Miles went back to cutting logs for the fire that would burn tonight at the feast whilst Sienna returned to the kitchen. Ever since she could remember, she had always worked either cleaning, scrubbing or washing. She found early on she was useless at cooking, nearly always burning everything or making completely inedible food that cook had thrown her out telling her never to go near the stove again.
Whilst her work was physically demanding, Sienna was glad she didn't have to cook. Instead she was asked to collect herbs and other ingredients, which meant she was out of everyone's way and less likely to get a clip round the ears. Food was scarce for non-shifters only because people like Mila and her friends loved to bully them. By either mixing the leftover food with rubbish or just plain throwing it out before they could get to it, meant they regularly went hungry. No one did anything because they didn't want to get on Mila's bad side as getting on the wrong side of her meant getting on the wrong side of Cook. If you wanted to get fed, then you just didn't do it.
"Sienna!" shouted Cook.
"Yes sir, I'm here." Replied Sienna warily as Cook was under pressure with the events he was scarier than normal.
"Get all the herbs I need for my special stuffing and be quick about it!"
"Right away sir!" Sienna rushed out of the house, hiding the smile on her face. Cook's recipe demanded some herbs that only grew deep in the forest. Sienna always loved going there and never felt scared. Rather it was quite the opposite; in the forest she loved the silence and sense of calm which protected her from the realities of life.
Sienna strode towards the forest. Although undernourished and thin, Sienna was average height with long slender legs. Her hair had come undone and hung in long wavy locks and her unusual green eyes scanned her surroundings. After walking a good half hour, she reached the part of the forest where the ingredients for Cook were found and began collecting what she needed.
Snap!
Sienna whirled round to see what had made the sound. There wasn't anyone this far out and she was sure there were no animals nearby. Slowly returning to her task, Sienna thought she was just imagining things when she heard a deep raspy voice.
"Sienna..."
Knowing there was someone out there, Sienna's heart started to thud, it was so loud she could barely hear the voice.
"Sienna... " it called out, sounding as if it was getting closer.
"Who...who.. whose there?"
"Sienna" came the voice, deeper and more menacing this time.
Sienna frantically looked all around her, turning this way and that way but couldn't see where her name was being called from.
"Wh..who are you?"
"Sienna! Beware the one with bloodied hands." Came the voice right from behind her. Sienna froze. Her body would not move. She began to feel a chill creep over her as if all her warmth was being drained away. With her heart doing it's best to burst from her chest and trembling legs, Sienna slowly began to turn around...