A Brush With Death

Tree branches whipped viciously against Kira’s cheeks as she stumbled to find her way in the darkness. She would have fallen if Gideon hadn’t kept his vice-like hold on her wrist. Kira swallowed the pain and the fear. The only goal right now was to survive. She had no idea how long she had been running. When Gideon finally stopped, she found herself in a patch of a clearing surrounded by tall trees all around. She strained her ears and heard nothing but her own laboured breathing and the chirping of nocturnal birds. They must have shaken off Henry’s men. Safe for the time being, she sank to her knees, panting. Only two of Gideon’s guards made it out alive, plus Martin, who was wounded in one arm. ‘We’ll have to spend the night here,’ Gideon said. Martin nodded and went off in search of water and food. ‘Let me look at your legs.’ Gideon knelt in front of Kira, who was sitting on the ground, wincing in pain. She scooted and turned away from him. Gideon simply dragged her back by her ankl