Cassy's POV
“Please don’t kill me!”
My own scream tore from my throat as I ran barefoot through the dark forest, branches whipping my face and arms. The masked man was right behind me, his heavy footsteps crashing through the undergrowth. Moonlight glinted off the long knife in his hand. I could hear his ragged breathing, smell the metallic tang of blood that seemed to cling to the air.
“Stay away!” I sobbed, my lungs burning. My silk nightgown caught on a root and I stumbled, falling hard onto the cold ground. Pain shot through my knees. I scrambled up, but it was too late. He loomed over me and raised his knife. I turned and sprinted toward the cliff edge, desperation clouding my sense of judgement. My foot slipped on loose rocks. The world tilted.
I fell.
Wind rushed past me as the
