**Elena’s POV**
I didn’t look back. I couldn’t. If I did, I knew I’d see him behind me. Or worse, I’d imagine him there. My feet hit the wet ground again and again as I pushed through the trees. Branches scratched my arms and stomach, leaving stinging welts all over my body.
I kept imagining a hand grabbing my arm and dragging me back; the thought alone made me run faster.
It was so cold; I was wearing only a bra and sweatpants, both wet from the rain and clinging to my skin. The wind blew hard, making my skin feel raw, and my teeth chattered so loudly I heard them over my heartbeat.
Oh God, please. Just let me survive this night.
I didn’t know how long I had been running; minutes, an hour? The forest looked the same in every direction, dark and wide. I couldn’t see a road, houses, or
