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“Run.”
Kaelan didn't hesitate to heed the voice, turning on his heel and bolting into the trees. Heavy footfalls alerted him to the group following close behind but he didn't dare look back.
The winds started to blow, making it harder to run. But he still didn't stop, only willing his legs to move faster until he felt the muscles start to tighten.
Shit!
His legs soon gave out and he collapsed on the ground, legs hurting and aching horribly as he attempted to push himself back up. He learned the hard way it wouldn't work when he face-planted into a root and a knot started to form on his head.
Kaelan could hear his assailants getting closer and closer and-
“Up here!” A voice urged.
The boy looked up to see someone peering down from a tree. He didn't know who they were but maybe, just maybe they could help him. His muscles had finally relaxed after the fall so he hurriedly got up and climbed the tree with the help of the mysterious stranger.
Just as he made it to the top and managed to hide in the leaves the group of hunters came barrelling straight past his hiding spot.
Kaelan let out a heavy sigh of relief. “Oh god, I thought I was done for!”
The person snickered as they revealed themself from the leaves. It was a creature with blacked out eyes, sharp rows of shark-like teeth, and small horns growing from their head.
“Good thing I was here, human.”
Kaelan immediately reeled back. “What the hell?!”
“Well that's just rude. And after I saved your miserable life.”
Kaelan had the decency to look sheepish. “Sorry, sorry... it's just not every day I come across someone like you - no offense.”
“None taken.” The creature theatrically waved their hand. “Now run along before you get yourself into more trouble. We wouldn't want those hunters coming back for you, would we?”
“Definitely not!”
The creature tilted their head. “I don't even know what's so special about you that they want. You're quite the unremarkable human.”
“Wow, thanks.” Kaelan rolled his eyes. “They want my eyes. Purple isn't a common color, y'know?”
“I guess not. Still not pretty enough for my collection, though.”
“What?”
“Nothing. Now shoo before those men come back!”
Kaelan jumped out of the tree, landing with a THUMP. “I'll hopefully never see you again. Bye, weirdo.” And with that, the boy ran off in the opposite direction.