Chapter 5

"Run."

The moment the voice came, I jerked my head up.

The forest sharpened around me.

Water rushed somewhere far to my left. At least three wolves were behind me, their paws striking wet leaves in an uneven rhythm. There were more farther back.

My hands were still buried in the mud.

"Can you hear me?"

No answer.

Another howl rose behind me.

I grabbed the trunk beside me and forced myself upright. My legs still shook, but this time they held.

One step.

Then another.

Something deep inside tightened with each breath.

"Run."

I clenched my teeth and broke…