The forest blurred past them as Alden, Charlotte, Seraphina, and Draven ran with every ounce of strength they had, Ava clutched tightly to Alden's chest.
Her unconscious form pressed against him, her soft breathing a small relief amidst the storm in his mind.
'She was dragged… by her hair.'
His eyes flared with rage.
'And I couldn't do anything.'
Each pounding step echoed the fury in his heart. Shame poured through him like acid.
'If only I was stronger… If I had power… this wouldn't have happened!'
His grip around Ava tightened.
He grit his teeth, refusing to let the burning in his legs stop him.
But then—
"FOUND YOU!"
A booming voice echoed through the trees like a thunderclap. The group came to a halt as the earth trembled beneath their feet.
Two figures emerged from the shadowed path ahead.
Sephira—with one arm still glowing in embers—stepped forward with a cruel grin. And beside her, James, that twisted madman, cracked his neck with glee.
