The forest swallowed them whole.
Branches whipped past as they ran.
Roots twisted beneath their feet.
The further they moved from Cassian and his hunters, the darker the woods became.
Sunlight struggled to reach the ground.
Ancient trees towered overhead like silent giants.
Nobody spoke.
Not at first.
The only sounds were hurried footsteps and heavy breathing.
Alexander never released Emily's hand.
Not even for a second.
As though letting go might allow the forest to take her away.
After nearly twenty minutes of running, Seraphine finally raised her hand.
"Stop."
The group immediately slowed.
Everyone was breathing hard except Seraphine.
And strangely—
The first child.
The transformation inside him seemed to have increased his endurance.
Daniel dropped onto a fallen log.
"I officially hate forests."
Lucien leaned against a nearby tree.
"You hate everything."
"Not true."
Daniel pointed dramatically.
"I enjoy food."
Nobody responded.
