**Chapter 114

Elodie

They didn’t let us rest.

The moment we stepped out of the forest, the relief barely had time to settle before it was stripped away. Guards guided us to the side of the courtyard, separating us from the others who had already passed. Medics checked for injuries. Names were written down. Marks were made beside them.

Efficient. Cold.

I felt Randy before I saw him.

His gaze found me instantly, sharp and searching, like he needed to count every breath I took just to be ...