Trapped

***This story is rated Unicorn.***

*They killed our leader.*

*They destroyed our home.*

*They scattered our pack.*

*They tried to kill us.*

***But we survived.***

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They were always watching us, from the moment we set foot on this island. With careful eyes they examined our every move, already plotting our untimely demise. I remember the underlings being scared of them, and even I was nervous when the ominous note appeared at our makeshift camp. The note—it wasn’t a note. It was a threat, and a deadly one. Ever since we had received that threat, none of us had stepped out of line. Not once. Not even Tsurai, the smart-mouthed, bossy warrior that all of the underlings feared. Even she had been silent when they first forced us to The Gale. The Gale—I still shudder every time I think of it. It appeared to be a safe haven, somewhere that we would appreciate. But we were wrong. It was a trap, all a trap. The Gale was no more than a cruel, rundown prison camp masked by an appealing entrance and an optimistic name. While we were there, we suffered. Barely eating or drinking, even Tsurai and Kokiema grew weak. We will always remember The Gale and its cruelty. It’s a scar that will leave a permanent mark on all of us. It’s a broken leg, or a torn ear. It will never heal.

Yet there was hope. They came, and they rescued us. But I suppose, dear reader, that I should not give away the most important parts of the story. Before you begin, you must know this: do not trust The Chosen. Do not enter The Gale. As wonderful as they seem, they are deadly. Your death will come soon if you ignore me. If you listen, you might have a chance. But believe me, be slow to trust. You never know what’s hiding in plain sight.....

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### **Chapter One**

"Race you to the top of the waterfall!"

"You'll never beat me!"

Kiera grinned and bolted along the rocky bank of the river, desperately trying to keep up with her brother. Although Tyome was older, she often bragged about how she was faster than him--and she needed to prove him right. But the ground was sharp and uneven, and Kiera hestiated slightly with every step. On the other paw, Tyome was fearless, bounding across the rocks as swiftly and surely as a deer. Kiera looked more like a bear, lumbering along and tripping every other stride.

Tyome glanced back with an arrogant snicker of laughter. Kiera growled, flattening her ears.

"You can't beat me!" her brother taunted.

"Yeah right!" Kiera yelped back. Her brother was distracted by the argument. She could tell by the shorter length of his strides, by a tiny misstep, by the way he had his head raised in triumph and his bushy tail wagging. This was her chance.

Narrowing her eyes, Kiera gathered all of her strength and flew forward, trying to gain the confidence to leap freely without hesitation. Tyome had obviously seen her cunning move, and he was already close on her tail.

But Kiera couldn't lose the scrap of victory she had. The waterfall was so close! Just around this one bend--

Kiera skidded to an alarmed halt, nearly collapsing. With a yelp Tyome scrambled for a grip on the rocks. Their gazes were fixed worriedly on a trio of large foxes blocking their path. The foxes' fur was slathered with thick mud, hiding their identities and scent.

"Let's get out of here, Kiera," Tyome hissed under his breath. Kiera nodded, slowly advancing backwards. As soon as they had put a good distance between them and the strange foxes, Tyome bolted. Kiera spun around to follow him, relieved that the foxes weren't following them.

Tyome had already disappeared into the undergrowth by the time Kiera had accelerated. But she didn't get very far, because something leaped out of the bushes and shoved her to the ground. Kiera screeched in pain, glaring up at her attacker. It was another fox, covered in dirt just like the others.

"Let me go!" Kiera howled. "You let my brother go! Let me go!"

"Oh, no," the mud-covered fox replied silkily, holding his muzzle close to Kiera's face. "You're the one we want."

After that day, Kiera's life changed forever. She was taken far away from her home, led and watched over closely by the mud-covered foxes. It was strange, she thought, but mostly scary. She was young, and didn't yet understand the cruel practices of some.

*More coming soon!*