The sharp blades of thorns peirced my skin as I sprinted through The Briar. I winced as the prickly brambles scathed my arms and legs.

I didn’t look back.

Not when I heard the screams.

Not when I heard the horrifying sounds of swords meeting flesh.

Not when the arrows whizzed past my head.

The words of my mother sounded throuought my head, causing tears to form at my eyes.

Run, Laurel, Mother had said, Run and don’t look back, my angel. You are our last hope.

I pushed back the tears and quickened my pace, running faster than I ever have before.

Where I was going, I had no idea. I let out a strangled sob as I heard the cries of the children. I risked a look back at the burning village I had once called home. Now it was little more that burning wood and feathery ashes.

I let tears blur my eyes as I collapsed on the ground.

I’m sorry, Mother, I thought as the knights caught up to me, swords in hand.

I let the tears fall as I closed my eyes.

I’m so, so sorry.