yah

jade pendant into a small pouch and secured it under my clothes, its coolness a solid presence aga

ckest blanket, and carefully maneuvered him onto m

heart a frantic drum against my ribs, when a

fr

come for us. Asher had sent guards to d

nsistent this time, followed

yah? It's

ly my knees went weak. I fumbled wit

n, and she clutched a small, lumpy bundle to her chest. She was the daughter of one of the pack's co

ck, the desperate resolve in my eyes. Understandin

Where are you going?" she w

lum to Veridia," I said, my voice steady de

s. She had heard what happened at the main house last

ad, she pushed her bundle into my hands. "Take this, Miss. It's

at her, s

me with you, Miss Aaliyah. Please. My parents are gone. Your mother was the one who took

had felt in what seemed like a lifetime. My own eyes burned with unshed tears. Th

mined face, I knew I cou

sharp nod, and

straps holding Ellum, making sure he was secure and as comfortable as possible.

gunshot. Every rustle of leaves was a guard's hand reaching for us. My heart didn't just race-it thundered, a desperate, primal rhythm that screamed: run, run, run. If we were caught now, there would be no second chances. Asher's pride would not survive a second rejection. He would lock us away. He

awn began to bleed across the horizon. Before us lay a small, sleepy t

main street, its windows dust

t up when he saw the jade pendant. He knew it was v

other teaching a visiting merchant about the clarity and color of good jade. I repeat

d to startle him. He grumbled, but his next offer was

a tired-looking horse. We stocked up on blankets, water, and more food. Faye helped me se

he reins

ge rattled onto the main road leading away from the town, aw

as a mixture of fear and exhilarat

out a soft moan. I reached back an

k with a promise that was also a prayer. "I've