#Chapter 66 - The Hunter Becomes the Hunted

Ella When I realized I was being chased, I threw off my cape and veered off in another direction, hoping that the wolves weren’t close enough to see me yet. If I’m lucky maybe I can throw them off my trail, if only for a moment. I throw down the lantern too. The moonlight is so bright that I can see the forest well enough, and the snow is so deep that I don’t have to worry about trodding on rocks or sticks. I take up the skirts of my dress in both hands, running as fast as I can – faster than I’ve ever run before. I see a narrow creek on my right, a steady stream of water flowing along the banks, releasing steam into the air. I realize the stream must be thermal, like the pools around the stone circle. I momentarily debate jumping into the waters, both craving the warmth and knowing the water will disguise my scent. But what if I have to get back out into the snow? I fret. I could die from hypothermia faster than the wolves could catch me. I don’t think so. The voice in my h