Deborah's POV

The monster's howl was closer now. Deborah felt the seed inside her pulse in a sick way, matching the approaching danger.

Her legs gave out, but Erick held her up as shadows moved at the edge of the clearing.

The thing hunting her wasn't just drawn to the seed; the seed called it, like some old magic in her blood had brought it forth.

She felt its hunger, like the seed had marked her as food for something that had waited centuries.

"Deborah, stay with me," Erick said. His ...