Critic-Ishire. Centaur Hut.
**********
"There's something in the bush," Helena affirmed, her voice shaky but sure.
"Uhh, not again─"
Before Lydia could finish, the sound of rustling leaves made her pause. Her eyes narrowed as she tried to make out the shape moving through the underbrush. "It's just a horse," she said, letting out a relieved breath and flashing a shaky smile at Helena. She wasn't sure if she was reassuring Helena or herself.
But Helena's face had paled, her eyes widening with a dread Lydia couldn't understand. "That's not a horse!" Helena shrieked, panic lacing her voice. "Run!"
Fear surged through them, drowning out any rational thought. Their legs moved instinctively, pounding against the forest floor as branches whipped at their faces and tangled in their hair. Their breathing became ragged, desperation tightening their chests as something fast and relentless pursued them, a dark, oppressive presence closing in.
