PART III: THE NIGHT EVERYTHING ENDS
Chapter 17: The Run That Almost Worked
"Don't stop," Justin urged, gripping her hand as they ran through the forest.
Branches tore at them. The night air burned in her lungs.
Freedom was so close she could taste it.
"I'm trying," she gasped.
Behind them—
Howls.
Too many.
"They're gaining," she whispered.
Justin's jaw tightened. "I won't let them take you back."
For a moment, she believed him.
For a moment, she let herself imagine
a future.
That was her mistake.