Blood, Defender, Lust

She ran faster than she had ever run before. Her pulse pounded in her ears and her eyes were sharp with terror. The dark world around her seemed to blur and join hands as she desperately tried to make out individual shapes. The heavy footsteps behind her continued to clomp through the thick underbrush as she flew wildly through the trees. The hem of Dari's dress caught on a thorny bush and she hurtled toward the ground.

"Umph," she landed on the damp and sordid rot of the woodland. Dari examined the damage of her dress as she began to stand up. It was ruined, but that was a small price to pay.

A branch broke in Dari's direct vicinity. She froze, fighting the urge to scream and flee. Her legs quivered as she crouched down, laying on the ground in a silent manner. From a few feet off, she could hear the murmur of deep voices and the growls of their frustration.

"We've gotta get 'er back by mornin," said one, "Or Tansan will 'ave our 'eads."
"There are many hours till morning," said a deeper voice. It was grovelled, yet powerful and sent convulsions down Dari's spine, "Do not fret little one."

Dari silenced her breathing and sunk lower to the ground. She dreaded to think what would happen to her if she were found.