Hoof beats pounded like a drum in her ears, matching the racing pulse of her heart and the ragged gasps that scoured her throat. Every muscle screamed at her to slow down, but her legs ached so terribly she wasn't even sure she could. The only thing holding her up it felt like, was her speed. Stones flew from under her flying hooves and still it wasn't fast enough, nor far enough, for her to feel safe.
Eventually, she simply couldn't keep going as she slowed to a stumbling halt. Head hanging low, her sides belled out in frantic, painful gasps as she struggled to suck in enough air to satisfy her burning body. Sweat streaked her fur but already she had started to shiver despite the steam rising from her shaking body.
Dusk was coming on and the chill of the night sank its talons into her exhausted frame. Muscles trembling she struggled to walk a couple of steps, but was forced to lean against a convenient tree as her legs threatened to crumple beneath her.
