Day one- Prologue

Prologue - Hayley Ward

                “Hayley!” her mother ran into the room, “They’re coming! You must run.” She was already moving to the window in the small cottage, pushing it open. She thrust the bag, which had remained stuffed and at the end of her bed as long as Hayley could remember, into her hands. “I love you. Now go.”

                Hayley jumped out the window, “Momma, come with me!”

                “We’ve talked about this!” She untied her necklace and pushed it through the window. “I love you.”

                “I love you.” She shut the window in her face and for a moment they stood staring at each other, mother and daughter, through the window the same tears streaking their faces. Then her mom pulled the curtain. A door slammed open inside followed by an ear splitting scream.

                Hayley’s body kicked into action even if her mind didn’t. She slipped her arms through the straps and sprinted the distance to their small outhouse. She leaned against its wall, tuning her pointed ears to the sounds around her.

                When silence fell she snuck a glance around the corner. No one was in sight. She took the moment to sprint to the closest building and slip inside, coming face to face with a soldier. She stumbled back narrowly avoiding his fist. Turning on her heel she ran, not caring whose attention she got or if anyone was following her.

                   Fields passed by in a blur of color and gasping she stumbled into the forest. She glanced behind her as she took a moment to breathe. An army seemed to be following her. They’re armor slowed them down, but mutation elves where breed for speed and muscle.

                She bound through the forest, her bare feet lightly brushing the ground. Her blood pushed her faster. Taking one leap she reached for a branch and swung up on it. She landed softly and quickly climbed the tree. She watched the soldiers run below and settled in for the night.

                Hours slipped by through her unconsciousness and she awoke to an owl screeching across the sky. She shimmied down the tree, landing hard. A sob broke from her chest.

                Again she ran. Her backpack bounced as her feet carried her back to town, her town. The streets were deserted and littered with bodies. She ran faster.

                Then she saw her. She came to her knees next to her mother, pulling her into her arms. “Mother,” she moaned.

                Tears flowed from her eyes, her blue eyes shown out. She knew she could do this. Power rumbled below her. “Vitae spiritum,” she mumbled.

                “Hayley! No!” Ethel screamed. She moved faster than her old age should have aloud, but it was too late. Hayley vanished, disappeared from existence without even a boot print left behind. She fell next to the body of her dearest friend and screamed.