I tried to push myself up, but the pain shot through my body like a thousand jagged knives, and I collapsed back to the ground. My body screamed in agony, but I had no time to dwell on it. The clock was ticking. The door to the safe room was only open for a short while, and once it closed, we wouldn't be able to open it for 24 hours. Every second counted.
"Hey, I need you to run in that direction without looking back, alright?" My voice was shaky, but I had to make it sound calm. The child's wide eyes locked onto mine as I gave her a firm nod. "When you reach the building, go to the back door. You'll find one of the pack members there, okay?"
The child nodded, her face pale with fear, but she didn't hesitate. She turned and bolted toward the direction I pointed out. I watched her run, a
