Preparing To Defend

Jessamyn pulled her hood up, her fingers trembling as they brushed against the rough, worn fabric. The hood cast a shadow over her face, hiding her features from the world, but it did nothing to quell the terror that gnawed at her insides.

She squeezed her eyes shut, sending a fervent prayer to the gods above. Please, she begged silently, let him pass by. Let him be oblivious to the trembling woman cowering beneath the roots of this ancient tree.

The sound of his footsteps echoed in her ears, each step a thunderous beat that matched the frantic rhythm of her heart. She could hear him approaching, the crunch of snow beneath his boots growing louder, closer.

And then, suddenly, the sound ceased. Jessamyn's heart nearly stopped in tandem with the silence that followed. Her entire body went rigid, her breath caught in her throat as she felt his presence loom above her, oppressive and suffocating.