It's freezing out. But not as cold as the death that awaits me.

I bolt as fast as I can. Thoughts scatter in my head as I desperately try to focus. Oh, Gods...There was blood everywhere. And that man with the knife, there was a wicked, inhuman feel about him. I cannot concentrate. Cold air burns my lungs. My heart races faster than my feet despite the exhaustion wearing on me. I bite the inside of my mouth as thorns and sharp rocks cut at me, beckoning me to scream. But I know he would find me then.

I spot a forest ahead of me, about thirty feet away. Good. I need to get out of plain sight. I dare to peek behind me, and dread sinks in my stomach when I do.

The man trails close behind, clutching a bloodied knife. He flashes a sinister grin when we make eye contact. He's terrifyingly fast as he gains ground. A horrified scream escapes me, only amusing him further.

"Stop running, little lady. I won't harm you. Unless you want me to."

"You disgust me," I spit out, but the words are laced with uncertainty and fright. Ten feet from the woods. Hope blossoms in my chest as I get closer. I'm going to make it. I'm-

A corner of my dress snags on a sharp rock as I stumble over myself. My face smacks the icy dirt, causing blood to gush from my nose. I immediately get up and desperately pull at my gown. Please. Oh no, I'm going to die. The man grins as he sprints closer as I heave until finally, the bottom half of my gown rips apart, but I'm free. The cold air hits my bare legs as I dash into the woods, hearing sinister laughter not far behind.

The trees are tightly together as I weave through the trunks. I seem to gain some ground as the man fails to dodge the trees as swiftly as me. I know that a village lies ahead. It's just four miles from my home, but how long have I been running? Surely it cannot be much further. Shivers rack my body, so I hold my lantern closer.

My calm turns to dread as my strength wanes. Thorns sink deeper in my feet with every step while my mind slows. I'm beyond exhausted. I'm instantly on alert when broad hands grab my shoulders, pulling me backward with a shriek. My eyes widen as he pulls me to his chest, pressing a bloody knife to my neck. The metal is icy cold, and it's all I can focus on as he examines me with satisfaction.

His breath is hot against my neck as he says, "All that exertion just to be caught. What a shame."

"What do you want from me?" I force out, clamping my eyes shut. I need to slow my breathing, to calm down, but my panic overrides good nature as I hyperventilate. The frigid blade nicks at my neck with each inhale, eliciting a small wince.

"Hmm, what do I want from you?" he asks, feigning confusion. "Well, I'll show you after I carry you with me. How does that sound, hmm?"

My eyes widen as I realize what he wants from me. No, no, no. "I'm not going anywhere with you. Let me go!" I scream. He chuckles, yanking my hair as he drags me backward. I kick and struggle against him, even hitting the knife out of reach, but he only wraps a thick arm around my neck. In a final fight for survival, I smash the lantern into his face with all my strength. It shatters as the flames eat away at his skin, sending him stumbling back in agony. I watch in shock as he screams, trying to put out the fire, but it consumes him, engulfing the air in the reek of burning flesh.

"Gooood rrriddance," I manage to say between slurs. My triumph melts away, leaving only my realization as I sink to the ground in a heap of shivers and blood. I even stun myself when I crawl closer to the vile man, now on the dirt as his screams slowly die. I cling to the warmth of the flames as my mind seems to stop thinking and stop feeling. When he places a burning hand on my wrist, I don't stop it. I welcome the heat as I watch the blaze.

"See you in hell," he hoarsely says as his flame winks out, leaving me in the cold alone.

"Until next time," I murmur as the ice freezes over, leaving me to sink.