Chapter Thirty-One
ABBY
I FEEL LIKE I’ve gotten away with murder.
I run until my lungs are about to explode, and even then, I continue. My paranoia is at an all-time high, and I’m terrified Mason’s going to appear out of nowhere and pounce on me. I doubt he’ll hesitate to sink his teeth into my throat, ripping the flesh and killing me before I even know what’s happening.
Every breath I take erupts out of me in short, loud bursts. My middle school track coach would probably keel over if he saw my poor technique, and I can practically visualize his bushy, gray eyebrows furrowed together as he shoots me his signature disappointed frown. He was intense.
“Fuck,” I gasp, dodging a long branch.
It smacks my forehead, and it stings far more than it has any business stinging.
We got a later start today, thanks to Mason and his bleeding all over the ground, and I grimace as I eye the sun’s position on the horizon. I don’t have much daytime left.
Another branch threatens to smack me in the face, and I grunt as I pivot at the last moment and dodge it. It’s hard to pay attention to what’s in front of me when I’m also trying to keep an eye on my surroundings, and my poor forehead is paying the price.
These branches keep appearing out of nowhere, and I know it’ll only worsen as the sun sets. I can move quickly when I can see where I’m going, and even with my flashlight, I’ll need to slow down considerably.
My feet slam against the ground, and tiny shocks of pain vibrate up my knees. I wish my bandages were tighter, but all in all, I’d say they’re holding up pretty well. Mason stole my best first-aid supplies and stuffed them into his bag, so I’ll have to make do with the small bits I have left.
The sun sets, and my pace slows to a hurried walk. My body can’t continue running, but I try to keep a quick pace. I have to. I’d be dumb not to realize just how much of a natural biological advantage Kie and Mason have over me, and I can’t let myself falter for even one minute. Every second counts.
My gaze darts back and forth, searching for any hint of the princes—or trolls. I don’t see anything amiss, and several birds are still chirping loudly from the treetops, but I can’t rely on the birds to inform me when danger is close.
Eventually, I have no choice but to pull out my flashlight. It acts as a beacon, and I hunt through my bag before pulling out a clean pair of underwear and wrapping it around the top to dull the light. It’s better than nothing.
My nerves spike as it darkens, and I find myself searching for Kie and Mason more fervently. There’s no way they haven’t found me. They’re toying with me, no doubt watching me struggle from somewhere nearby.
I bet they’re having a grand fucking time doing so, too.
Bastards.
Something wet lands on my cheek, and I groan, looking up. Another raindrop lands on me, splattering on my forehead. It was cloudy today, but I didn’t think anything of it. Rain isn’t exactly at the top of my mind right now.
I’m sprinkled on as I trek forward, but the frequency gradually picks up until it’s properly raining. The light from my flashlight reflects off the water clinging to the plants surrounding me, giving everything an eerie look.
Despite how much I hated traveling with Kie and Mason, I have to admit I was less afraid of my surroundings. I was constantly looking for shifters, but the spookiness of walking through a forest alone at night was lost on me.
I’ve never been a lover of the dark—or the unknown.
The rain soaks through my hair and clothes, and probably also the items in my backpack. Everything in there can get wet, but my extra clothes will get musty. I’m more than okay with that, though. After these past few days, musty clothes aren’t a big deal.
I push through, remaining vigilant of my surroundings. The rain makes it significantly harder, blocking the sound of crunching leaves or snapping twigs I’d expect to hear if somebody were sneaking up on me.
Eventually, the ground grows muddy and slippery, forcing me to slow my pace even further. It’s just my fucking luck that it would rain the one time I truly need to remain fast, and I’m starting to think the universe is out to get me.
Maybe the gods are fucking with me.
They don’t want me getting away from Kie and Mason.
The bandages on my knees droop as the water soaks through them, which I can confidently say isn’t the most pleasant feeling in the world. My anger toward my leggings being cut is rejuvenated with each step, especially when a cool chill spreads up my exposed calves.
I wrap my arms around myself to keep warm and preserve what little body heat I have left. The rain isn’t showing any signs of stopping, just my fucking luck, and I shove my wet hair out of my face before readjusting my grip on my flashlight.
