Frozen Forever

Leaves brush against my scarred legs, leaving a trail of warm dew behind them as I make my way through the forest and back to the tribe before sunrise. I gripped my bow and arrow in my now bloodied hands, the quiver rested securely across my back but irritated the scratches I'd acquired from a fight with a wolf when the night was still young. Night is now slowly giving in to dawn as I pick up the pace, knowing that remaining out will put me at significant risk. Yet, the air is still full of humidity and as I stepped into the forest clearing, sunlight bathed my dark skin. My tribal markings shone a radiant, vibrant white instead of remaining their usual black. My dark hair and eyes turned a supernatural silver as I stood still, basking in the light for the first time in my life. Power, excitement and determination surged through my bloodstream as never before. I felt alive. Invigorated. I held my breath, wishing the feeling would last forever. But soon, the moment passed and I was alone again, surrounded by the chorus of crickets, in this empty, eternal darkness.