"Should have known better... I don't know what I was thinking... Never forgive myself..."

My tongue felt thick and awkward, but I managed to force it into action. "What are you talking about?"

I lifted my head and looked up at Aimes, who I realized was carrying me through the woods, clutching me tightly against his chest as he walked through almost impenetrable darkness.

At the sound of my voice, he came to a sudden stop and stared down at me, relief stark on his face. ...