Veronica POV
Veronica collapsed on the asphalt, her hands scraping against the rough surface as she landed on all fours. She didn’t know how long it had taken her to reach civilization—or how she’d managed to escape those rogues—truly, it was a miracle none of them had gotten their filthy hands on her while she was passed out.
But somehow… she’d done it. She was dirty, bruised, bleeding, and absolutely exhausted. Still, a small, triumphant smile tugged at her cracked lips. She’d made it. The end of her nightmare was near.
But when she finally found the strength to stand and begin walking down the roadside—with only one wedge still on—the people she passed didn’t smile. They didn’t ask if she was okay. They didn’t even offer help.
They looked at her with disgust. Disgust! At her. Her!
