We live in fear, not even safe in the shadows of our forests.

We are persecuted. Driven out of our homes, because of the things we say. The things we see.

It was hard for me. It still is. Running and running, knowing there's no where safe, that you have no home. All the while trying to forget my dreams. My signs.

I am Haze. An Eternity Seer, and a member of the Hunted.

It happened when I was born. It happened to all of the Hunted when they were born. A clear black night and a shooting star was all it took to ruin our lives.

I'm the youngest. I got my name from my pale blue eyes. Eyes that have seen more than any normal fourteen-year-old should see. I guess it's hardest on me, I was born exactly at midnight, the time when the Power is most great. Out of all the Hunted, I feel the pain the most. My Visions are always the clearest.

"Haze, time to go."

Shade's voice startled me. He's my older brother, and without him I would be dead. He was only four when he left home. He knew his life was in danger, he knew that he had to find others like him. And maybe, start a resistance. I had just been born and I could have just died as well. With my pale blue eyes, everyone knew I was one of Them, one of the Eternity Seers as we call ourselves. Shade had come back for me, whenever I asked why he would just smile and say 'You're my baby sister, I couldn't leave without you. Besides, who would be our distraction?'

That's me, the distraction.

I don't really mind what I have to do. What I hate about it, is that Shade only gives me that job because it would be the safest for me, if I were to have an attack or a Vision. It's not that I'm weak, no, Hawke has a scar to prove what I say is true. Though being a distraction is best, I figure. See I hate violence, and everyone of the Hunted knows that. I've been known to disobey Shade, who we took as the leader of our group, and to do that you must have courage.

Or be his baby sister.

A rough tug on my arm pulled me out of my thoughts. It was Shade again, he was impatient, and he had a right to be, it was almost midnight. It was at this time we, guided by the Power, are our strongest. Or our weakest.

"Well, look who finally decided to join the living," Hawke jeered.

"Shut up," Snowe said, giving him a rough shove. "She was smart, she rested while she could. Unlike you who thinks his time is better spent spitting at bugs."

"I do not spit at bugs! Get your eye's checked you-"

"That's enough," Shade said, his voice commanded attention. We all turned to him, eager to hear our assignments for tonight's raid.

"Hawke," Shade started. "You'll be the look out."

"As always," He gave a mock bow, with his copper brown hair falling over his tanned face, and his amber eyes glittering in good humor.

"Snowe, you'll be the distraction-"

"What?" She gaped at him. "You must be joking! With my Powers, I-"

"Would make a better distraction tonight," Shade continued, ignoring her. His crimson gaze fell on me. "Haze, you'll be joining me at the head of the attack, think you can do it?"

"Yes, of course I can."

"Good," His eyes softened, he must have been relieved. "Let's start moving, we've already lost enough moonlight."

The four of us slipped into our cloaks. My dark curly hair blended well with the black hood on top of my head. My soft features became concealed, only my eyes could be seen.

I watched as my brother gave the signal. We started to dart through the trees; our bare feet were quieter than the Lady Night's nocturnal hunters. Our eyes were bright with anticipation. One hour to midnight, we were ready.

"Haze."

I paused and looked around; I could see Hawke coming towards me. He picked his footing carefully, as if he did not want Shade and Snowe to hear.

"Haze, I wanted to talk to you."

"What is it, Bird-boy?" I tried to lift the dark curtain of gloom that hung over us, but I could tell by his tone that he was distressed.

"Just…be careful, okay?"

I blinked up at him. I am tall for my age, but Hawke is sixteen, and a few inches taller than I am. This boy standing in front of me wasn't the normal Hawke. The normal Hawke was funny, absentminded, and charming. This Hawke was soft and serious. Had he had a Vision? One of war or destruction or, possibly spilt blood? Hawke never told anyone about his Visions, neither did I. Snowe and Shade shared theirs, sometimes…

"Haze, that's all. I just thought-"

"Don't worry about me. Just keep your eyes sharp. We'll be fine."

I watched as he nodded and trotted away into the shadows. I was alone, for now, until we met back at the next village. And then, the night would really begin.

"C'mon," Shade's voice was tense.

"What? Shouldn't we wait?" I could hear the anxiousness and fear in my voice. I was thrilled and scared all at the same time.

Later, I'm going to find out that this is a deadly combination.

"No, if we wait the townspeople will have time to gather. We have to go, now."

I had had my mouth open to protest. I'm the quietest of the group, but I always find a way to get underneath Shade's dark skin, even without saying more than a few words. To everyone else in our little misshapen family, I'm the cute, lovable sister.

"No," Shade repeated, sensing my feelings. "No. N-o. Got it? Good. Now let's go."

I sighed and followed him. If I wanted to keep us safe, I had to look at him as Shade, leader of the Hunted, oldest of the Eternity Seers. Not, Shade my serious older brother.

Sometimes, thinking like this saves my life. It's saved me many times before. I trust both Shades. The cautious one who always looks over his shoulders, but manages to keep the respect of each of the Hunted. That Shade's always strong and never thinks of himself first. Then, there's the other Shade. The one I argue with, the one I'm not even sure I truly know. It hurts, I don't know my own brother. But he didn't get his name from being the light-hearted, optimist of the group. He sticks to the shadows like sap sticks to a bee's wings. He's the classic mysterious type. He's quiet, and not because he's shy, but because he doesn't like people knowing his emotions. To him, they are worse than your enemies.

"Haze!"

"Sorry," I muttered, trying my best to sound sincere. I smiled lightly as a chilling breeze swept my cloak away from my face. This earned me a scolding look from Shade, which made me immediately pull my hood back onto my head. My eyes surveyed the scene around me. The sight before me made me gasp.