Prologue
Lucas dove off the path and burrowed into the underbrush, praying that he wouldn't be seen. Branches caught at his hair and scratched his skin but he pushed on, ignoring the pain. He hit the ground and crawled into a tangle of dense growth as he heard the sounds of pursuit crashing toward him. His breath came in gasps, and he shoved his fist into his mouth to try to stifle the sound.
"Lucas!" a voice roared. "Where are you? You can't hide forever, boy, you might as well come out now!"
Lucas felt his heart pounding, the rapid beat pulsing in his ears. It was so loud that he was sure his pursuer would be able to hear it. The sounds approached his hiding place and slowed. Then there was silence. Lucas closed his eyes, every muscle tensed as he waited, fearing that at any moment he would be discovered. After several moments that seemed like an eternity, he heard footsteps heading in the opposite direction, toward the beach. He slumped in relief, but quickly pulled himself together and headed deeper into the jungle. He had to find another hiding place before his time ran out…