Heroes & Thieves IV: Two Wastelands

"What a pretty, little glass doll that roams my lands." It spoke in a petrifying bellow.

Normally, I would have reacted in some way. Draw my weapon, run, scream, try to talk to it, something. But I couldn't do anything. I was absolutely paralyzed with terror at this entity before me. As I sat there, frozen, the monster walked around me. The creature had to be at least over 1,000 pounds with how the earth shook with every step. I had never heard such a violent noise of snow being pummeled down. But with the weight that came with its massive bulk, it made sense.

It kept its penetrating white eyes on me, analyzing me from different angles as it circled around me.

"Quite a prize, this Human." It muttered to itself. "Fair, of a noble bloodline, is loved by all who know her. What fine bait. Such a glorious temptation for my prey."

"I'm imagining things." I told myself inwardly. "This isn't really happening."

All the same, I was terrified. I was hyperventilating. And no matter how much my brain told me to run or even just stand to my feet, it was useless...I still couldn't move.

"Hmm..." The monster looked rather pensive for a moment. "But will he come for her in time? Is she worth the wait? After all, these creatures can be so fragile."

Suddenly, the monster moved its claw across my chin. Horrific shivers exploded through me as I felt nothing but dread and panic. Its claw stopped right as it touched my throat. One simple poke and I would die.

"So fragile." The monster uttered again with a wicked smile. "It would be so very easy to crush your life."

I felt the claw start to push against my throat. I felt it pierce. Blood was already leaking down my neck.

I was about to die. And I couldn't even move.