Catherine's Pov.
I was walking as fast as I could, my heels clicking a frantic rhythm against the pavement. Esme's hot, even breath puffed against my arm, a small, steady reminder that she was okay, that she was alive.
That single sensation was the only thing giving me hope and keeping me from completely falling apart. I needed to get out of here immediately, to put as much distance as possible between us and him, and between us and the bloody, broken remains of what I thought was my life.
How could I have been so incredibly dumb? Why was I so blind to see the truth staring me in the face? Why would a powerful witch save me from certain death without expecting a damn thing in return? Nothing in their world came for free, especially not magic. I was a fool to believe in a kindness that had strings attached, strings that were now wrapped around my daughter's neck.
