Chapter 193

Aria

“More are coming,” Mark says urgently. “I’m the only one who can help you right now. They won’t hurt me. Please, Aria.”

I stare at him angrily. I want to scream at him again. I want to shove him off. But the truth is brutal and heavy…I can’t fight them alone. And he knows it. I shoot him a cold glare, but I nod and start limping forward again, biting down every curse I want to throw at him.

“We have to move faster,” he says quietly.

“You want faster? Then walk ahead and clear the way,” I mutter bitterly, pushing past a low branch that scrapes my arm.

“I can carry you,” he offers softly, glancing at me as he reaches for my elbow.

I shake my head, not even sparing him a look. My pride won’t let me. My heart won’t let me.

Suddenly I hear something.

Footsteps. Fast… and getting closer.

Mark stiffens beside me. I see his jaw tighten as he tilts his head toward the sound. He heard it too. He meets my gaze, and for a second,