Lucien pov

My arms ached from holding Rick, but I didn’t loosen my grip for a second. His breathing was soft against my chest, steady but tired. Ivy walked close to me, almost shoulder to shoulder, her eyes scanning every shadow. No one talked. No one had the energy.

Everyone was injured. Everyone was drained. But they kept moving.

The sun wasn’t fully up yet. The sky was a dull gray, and the cold air stung the cuts on my skin. Dante walked behind me, making sure no one lagged too far. ...