Peniel

[Rowan Finnegan]

The buzzing beast came at Rowan a third time, but she had been ready. The branch was now grasped like a large spear, its jagged end pointed towards the thing flying towards her. It closed the gap between them as Rowan thrust the branch forward, its broken point driving into the beast’s belly. The thing screamed in unearthly tones, ooze dripping from the wound.

Rowan felt the air knock out of her as she was shoved forward. She toppled over awkwardly onto the branch and the dead thing; it had stopped its screaming, but the sound continued above her. Another beast had caught her unaware.

The thing shrieked and clawed at the back of her dress, clearly seeking flesh.

Thank the Goddess this has a thick lining… Rowan thought to herself ruefully.

Rowan’s hands squirmed beneath the press of their weight as she sought the branch, hoping to drag it out from under herself. The beast made quick work of her dress, finding her smooth flesh. Pain erupted across her shoulder blade. Blood quickly began to flow from the wound.

Rowan did not scream. She sought calm. She sought the Light. 

It was not there. She opened her eyes and struggled to look to the left.

Vale had found her.