I’ve got to be in the troll lands by now.
Mason made it sound like we were close, and that was hours ago. I’ve traveled miles since then, so there’s no way I haven’t crossed over. I hope I have.
I’ve never met a troll, but I just know they’re a better option than the shifters.
The rain continues, occasionally tricking me into thinking it’s slowing, only to pick back up a few minutes later. I’m soaked, and I’m miserable.
It’s not long before I’m left with no choice but to take shelter under a tree. The ground is too muddy, the bandages on my knees are long gone, and I’m shivering so violently, I can’t hold my flashlight steady.
I find a large tree with full branches to hide under. It prevents the worst of the rain from beating down on me, and I sit at the base, my back pressed against it.
I refuse to leave my back exposed.
If somebody’s going to attack me, I’d like them to do it from the front.
I turn off and tuck my flashlight into the waistband of my leggings before pulling out both my knives. The one I stole from Kie’s backpack is heavier than mine, sturdier, so I hold that one in my dominant hand.
I’m prepared.
My knees sting as they’re exposed to the cold, wet air, but it’s not too bad. If anything, the rain is probably good for them. They’ve been soaking in sweat all day, and they could do with a good rinsing.
I pause, letting an entire body shiver course through me, before pulling out some food. I’m starving, and I force down several pieces of jerky before eating a handful of nuts. My body is begging for water, and after a moment’s hesitation, I eat the rest of my nuts and hold out the plastic container they came in.
I can survive much longer without food than water, and I pray this works as I position the container to collect rain. The plastic is stiff enough to remain upright, and while it’s a little janky, it’s better than nothing.
Pulling my knees to my chest, I wrap my arms around my calves and stare at the container, waiting for it to fill. It’s a painfully slow process, but it seems to work. Rain collects inside, and I can’t resist the urge to drink down the first few gulps I collect.
It tastes like shitty nut water, but fuck, if it isn’t the most refreshing thing I’ve ever put in my body. It’s so good, it almost has me forgetting how cold I am.
Almost .
My fingers and toes are long numb, and maybe even a bit frostbitten. I planned to wait until the rain died down just enough that walking wasn’t such an injury risk, but it doesn’t look like that will happen anytime soon.
At least the rain will cover my tracks and dampen my scent. I’m sure that’s how Mason and Kie are tracking me, and it’s the only positive to this shitty weather.
I curl against the tree, shivering as my empty nut container fills.
I’m still pissed Mason left my water bottle behind.
My head lolls back, pressing against the wide trunk of the tree I’m propped up against. It’s so fucking cold, and I’m beginning to grow nervous that I’m at risk for hypothermia. My teeth are uncontrollably chattering, and the few parts of my body I can still feel are tingling, painful to so much as think about.
The tree I’m under isn’t doing much to keep the rain off me, but I doubt any of them will. It’s just too wet.
I bet Mason and Kie are comfortable under their little tarp cover right now. They probably broke it out and set up camp the moment it started raining, the pompous bastards. I should’ve stolen it from them when I had the chance.
Let them be the ones who are cold and uncomfortable. They sure deserve it.
Mud sticks to my cheeks and is probably smeared up my legs and back from when I tried to run through it earlier. I’ve even got some in my mouth, the grits crunching between my teeth. The few sips of water I’ve managed to collect haven’t cleared it out.
I hope my nut container is full by the time the rain stops.
The moment it grows light enough to see, I’m going to get up and continue moving. Rain or shine, I need to keep forward. I need to find my way out of Redstall Forest, and then I need to get the fuck out of this realm.
It’s a heartbreaking realization, but I don’t think I will get my hands on delysum. It’s clearly not accessible, and I’m afraid I’ll be found if I linger in the forest any longer than necessary.
Kie’s a prince, and I’m sure he’s got ample resources. He’ll probably send his people to look for me the moment he returns to the capital.
I’ve failed Lill, and I bite back a sob as I curl into a tight ball and stare into the woods surrounding me.
I’m too cold.
I’m going to die tonight.
I’m at least seventy percent sure of that, and when a large, dark creature stalks toward me, its wolf-like shape blocking out the very little light I’m getting from the moon, I find I don’t have enough energy to care.