Tossed into the air.
Falling with nothing below me before I started to tumble down a steep ravine.
Grunts and moans ripped free as I toppled over stones and branches and downed trees. Body being battered with each rotation.
With a hard thud, I finally hit the ground far below.
Consciousness faded in and out as I lay face down in a bed of sticks and dried leaves.
The scent of the earth in my nose and a sharp stab of agony coming from my side.
“Fuck,” I groaned, trying to shove off the daze that held me hostage.
I managed to lift my head.
Dizziness swept through, and I squinted as I tried to process what the fuck had happened.
Reaching up, I touched my temple, flinched with the stabbing ache. I pulled my hand away. With the faint glow of the moon, I could see the blood that coated my fingers.
“Shit,” I mumbled, and I forced myself up onto my hands and knees.
Pain radiated wide as I gasped for breath, but somehow, I managed to push all the way to my feet.
I swallowed around the disorder, pulled in all the frayed edges, and forced myself to focus.
My gun had landed three feet away, and I dipped down and grabbed it, then I dug my phone from my pocket and turned on the light so I could figure out the best way out of the ravine.
It was an area that was rocky and difficult for climbing, and I hadn’t spent much time down here since it was difficult to get to. But I spotted a dry channel where water likely flowed during the rains.
Wincing from the pain in my side, I started to climb my way out of the steep gulley.
Grabbing onto branches as I went, I lumbered my way up to the ridge.
My heart clattered. Beating so loud I could feel the pulse of it in my ears. The rushing of adrenaline and the roar of fear.
I made it back to where I tripped, and my gaze dove back into the forest. I inclined my head as I listened for any indication that someone was there.
The foul energy was faint and drifting away.
But I swore that I could scent the last vestiges of wickedness riding on the air.
The fucker was running scared.
I stood there for the longest time until that sense had completely abated.
Wanting to chase it down.
Sniff it out.
Had to accept he was long gone now.
But I would find him. Whoever the fuck he was, I would find him.
Inhaling a shattered breath, I turned and hobbled my way back toward the cabin, my hand pressed to my side.
Only the pain became more pronounced as the adrenaline drained.
Choppy breaths heaved from my lungs as I broke out at the clearing, and my heart thrashed like a beast as the cabin came into view.
