Connor’s POV
The air still smelled of smoke.
We ran.
The sound of the burning camp faded behind us, but not enough. Not until we left the destruction far behind.
Ava didn’t say a word.
She just clutched the baby to her chest, as if that alone could shield her from the horror we had just escaped.
I stayed a few steps ahead, alert to every shadow, every sound, every movement among the trees. I couldn’t afford to lower my guard.
Not yet.
The mountains loomed before us.
If we made it there, we had a chance.
The terrain would be harder to cross. Easier to hide in.
Harder for them to follow.
Ava gasped behind me.
“Connor… wait.”
I stopped immediately and turned to her.
She was exhausted.
Her legs trembled. Her chest rose and fell rapidly.
The baby whimpered against her, restless
