Chapter 99

The Prey

I gasped desperately. My feet dug into the forest floor, but that didn’t matter. All I could focus on was running away.

I thought I could outrun this, but I tumbled only to be devoured by the bitter cold. I didn’t dare look back. My heartbeat hammered against my ribs, echoing like the drums of a hunted animal. I felt like an animal.

I tore through the forest floor.

It felt like everything around me held its breath.

Adrenaline rushed through my veins, but all I could do was cry. And pray.

I knew there was no one to catch me if I fell—except him.

And there was no one to ruin me… except him.

I ran faster, stumbling over roots hidden beneath the snow, bruising knees and ankles, but I couldn’t stop. The trees towered. I slipped behind one of the tallest oaks, my entire body shaking with the force of suppressed breaths. I pressed my hands over my mouth, biting down hard on a knuckle to muffle any sound. Tears blurre