Unknown
Ba-thump

Ba-thump

My heartbeat pounds in my ears, in time with my footsteps as they land surely on each tile of the roof.

Thump thump

Thump thump

Each beat of my feet sends a jolt of fatigue open my legs. They're screaming in protest, so are my lungs. My mouth is open, pulling as much air through the rag over my face as I can.

Ba-thump

Ba- thump

My left foot slips but I steady myself. Don't look down, don't look back. Eyes forward, eyes up.

Thump thump

Thump thump

Keep running, keep moving. They can't catch you if you run faster. I will the remaining energy I have down into my legs.

Ba-thump

Ba-thump

I can feel my pulse in my thumbs. The blood roars in my ears. Keep going.

Thump thump

Thump thump

Run away, like you always have. Run as far as you can and then keep going!

Ba-thump

Ba-thump

My feet leave the shingles and flail over the gap, crashing surely back onto the next roof. Inhale, exhale. Keep moving.

Thump thump

Thump thump

Sweat trickles down toward my eyes. I blink it away. Don't slow down, keep going.

Ba-thump

Ba-thump

I'm getting tired. I can feel myself slowing down. Don't stop!

"Get that kid!"

Thump thump thump thump

Thump thump thump thump

Move faster. Get away. Run. You're a coward! Stay alive, keep breathing. Find food, keep running.

Ba-thump

Ba-thump

Heart is still beating. Faster, go faster! Don't get caught! Stay alive, keep running.

Thump thump thump thump

Thump thump thump thump

My foot slips again as I leap for the next roof. I grasp the gutter and haul myself back up. Keep running. Move forward!

Ba-thump

Ba-thump

I'm reaching the end of the street. I jump off the roof but land badly. I collapse on the cobbles, crying out.

Thump

My pursuer lands behind me. I scramble. Get up, move, run!

Ba-thump ba-thump

Ba-thump ba-thump

Heart is accelerating, breaths coming faster.

"Vermin."

Thump

My body curls in on itself as pain explodes in my side.

Thump

Another bolt, another kick. Punches, slaps. Pain lives inside me. But as they enjoy beating me, I slowly roll further and further away.

Ba-thump

Ba-thump

Calm, calm, ready, ready. Inhale, exhale. Get up, get up, run! I sprang to my feet, bolting off, away from the city and toward the woods. My sides were on fire, and I could hear them shouting behind me.

Thump thump

Thump thump

Run, run faster! Keep running, don't stop. Stay alive, get away.

Ba-thump

Ba-thump

Can't breathe, have to stop, not being chased. Still alive.

Thump thump

Thump

I slow and stop, leaning against a tree. My lungs are aching, my feet are numb and bloody. I don't even want to look at the bruises on my sides.

Ba-thump

Heartbeat is slowing, we're safe.

Ba-thump

Wait, vision is blurring. What is happening?!

Ba-thump

I fall against the tree, slide to the ground. I can't move. Make it stop!

Ba-thump

Eyes are closing. It's all black.

Ba-thump

Heartbeat in my ears.

Ba-thump

So... tired...

Ba-thump...

End of book four. Book five will be up soon, so keep an eye out for Spirit Animals, The Chosen Eight: Extreme