Midnight Thrill

Xairo was acutely aware of the sensation that prickled on the back of his neck, like a cold breeze swirled by unseen whispers. His ears perked up, emerald eyes scanning the darkened Sparse Pines around him from under the cover of a pine needle carpeted divot in the earth. A sense of unease overtook him. He was too exposed, too vulnerable.

Without wasting a moment, he picked up his pace, his heart pounding in counterpoint to his thunderous thoughts. Not quite a run, but faster than a casual walk. The forest seemed to close in on him, the typically familiar pines now towering over ominously. His breath came out in short gasps and he could hear the blood roaring in his ears. The tension in the air was palpable, heavy like a predator lying in wait.

"Xairo Saxe"