CHAPTER SIXTY

For a split second, I was sure this was it. That this was the end. But the searing pain that I expected didn't pierce through me as she shot her rifle; I felt nothing. Instead, I heard a thud behind me. Opening my eyes, I turned my head slightly and saw the deer that I wanted to shoot earlier had been shot to the ground, not five feet from where I stood.

My face felt cold, drained of all color as I breathed out in relief. I just stood at the same spot as my body was still trembling uncontrollably from the shock. Turning back to Ashley, I saw she had lowered her rifle, and I could see that wicked smile still playing on her lips.

"What's wrong, Ariel?" she asked, her voice dripping with mocking concern. "Did you think I was going to shoot you? I was just trying to get that deer beside you. Silly girl."

My fists clenched at my sides as rage bubbled up beneath the fear I had felt earlier. How dare she? How dare she toy with me like this? But before I could find my voice, Ashley turned on