Ivy’s POV

The next morning came colder than any dawn I could remember.

I barely slept, spending every minute thinking of my next move.

I couldn’t possibly run.

No, it would only prove them right.

By daybreak, Aaron was the first to appear. Behind him, Mae stood with her hood pulled up, her eyes red and swollen.

I wanted to speak to her one last time, but my throat refused.

“Move,” Aaron ordered.

Two men flanked me, their grips tight on my arms as they dragged me toward the forest’s ...