Ivy’s POV“Get her out of here now!”

I froze, my breath catching in my throat. I couldn’t move or even think straight.

Mae stepped in front of me, arms outstretched as if her thin body could shield me from whatever was about to happen.

They both looked just as skinny and pale as Mae. Their cheeks were hollow, eyes sunken, like people who hadn’t seen sunlight or safety in years.

Clothes ragged. Torn at the edges. Stained with smoke and dirt.

“She’s hurt,” she said quickly. ...