hands extending out in front of him and connecting hard with Elysia’s abdomen. It feels like she’s been hit by a truck, the force of the child’s assault sending her up into the air and flying backwards. When she lands on the forest floor, all of her breath escapes her. Elysia shouts out in pain.

 

            “How about now?” The boy asks. “Does it feel real now?”

 

            Elysia can’t answer. Her body is a mangled heap on the ground, the pain so blinding she fears she will pass out any moment.

 

            “Please...” She whispers, curling in on herself. The blood has...

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