Prologue

PROLOGUE

" W hen your mind is mainly in a dark place it is difficult not to think in shadow."

—Charlie Hasler

"Come out, come out, little fawn. I promise I won't hurt you."

Terror skittered through me, my mind a horrible blur of disgusting images. Blood pumped through my veins as I raced away, ignoring the man's cries. As I headed down the alleyway, I prayed there would be someone, anyone at the end to help me.

I sensed he was behind me, lurking. Waiting. Determined to break my soul.

No one could do that. No one.

There was so much to live for, so many reasons to survive.

Even if no one was coming to help me.

I heard his dark, evil laughter in the distance, momentarily disoriented by the rush of adrenaline. My feet were heavy, but I kept moving, ignoring the rain as it pelted against my body and face. I was close, so close to freedom. Nothing was going to stop me.

But as with so many aspects of my life, nothing was supposed to be easy.

A sudden blinding light enveloped the darkness, removing the shadows. But in its place was another wave of sheer terror as a monster wrapped his arm around my throat, pulling me against his hard body. And in a sickening flow of slow motion, the harsh light flickered across a knife.

There was no doubt I was going to die today.