Ayla’s POV
We have been walking for what felt like forever when Derek suddenly stopped.
I almost crashed into his back. My hand shot out to steady myself against a tree trunk, the bark rough under my palm.
"What is it?" I signed, though I knew he probably couldn't see my hands clearly in the darkness.
Derek turned to face me, the flashlight angled low so I could see his expression. His jaw was tight, his eyes dark and serious.
"Listen to me carefully, Ayla," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "When we get close to your cabin, you will go directly inside. You will change into something different. You will wash your face and hands. You will remove every trace of this from your appearance."
I stared at him, not understanding.
"Remove the scary and fear part of this from yo
