IRISRunning through the woods helped. Not by a lot. But enough to ease that weight that pressed against my chest, making it impossible to breathe.Something was wrong.I could feel it. And yet, Ryker was convinced it was all in my head. I let my eyes flutter shut, feeling the night breeze on my skin. A shiver rolled through me as I sank into the grass. I inhaled deeply, relishing that scent. Pine. Wet soil. Clean air. A shuffle made my eyes snap open. I held my breath, waiting and sure enough, it came again, from my right, behind the bushes of wild flowers.My eyes narrowed, senses sharpening as I stood slowly. The shuffling stopped suddenly, my pulse froze. Then something lunged at me, black, fast. “Ahhhh!!!!” I screamed, shielding my face from the attack.I expected blood. Pain. But all I got was a light prickle on my arms. I peeled my eyes open slowly. Then froze, tilting my head to the side.A black cat perched on a tree stump, staring down at me like I was an inconvenience.
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