I knew of only one hope.

I scrambled clumsily back into my dress and balanced on sore, aching limbs as I slid back into my shoes and fled downstairs and across the tavern.

The barmaid paused to watch me.

After almost two days of relentless torment, I'd begun my trek to the crone's hut in desperate need of salvation.

I fled through the woods, wet hair whipping every time I looked over my shoulder. Searching for him. Though I couldn't see him, I was somehow certain he was never more than a hairsbreadth behind me. Waiting. One weak moment and I'd be his again.

His voice chased me, smooth and erotic, as I ran headlong through the woods. Desperate for help. "I'm coming for you, Zira."

Dampening me just from the sound. As my body prepared for what was to come. I pressed against the ache. Not again.

I sobbed. Clutching my skirts and pushing my body to run faster. Wishing that somehow I could just outrun him.

I tripped in my haste and went sprawling across sodden leaves and twigs on my stomach. I tried to crawl away on my belly.

"Just leave me alone." I pleaded.

I'm soooo tired!

"That'll never happen." He scoffed.

I was so tired that I hesitated for a moment. Closing my eyes in exhaustion. Dropping my face to the leaves for only a moment of rest.

I felt my dress sliding up the back of my legs. And then my legs parting. I could feel his touch caressing my calves and thighs. But I knew if I turned and looked, no one would be there.

My own personal haunting.

***

The forest was as empty as always.

Yet he still somehow finds me.

"I'll always know where you are." He purred. "And I'll always want inside you."

I felt him thrust deeply. Entering me without warning. My back arched and I cried out in objection but he was stroking into me. Grunting in satisfaction.

"You feel so good." He breathed in my ear. "Hot and wet. Always. I'll spend your lifetime inside you. Spilling seed into you. Ravishing you."

"Noooo." I pleaded helplessly. Too tired from fighting to stay awake for nearly two days, to escape him now.

"Please struggle, Zira." He whispered. "You know I love it when you do."

"I can't. I'm too tired. I just need sleep."

"A shame. You won't get much." He clucked in his cheek. "I'm going to fuck you over and over until you get up and run from me again..." He shook his head. "Like you'll ever get away."

And I knew it was true.

A horrible truth.

"You're mine. Always mine. This is mine."

But how could I fight him? How can you fight someone you can't see? Can't touch.

But he can touch me.

***

Once he'd finished with me I pushed myself up. Forcing myself awake. I stood on shaking legs and bolted in the direction of her hut.

I reached Hales' Hut and threw open the door. My breaths coming in heaving pants.

"Hales!" I called desperately.

"Why Zira, what is it?"

"I need help." I used the back of my wrist to toss away the tears. "I'm being hunted. Something awful has gotten ahold of me."

"Aw, now...It's not so bad, is it?" I could hear his voice in my ear. Like he circled me. Leaning in to breathe on my neck, face and ear.

A predatory wraith I can't see.

"What's she going to do to help you?"

"You look exhausted, Sweet." Hales said sadly. "Here." She lifted a potion bottle. "Take this immediately and find a bed."

"Why?" I hesitantly took the bottle.

"It'll put you right to sleep."

I reflexively hurled the bottle across the room.

I heard him clucking chidingly from somewhere behind me now.

"What a shame...You should've taken it. We could've had so much fun! Go." I felt a light shove at my back. "Lick it up. We can still enjoy its effects." He purred.

Not a chance. I was turning to try and see him. Frantically spinning.

"Zira..." Hales said worriedly. "What is it?"

"He's here." I searched every shadow looking for him.

"Do you know what he is?" Hales caught my arm and turned me.

"Don't tell her. Let us keep you and I, atween you and I." The meaningfulness of his words was not lost on me.

"Or should I say let's keep you and I, atween your thighs, Sweetheart." His chuckling laughter chilled me.