Chapter 65

MADELINE'S POV  Freya was right. The terrain was unforgiving as Louisiana herself—jagged rocks that seemed to rise out of nowhere, twisted roots snaked around the paths, gnarling at my boots making every step a challenge.  I occasionally glanced back at Sera to check if she was keeping up, but it was very obvious she was struggling more than the others. Her small frame shook. Her breaths came in short, sharp gasps, her face pale and strained. But yet she made tremendous effort to keep up—refusing to fall behind.  Freya fell into step beside me, her brows furrowed as she glanced at Sera.  "She's visibly flagging, Madeline. Leaving her behind in the Pack would have been the best for both of you. I don't think she can last longer than this."  I nodded, letting out a tired sigh.  "I know. But there's no going back. Is there?"  "Louisiana isn't going to slow down for you or anyone," Freya muttered, trudging ahead.  "Keep up, or you will be left behind!" Louisiana called back, her tone tinte