~ASHTON~

The fire had burned down to embers hours ago, a dull red beneath a crust of ash. The forest around us was dark and silver, moonlight slicing through the trees.

Somewhere far off, a night creature screamed—a chilling sound—and the hair on my arms lifted. I didn't move. My back was pressed to the rough bark of a tree, knees drawn up, weapon across my lap. Guard duty. That was the deal. Hazel sleeps, I watch. Simple.

Except nothing was simple anymore. I was no longer a man ...