chapter 13

Abbie My feet ache from running, my muscles protesting, and my lungs burning. I want nothing more than to collapse onto the cold concrete beneath me, to catch my breath and rest my weary body. But I can’t stop, not when I know my window of opportunity is small. I have no idea if I am even running in the right direction or how far the town is, making decisions at each corner harder. I run blindly through deserted streets, ignoring the pain and exhaustion. My heart races, fear and adrenaline pumping through my veins. The fact I can’t read any of the signs makes it even harder. Yet still, I run, praying Ivy is on her way to me. I pray she picked up on my subtle message; hope is all I have, especially once the howls ring clearly through the sky. His voice booms into the mindlink, hurting my brain, demanding I return home. When the screams and threats don’t work, he tones it down. When that doesn’t work, he yells again. “You tell me your whereabouts, love, I will come get you. You stop at a