Maren
Twenty feet.
That was all the space left between us and the gap in the north fence. I could see the jagged wire. Beyond it, the trees were dark and thick, promising a place where we could finally disappear.
“Almost there,” I whispered, pulling on my mother’s hand. “Just a few more steps, Mom. Don’t look back. Just look at the fence.”
“I’m trying, Maren,” she panted. Her breath was coming out short. “I’m trying.”
We were so close. I could almost feel the cold air of the forest on my face. Then, three shadows stepped out from behind the equipment shed. They didn’t run. They didn’t shout. They just moved into our path, blocking the way to the gap. They were Caius’s warriors. I knew them by the grey marks on their leather jackets and the way they held themselves.
“Where are you goi
