~ Aubree ~

I ran.

I ran as fast as my two legs could carry me, far from my pack. Far from the screams and the sound of what seemed like my mother yelling at me to keep on running, to not look back.

Don't look back.

Her voice echoed through my head as I picked up my pace.

I don't know where I'm headed but I do know one thing and that's to not stop. My heart pounded hard in my chest as I ran for miles, not daring to look back at the bloodshed and violence that was happening in my own home- or at least what was left of it.

My eyes water up as I shake my head to try and rid of the horrific images and sounds that unfolded right before my eyes. My home has been attacked by rogues. How could this have happened?

It must have been a few miles before I notice my legs screaming in agony from pushing myself so hard. My legs gave out from under all the weight, making me lose balance. I gasp for air as it took me a moment to realize that I had collapsed face first to the ground. I rolled over on to my back, gasping for air as I look up from the muddy ground to see a million stars through the tall trees.

The same stars that I've seen over my home every night. How funny that just last night I was doing the exact same thing but so much has changed since then. They seem duller, farther than they've ever looked before.

I close my eyes and listen to what's around me. Only my ragged breathing and the howling wind sweeping menacingly over the once peaceful forest.

I stayed like this for a few minutes before my mind starts to race with a million questions.

Where do I go from here? How will I make it on my own?

I start to tear up again. What's going to happen to mom and dad- what about James? My little brother was with mom when the rogues attacked our pack, did they make it out safely? I throw my arms over my face and start to cry thinking about how I ran away like a coward instead of helped.

I should have stayed. Why did mom tell me to run? I felt like she knew something I didn't...

I should go back and save them... I should've gone where father was and defended the pack instead of coward away and hide like I am now.

I go through the thousands of unanswered questions, fighting myself on over what I need to do. I lay there sobbing, unable to move as my fear grips me tight. It takes me a while to finally get the courage to pick myself up off the ground and keep moving.

It's not safe here anymore. The forest that I so adored and loved dearly is now something that I'm afraid of.

I began to shuffle through the mud and head in the opposite direction of my home, my pack.

Why do I feel like this is only the beginning...?

Hey guys!

Sorry that this took so damn long- It's my first story about this topic & honestly I'm feeling pretty good but nervous! Actually, this might be my first book ever... Ohhhh the sweaty palms!

Please vote & comment!

It would really motivate me knowing you liked the story- Remember that everyone has different opinions & we should all respect that.

On that note- When are you reading this? I'd love to know! See you in the next chapter~

Word Count: 618.