ut! Run!” Sage’s voice came

rumbling to her.

“The horses,” screamed Elena.

“Finished! Get out, damn you!”

Elena had never heard Sage swear before. She dropped the subject.

Elena never knew how she and Meredith did get out, tumbling over

each other, trying to help and only getting in each other’s way. Bonnie

was already out, by virtue of the coach having hit a pole and sending her

flying. Fortunately, it had sent her into a square of ugly but springy red

clover, and she wasn’t seriously injured.

“Ahhh, my bracelet—no, there it is,” she cried, grabbing

something glittering out of the clover. She cast a cautious look upward

into the crimson night. “Now what do we do?”

“We run!” came Damon’s voice. He came around the wreckage of

the corner where they had fallen in a heap. There was blood on his

mouth, on the previously immaculate white at his throat. It reminded

Elena of those people who drank cow’s blood as well as milk for

nutrition. But Damon only drank from humans. He would never stoop to

equine blood…

The horses will still be here and so will Bloddeuwedd, a harsh

voice explained in her head. She would play with them; there would be

pain. This way was quick. It was…a whim.

Elena reached for his hands, gasping. “Damon! I’m sorry!”

“GET OUT OF HERE,” Sage was roaring.