Prologue

She fell to her knees, dropping her bow before collapsing completely into the snow. She knew that she needed to get to her pack and quickly. She had already lost too much blood and she couldn't risk letting infection set in. But the pain was too great and she just needed a moment of rest. She barely felt the cold and while a part of her knew that was a bad sign, she couldn't bring herself to care. I just need to catch my breath. I'll get up in a moment, she thought as she closed her eyes.

"She's this way!" She felt panicked as she heard the child's voice. Why is she back? There still more of them about! Stupid, stupid girl! She tried to get up, keeping her eyes closed, as the girl's voice grew closer and was startled to hear more voices join. She almost got to her feet before collapsing facedown again as the pain seemed to have decided to gather in her head.

"There she is! There she is!" She felt warmth through her wet and shredded clothing as she was gently rolled onto her back. She hissed as the movement caused the pain to flare up again.

A voice as gentle as the hands that now checked the extent of her injuries said, "Easy, child. You're among friends now." She felt as a bottle was placed on her lips and she instinctively drank the liquid that poured out of it. She coughed as it burned down her throat but sighed as her the pain began to lessen.

"What is your name, child?" the voice asked.

It took a moment for her to speak as she was still fighting to stay conscious, but she was finally able to answer. "Shadow," she whispered.

"I am Justinia. Sleep now, Shadow. You're safe."

Safe or not, she couldn't stop the darkness from claiming her mind anymore.

Three weeks later.

Running, climbing, got to get away.

Why is it always spiders?

A woman of light ahead.

Hand reaching, grasping.

Green light flashes.

Voices shouting.

Then darkness once again.