Page 11

J aws snapped on to the neck of Theo's tank top and ripped it to shreds as he tore away and bolted into the night. He no longer was worried about finding the gate or being stealthy. All he was focused on was not getting mauled by the prince.

He hopped over roots and ducked under tree branches as he raced through the maze of a forest. Where is he? Did I get away, did—

His thought was cut off when he was hit with so much force the air was knocked right out of his lungs.

A pained cry broke from his lips as he was tackled into a wide-open snowy landscape. The antlers stabbed into his already sliced up arm, making his wounds throb. He was roughly pinned on his back and his blood ran cold as he stared up into a jaw full of razor-sharp teeth.

"Prince Sebastian, please!" he choked out as the prince's claws sunk into his chest. "I'm sorry I ran. I'll go back. Just please stop."

The prince ignored him and lunged forward, forcing his claws in deeper and growling in Theo's face.

A loud groan rang out and the ground under them trembled. Theo worried it was another animal, but as frigid water lightly licked his back, he realized it was much worse.

"Ice. It's ice!" Pure panic coursed through him. "We need to move!"

Theo desperately gripped the prince’s antlers and tried to force him off, but it was no use. His wounded arm was weak, and the prince's strength outmatched him tenfold.

The ice creaked, sending spider web cracks across the surface under his back.

"Please," Theo said through gritted teeth as he desperately tried to push him off. "Will you just listen to me!"

With a loud growl, the prince shot forward and opened his jaws, showing sharp, bloody teeth.

Theo felt the heat of his breath on the front of his neck and squeezed his eyes shut. There was a crash.

And the ice broke.