The forest swallowed us whole.
Branches clawed at my arms, brambles snagged my nightdress, and the cold night air burned my lungs with every ragged breath. Adrian’s hand gripped mine so tightly it hurt, but I didn’t let go. I couldn’t. If I let go, I knew I’d collapse into the dirt and never rise again.
Behind us, Daniel’s roar lingered in the night like a curse. This isn’t over!
The words chased me as fiercely as his footsteps ever could.
We ran until my legs threatened to give out, until the house was nothing but a shadow swallowed by trees. Only then did Adrian slow, pulling me into the shelter of an oak so massive it felt ancient.
His chest heaved as he pressed his back to the bark, pulling me close. “Are you hurt?” His voice was low, urgent, his hands skimming my arms, checking f
