Stonebearer’s Betrayal (Shadow Barrier Trilogy Book 1) by Jodi L. Milner
A shadow flickered off to the side of the trail, making no more sound than the whisper of dry leaves.
Elan gripped Katira’s arm, pulling her back. “We’re leaving. Now.”
“I don’t understand, what’s happening?” The sudden change in Elan confirmed her every fear about the woods. Papan was right. She wasn’t safe here.
“We’re being hunted.” He pushed her down the trail. “Run.”
She needed no urging. She ran. Tears blurred the path and trees around her. She wanted nothing more than to be home. The pounding rhythm of Elan’s footfalls raced behind her.
Loose stones and raised roots littered the trail. Katira fought to keep from tripping. Branches whipped at her face and caught in the fibers of her coat. Her breath burned in her lungs. A flat stone rolled beneath her step, sending her sprawling forward. Elan caught her arm and kept her from slamming into the dirt.
“You okay?” he asked, breathing heavily.
She struggled to put words together. In this horrible place, every shadow held a monster. Every sound meant a new danger.