ccc

me other time," Armani urged, stuffing the second

urgency in her voice. I scanned the nearly barren

t in the broken glass and scattered cans. There had to be more food somewh

that!" I snapped, frustration boiling over as

dark, and you know they'll be out hunting soon. We won't be able to hide or protect ourselves in time," she said, her voice strained as she pulled herself to her

o death?" I shot back, ignoring t

nstead, she shook her head slowly, sadness clou

ned empty-handed. I could almost see the children's hollow eyes, the look of silent resignation they wore when they had to go to bed on empty stomachs. Wit

didn't speak; her annoyance with me was clear, and I knew it wasn't just annoyance-it was fear.

d, breaking the silence

a moment. Her blue eyes, the one thing about her I could never stop loving

's just get out of

t I knew I pushed her limits. Maybe it was because I wanted her to hate me-I felt like I deserved it so

ging us into the dangerous twilight. My heart pounded harder with every step, a m

rmani said, her voice

her words sent a c

t go to bed hungry again, Armani. We haven't eaten for weeks," I arg

. "You never listen, Lizabeth, and you wonder why we never worked out,

illed out here? Then what?" I yanked my hand away, feeling a hot wave of anger wash ove

e hadn't worked out-she was too good for me. Armani was patient and kind, while I

and froze me in place. My blood ran cold, and I spun around, heart in my throat. Two huge, dark shapes loomed over Armani, their massive bodies covered in matted fur. They were bigger th

N! RUN, ELIZABETH!" she screamed, he

her pale face. The sound of bones snapping echoed in the night as one of the wolves tore her leg clean off. I couldn't move. I was paralyzed b

monsters, the kind of nightmares th

my voice a broken sound t

sprinted down the street. I wanted to look back, but I couldn't. I couldn't bear the sight of her be

eezer, crouching down and pressing my shaking hands against my mouth to stifle my

y fault. My stubbornness had killed her. The growling grew louder, and I realized they had followed me. My heart pounded against my ribs as the sound o

s body covered in fresh blood. He wasn't human-his eyes glowed a deep, unnatural orange, and beh