Moonlight Serenade

The city streets were quiet, snow covered empty stoops and dark alleys. The final days of winter seemed desperate to stay, to freeze those who dared enter their icy grips. For one, the snow was their refuge. Small puffs of air escaped tired lungs, their body exhausted from it’s escape. Cold and alone they hid desperately hoping that they had a chance, that finally they would be free. But fate is cruel and unforgiving.

The sight of flashlights and the fear returned, the urge to run. It was all fruitless, there were too many of them and no where to run, no where to hide. Sitting crouched between two trash cans a soul prayed for deliverance, that they would not see. For a moment hope, but it was quickly dashed away as a hand grabbed red hair,

“Looky what I’ve found boys! Boss’ missing kitten!” the gruff voice echoed off the walls calling the other vile men towards the shivering body,

“You’re in a heap of trouble girly. The boss ain’t going to be so forgiving. Damn piece of trash.” she let out a cry as she was pulled roughly to her feet by her hair. Her body shook, from pain and from the cold. She was barley covered, the boss’ favorite way to keep his pets. There was one last way, one more chance. She struck quickly using the only weapon she had. The man howled as her teeth sank into his arm, and released her to hold his wounded arm. She hit the ground, crawling as first but soon sprang to her feet before anyone else knew what was going on.

They were right behind her yelling their anger. She slid through the alley’s opening onto the street. She was so close, if someone, anyone would help her… she might get away. But again it was not to be, she stepped on a thin piece of ice and lost her footing. Her ankle turned at an odd angle as she fell drawing a sharp cry as the snapping of bone echoed.

She began to curse every god she had ever heard of, eyes filling with tears as she laid on the ground shaking and exhausted yet again. She heard them slowing, then stop a few feet behind her. She was confused for a moment then jumped as something heavy and warm was draped around her. Glancing up, she never expected to see piercing blue eyes staring down at her. There was no concern however, but something akin to interest.

At last the men approached and yanked her up making her stand on her injured ankle. The jacket fell from her shoulders and the stranger bent to retrieve it,

“It would be best if you forget this man. Wouldn’t want to have to kill you.” one of them said, no doubt holding a gun in threat,

“I have business with Paloni. And I doubt you would be threatening me if you knew what I was capable of.” she glanced up at him as he spoke, his voice was level almost kind but his stance and eyes threatened a terrible fate,

“Besides I believe I just did what you seemed incapable of doing.” he said motioning to her. She dropped her head and the men glared but when several cars pulled up they allowed the stranger to join them in returning their prize to their boss. She was forced to sit at their feet, like a proper animal. Occasionally she would glance up, only quickly, at the man she thought would be her savior. And in that time, it felt as if the last of her will had broken.