Nightwatcher

It was a dark starless night, not even the moon showed. I kept running towards utter blackness. I didn't know where I was or what was chasing me, but I doubt it mattered. I knew it could kill me... It was gaining on me. I could hear it's footsteps closing in. Why run? I asked myself. Why even try to outrun it? It's no use! I'm going to die no matter how fast or how far I run. It's going to catch me. It's going to kill me. "NO!" I shouted. "I WILL NOT DIE!" I ran as fast as my feet would carry me, pounding against the rubble. I refused to give into fear or doubt. It was close now. I could feel it's breath. I kept running. "I REFUSE TO DIE!"
I awoke in a cold sweat, perspiration dripped down my face. "It was only a dream" I Looked out my window. The sky was a vibrant orange. Sunrise. I wiped the sweat off my face and dressed out of my nightgown before venturing downstairs to be welcomed by the mouth-watering smell of toast and tea. I turned to find Naomi carrying multiple plates of food. "Good morning Elyla" she said as she handed me a plate."Would you like me to help you with that?" I asked "No thank you. I'm quite fine with this. You just enjoy your breakfast" "Thank you" I said as I sat down to enjoy my meal. I started thinking about the day ahead and what I might do. I thought maybe I could visit Rosalie or tutor Jade's younger cousin, Ciana. There was always assisting Kane on the farm too, but he's been a little preoccupied in his studies to really realise he needs the help. I often wondered what went on in his head. He lacked imagination and always thought up logical solutions for everything. I couldn't imagine a life having to know everything all the time."OH! And don't forget Elyla, you promised Maya you'd help her with her little expedition into the forest today!" Great, I thought. Something fun to do.
After finishing my breakfast, I went out to the paddock to find Feros anxiously awaiting me. His silky black mane and coat shimmered in the sunlight. I saddled him up before mounting his back and riding east towards Maya's house. She lived on the outskirts of Raxford so we had to ride through the main town to get there.
Once we had arrived, we went around back to find Maya already packed and ready to leave. "What took you so long?" she demanded. She's always been a little bossy and hot-headed. "Sorry, we had to come the long way" She looked at me with scrutiny before calling her horse, Hazer, and loading him up with her equipment. Hazer was a handsome looking horse with his light brown mane and chestnut coat. "I hope you realise this has cost us an hour of scouting time!" I rolled my eyes and got down from my horse to help her. "You know there are legends about the forest" I said in a mysterious tone. "Yeah, i know." Came the blunt reply. I grinned. "I've heard one recently about a dragon." I continued. She ignored me and hopped onto her horse. "They're just stories, and you shouldn't be so naive as to believe them" she said before riding off towards Etchnad Forest.