Caged in Darkness - Caged_Book 1 - J. D. Stroube.pdf - Books - sysia1544

Caged in Darkness

J.D. Stroube

ISBN:

ISBN-13:

DEDICATION

I dedicate this book to my Father, who taught me that no matter how many times

life beats me down; I can rely on him to pick me up. To my Husband, who is unfailingly

patient with my peculiarities, and who pushes me to succeed at every step I take. I love

you both. To my Papa, for being the greatest Grandpa I could have ever wished for.

You’re still alive in my memories and I miss you everyday. I would also like to dedicate

this book to my cats, which spent endless hours curled up with me on my rocking chair,

as I wrote this. Their company is a safety blanket for my soul and my family is the rock

that keeps me grounded.

ACKNOWLEGDEMENTS

This book would not have been possible without my amazing support network.

Thanks to my family for supporting me, to my talented cover artist Regina, and my friend

Lisa who helped me through the editing process!

PROLOGUE

Sludge caked my bare feet and slowed my passage. Nature hindered my flight, as

though wanting me to turn back; to go to him. It had turned hostile. The stillness that

calmed me during sleepless nights, the breeze that cooled my angry flesh, and the moon

that guarded against nightmares were now my enemies.

My sanctuary no longer comforted me. It was a predator and I its prey. My

heartbeat broke its ordinary rhythm and cried in its claustrophobic state. My lungs

smothered the worn organ, utterly failing to provide oxygen as I flew through the forest. I

refused to stop even though my veins melted away to acidic fire. I needed freedom.

My dress strap caught on a branch and was torn free. I felt a twinge of pain as the

edge pressed into my shoulder and drew blood. Chaotic laughter trailed behind me. It

turned the ageless trees into a bitter menace. They loomed around me to conceal him.

Branches tore again at my skin in an effort to bind me, while weeds sought to shackle my

ankles. The pain they caused was minor when compared to the searing inferno at my

core. I clawed through the barriers, crying out when I came to a dead end.

Towering rocks blocked my passage and he was gaining ground. I made an

attempt to pull myself over the stone barricade, but they sliced through my palms. I

desperately tried to find leverage, but I was winded and my strength had left me.

My mind was betraying me; my natural instincts at war with my purpose. My

body and soul screamed for survival. Though it wasn’t mine I was fighting for…

Caged in Darkness - Caged_Book 1 - J. D. Stroube.pdf