Forty-One

I run and run, looking over my shoulder as the beast continues to chase me through the woods. I wake with a start just as he catches me, pinning me to a tree and then biting into my neck. I sit up quickly, my hand going to the junction between my neck and shoulder where the beast bit me in my nightmare and then a sharp pain shoots through my arm. I place my hand to where the pain started, and I am surprised when I feel a bandage wrapped around my arm.

I move slowly, pull back the blankets, and swing my feet over the edge. I gasp a little at the coolness of the floor under my feet as I stand. When I first came back from Valentino, I didn't notice the cold after being cold for so long, but now the cold affects me even more. I look around and realize that I am not in Zachariah's room. I get to my feet and move around the room. It is a very beautiful room. I am in awe as I find the window that leads to the balcony.

I hesitate as I check the door, remembering when Zachariah