Chapter Twelve

Scarlett’s POV

Kieran’s grip on my hand is so tight that it almost hurts. His palm is warm, rough, and unyielding as he yanks me through the thick underbrush. I can barely keep up—my feet slip on dry leaves, branches whip against my skin, and the world turns into a blur of green and brown.

“Kieran—slow down!” I gasp, stumbling.

He doesn’t.

He moves like lightning, silent but deadly, every step calculated, every movement precise. His speed shouldn’t even be ...