Kaden ran until his legs gave out, stumbling into the clearing of a shallow stream. His chest heaved as he bent over, gasping for breath, his hands clutching his knees. The sound of rushing water filled the air, a stark contrast to the pounding in his head.
He knelt by the stream, the coolness of the water drawing his gaze. For a moment, he stared blankly at his reflection. Then his eyes widened in horror.
Blood.
His face was smeared with it, streaks of crimson running from his lips down his chin. His mouth... the sight made his stomach churn. "Was this their blood?"
"No," he whispered, shaking his head violently. His reflection mimicked his desperation, but it offered no comfort.
