Page 95 of Lost Girl

I do and he doesn’t so much as flinch. I try it thrice more, closer now to the exit—and he still hasn't moved.

Taking a quick inventory of my near area, I look for something to protect myself with, but all I find is my nightie—the one that got ruined—conveniently hanging on the doorknob.

And yes, it's still ruined.

Dirty. Bloodied.

I cringe just thinking about having to put it on, but it's better than nothing.

Fuck it, I'm doing it.

Very slowly, I release the sheet, revealing my naked body, and take three more steps, then six. Nine.

I'm out the door, yanking the garment off the knob on my way out. I bolt through the front door after that, bypassing shoes to avoid stumbling, and all but fly down the steps. I have no idea where I'm going, but the second my feet hit the grass, I'm throwing my nightie over my head and sliding my arms through the thin straps.

It's dark as hell, I'll tell you that—and somewhat chilly—but the moonlight helps, illuminating the worn-in path within the grass.

Where am I even going to go, I think to myself.

"Just follow me," the whisper sounds on my right, which I've come to memorize as the way to Tavi's property and the lake. Maybe I'll hide out there until I wake up.

If I ever wake up, that is.

Tavi isn't here to save me this time—I'll have to save myself.

I glance behind me quickly to ensure I'm alone and book it to the opening in the foliage. Idly I realize what a miracle it is I haven't fallen flat on my face. I'm just moving through these grounds like I've roamed them forever and I haven't got shoes on.

I don’t know if it’s because I’m dreaming or that I’m actually running that fast, but it feels like it only takes me half the time to near the small river. When the hiss of gentle stream begins meeting my ears, my morale boosts all the more.

I'm close to Tavi's.

It's not long after this point, maybe a mile or so.

But as quickly as hope came, it goes, too.

There's a howl in the distance, one I recognize too well. My heart sinks, knees wobbling slightly. I don't stumble then, but I will soon, especially if heiscoming after me now.

"Just keep going, he isn't coming," the whisper advises. "Cut to the right."

I do, without hesitation, following along with the very source that's done nothing but burn a piece of my psyche since I arrived on this island.

"That's it, keep going," it prompts.

"Where?" I ask breathless, lungs burning from the exertion.

"Follow the light."

"What li—"

The tiniest white orb flickers about five feet away. It's so bright, doing this tempting little dance within the air. Despite what the whisper may have said, I know Tavi's likely gaining on me—I can feel him—but my movements have slowed and all urgency has taken a backseat to this light. Fear still lingers in the shadows, though, waiting to take me for another loop on this hellish rollercoaster.

Reminding me it’s never too far away.

As if on some freakish cue, Tavi howls again, echoing louder and much closer, and right behind it resound several more.

He's got the entire pack with him.

Once again, I’m torn between instincts and following the whisper’s bidding. I know I should run, but I can’t. That light is just so intriguing, enticing me to chase its incandescent presence. Through my lower peripherals, I can just barely make out where my steps fall in the grass, it’s silken blades crunching beneath my feet.

---