Evelyn’s POV
The hand clamped over my mouth was rough and cold, muffling my scream as I kicked and squirmed against the grip. Panic exploded inside me, blinding and sharp. My heart pounded like a war drum. I could smell the leather of his glove, the sour breath from his panting behind me. But adrenaline surged through my veins like wildfire.
No. I wouldn’t go down like this.
With every ounce of strength I had left, I twisted my head and bit down hard. My teeth sank into skin through the glove. He growled in pain, his grip loosening just enough for me to jerk free.
I ran.
I didn’t look back. My legs burned, my lungs felt like they were tearing apart, but I kept going. The night air cut across my face, wild and sharp, but I couldn’t stop. I wouldn’t stop. My boots pounded the gravel. Branches scratched at my arms as I tore through the edge of the cliffside woods.
Behind me, heavy footsteps. Fast.
“Do you think you can outrun me, Evelyn?” he shouted. His voice sent chills racing down my
