The man moved backwards on my impact but I didn't allow him to recover from his shock. I whirled around and grabbed a log by the fire place and swung it at them. Then without waiting, I hiked my gown up and took off in the opposite direction. I dashed into the woods, branches snapped beneath my feet as I ran. The cold evening air seeped into my skin through my clothing but I ignored it and ran as fast as I could. I could hear my heart pounding in my chest, while fear and adrenaline waged a battle inside of me.
Shouts erupted behind me. They had recovered. They were coming!
I made a sudden right turn, hoping to lose them in thick vegetation. My gown snagged on a low branch, nearly yanking me backwards and almost causing me to lose my footing but I yanked it free without stopping. Behind me I could hear their hurried footsteps, becoming more fast and determined. They were too close and I couldn't outrun them forever.