Dawn breaks over pines like shattered glass, lacerating light that cuts his eyes and does nothing to warm his flesh. He fumbles, legs buckling under the burn of exertion.

The Hounds howl behind him, their dirge lost in the wind that smothers his ears as he sprints.

Frigid water locks his limbs. He chokes on his own breath. The amulet trapped between his sweat-slicked grip grows heavy as he gags on air. Mud grips his bare feet, pulling him to the floor. He lays, heaving. Soles cracked and bleeding. Mistakes weigh like stones.

The Hounds yowl again. The boy runs.

~•~
This was for the action contest but I missed the deadline so I'm posting it anyway