Willow's POV

The branches clawed at my skin as I sprinted through the forest, the cold night air burning my lungs. Every footfall seemed like it would be my last, but I couldn’t stop, not now, not when the men were so close. The sound of heavy boots crashing through the underbrush behind me was enough to send a chill down my spine. Their pursuit was relentless, merciless.

I glanced down at Ella and Daniel, each of them held tightly by one of the men. They were exhausted, faces pale from ...