through her back like lightning in a dark sky. She cried out as one long claw tore down her back. Her legs, finally, giving way, she fell.
Collapsed, bleeding on the hard ground, enclosed by snarling beasts, her impending death was unavoidable.
Irony made it so that, she would reach the safety of open ground, the same time her attackers would reach her.
-
She gazed up at the faces, twisted in rage, of her killers. Pain cessed her from moving, fighting, from living.
Needle-sharp teeth clearly visible from under growling lips, were eager to tear at her skin. A cry escaped from her lips.
-
Then suddenly she was engulfed in piercing light. An unnatural wave of warmth washed over her.
"Death?" She sobbed, desperately wishing it away.
"No." Came a low voice. Carefully she opened her eyes, scared her end would become bona fide. The warm sensations,
due to the blood she was now bathed in, was pouring out of the assailants. Shards of light pierced the withering fiends.
-
In moments all the creatures had decayed and, in its place, lay a mound of dirt. Through the haze, a tall figure emerged.
His face was partially obscured by a barrier of dark hair. He had an expressionless facade and he stood, watching her comprehend the situation.
"Did you-?" She cautiously asked.
"Yes." He replied her unfinished question in a cool, low tone. With a sigh, as if he would rather avoid the trouble,
he bent down in front of her, and slid his hand under her shoulders and lower back.
"This will hurt." He warned. Quickly, not giving her time to grasp his intentions, he lifted her against his chest and stood.
She whimpered at the pain, trying to refrain from screaming.
-
"I'm taking you to the chairman." He told her and began down a known route.
"What's your name?" he asked. With watering eyes and shuddering breaths, she gasped,
"Ha, Hannah."
"Kuran, Kaname." Was his reply and she faded into unconsciousness.
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