**_WAKE LUELLE! _**

The voice dragged me from the depths of my sleep. I glanced outside to see the sun on the brim of rising. The husky voice again awoke me at this time.

I shook my head and grabbed a blanket to drap over my cold body.

Today I had to go to the neighboring village to buy seeds for Father, but I could tell a storm was brewing.

“If the storm is too violent, stay in Woodville,” Father said, giving me extra coins in case I had to stay in an inn.

I walked for about an hour, the songs of the birds dragging my dreamy feet to Woodville. I loved these walks; I could escape work for a day and enjoy the tranquil presence of nature.

**_LUELLE, DUCK! _**

The voice caused me to suddenly bend down, the dirt covering my knees.

Just as my head moved down, a razor sharp knife sliced the air where I once was.

I screamed and then ran.

My feet dodged fallen branches and rocks as I ran away from a large man with a growling voice.

I could hear him yelling for me, telling me I was payment.

I didn’t try to understand him, I only focused on escaping.

**_GO NEAR THE ROCKS AND THEN JUMP DOWN THE HOLE! _**

The husky voice was louder now and had an urgency in its tone.

It sounded like a man, and he was anxious.

I found a stack of rocks and ran for them, my feet brisk and light.

A hole was open near it, but it plummeted down to darkness.

Do I dare trust this voice?

“You’ll be tasty, that’s for sure!” The large man shouted, edging closer and closer.

I glanced at him, he was non-human, a vampire for sure, hunting me down for his next meal.

Without a second thought I jumped down the hole, following the voice.

I land in soft arms.

My eyes are still closed when the voice again speaks, though, this time I can feel the breath of him, speaking in my ear, “You’re safe Luelle, but I fear you’ve only made Draven’s hunt more intense.”

I opened my eyes to see a tall, familiar man. His golden blonde hair and forest green eyes brought tears to my eyes.

It was Evan.

I hugged him, and he laid a small kiss on my forehead.

He had come back for me.

“I’ll never leave you again, my love,” he spoke, setting me in my feet.

“I heard your voice,” I said, smiling.

“Once I heard Draven, the vampire king, wished to find you, I was too far to keep you safe, so I had to amplify my voice.”

“Draven?” I questioned. Why would the vampire king wish for me?

“Yes,” Evan started, “he found out your a descendant of the Forest Queen. He heard how your Father could grow the most powerful crops on earth, and he knew you’d hold special blood.”

I gulped down my fear. I had Evan with me, no one would dare hurt me.