We hit the edge of the forest and keep running, moving through the trees in and out of sight. My breathing is getting laboured with the exertion of too many days with little sleep. The tight control and use of my element has taken most of my energy. The men running behind us are so close now I can hear their breathing.
“Keep running, Saoirse, we're almost there.” Geraint encourages, his thin hand grasps mine tighter and pulls me forward. The fluttering in my belly is soft, as if my child is indicating it’s weakened state, even as warmth spreads around it to nurture it. My legs start to slow, but Geraint still pulls me forward. Something moves past his head and splinters a sapling ahead of us. They are throwing knives at him.
Just a little further and we will be safe.
The howl sounds a
