Chapter 84. Back in Beoutown

Ainslee

The next few days are just the same. At night, we run through the darkness on tired limbs. During the day, we find a place to lie together in a cave or other shelter, usually taking solace in one another’s arms.

I’m fairly certain we’ve lost, or at least put a good deal of distance between, our pursuers. I’m exhausted by the time we reach Longclaw lands. My feet are raw. I’m covered in cuts and scrapes from thorns and sharp rocks. I’m ready to find someone I know in my home village and collapse for the night.

Rafe isn’t nearly as torn up as I am, though he is tired. His marble-like physique protected him from most of the snarls that bit into my skin. “We’re almost there,” Rafe says, patting me on the shoulder encouragingly. I manage a growl of acknowledgement, but that’s all I can do as I continue to trudge forward.

When we enter Beoutown, the moon is just starting to set. We’re met on the road into the village by a small pack of wol