Ruby’s POV

The fire had burned low, just a few glowing embers left, when Austin finally drifted off. Sleep came in pieces, light, uneasy, never deep enough.

Then a loud crack shattered the stillness. Gunfire.

Austin sat up instantly, heart slamming in his chest. The forest had gone dead silent.

A second later, crashing footsteps came from the trees, and John burst into the clearing, shouting, “Ruby’s in danger!”

Austin shot out of his tent like lightning. Barefoot, shirtless, eyes ...