Forgiveness

Savannah stumbled through the dark forest, driven by a hunger that drowned out her fear. She felt nothing as the dewy branches slapped her face, as the twigs tore at her ragged shirt. She had no room for pain, only for survival. Her world had shrunk to the next step, the next breath. The only sound was the thud of her heart and the echo of her footsteps.

She had lost track of time, of days and nights. The forest was a blur of green trees and grey clouds that hung beyond the canopies of branches. Savannah had grown to hate the sun, it was the cruel reminder of another day she might not live to see. She hated the moon, the cold witness of the warmth she had left behind in Sylvia. Of a life she might have led. The warmth of Zhao's arms, of his smile, of his love. A love she had betrayed.

She had no home, no refuge. And anytime she thought about returning to Hybern, her father's face haunted her dreams, twisted with anger and contempt. He would never forgive her, never understand. He woul