Chapter 10

Iris’s POV

One of the rogues snarled and lunged at me.

I dove out of the way, barely missing his claws. I hit the ground hard, and my shoulder slammed into a tree. Pain exploded through my arm.

But I didn’t stop, I ran, and they chased after me immediately.

Branches whipped across my face. My legs were already burning from the long walk, but adrenaline carried me as I ran without looking back.

I could hear the sound of growls and paws behind me as the rogues gained on me.

I tried calling my wolf again, even begged profusely.

Still nothing.

I dodged a low branch, but thorns tore into my arm. I didn’t stop.

I knew I couldn’t outrun them, but I had to try.

I pushed my body harder. My lungs burned. My legs screamed. I could hear one of the rogues breathing hard behind me, while the other was moving through the forest to block my way.

I glanced back, and fear gripped me. There were five of them now with their blazing red eyes fixed on me.

I pushed harder, using all the strength I had to zigzag, and jump over logs, trying to look for ways to slow them down.

But I was slowing down.

My legs were getting heavier with each step. I was getting dizzy. I hadn’t eaten in almost a day.

A weight slammed into me from behind.

I hit the ground with a scream as a sharp pain tore through my side.

The rogue towered over me, red eyes glowing, saliva dripping from its mouth as it growled.

I grabbed a thick stick and slammed it into its face.

It barely flinched.

Its claws slashed down, ripping through my shoulder. I cried out and kicked at its legs, trying to crawl away.

It lunged at me, its sharp teeth aiming for my throat.

I screamed and threw my arms up to block it. Instead, the rogue clamped down on my forearm.

Agony ripped through me as I kicked and thrashed, screaming.

Another wolf came in from the side, snapping at my leg. I began kicking wildly.

My hand searched blindly until I felt a sharp rock.

I grabbed it and slammed it into the wolf’s head twice.

The grip on my arm loosened.

I rolled away, gasping, crawling backward.

Blood gushed from the wound, and my entire arm was burning with pain.

I clutched it tightly, trying to stop the bleeding, but the gash was too deep. It was getting harder to breath. My heart pounded so fast that my chest hurt.

The wolves didn’t rush at me like I expected them to. Instead, they circled around me, pacing slowly, as they bared their fangs.

It was almost like they were toying with me.

My heart pounded harder. I tried to crawl back, but my limbs were trembling, useless. I could barely move.

One of them stepped closer and swiped at my leg. It wasn't deep, but it was enough to make me scream.

They were enjoying this.

A wave of dizziness hit me. I couldn’t focus.

I was going to die right here, in the middle of the woods, torn apart ruthlessly by these rogues, and left for the vultures.

I wanted to fight, but my body refused. My strength was gone. My wolf was silent, buried deep in grief. She didn’t even stir. She had abandoned me long ago, maybe even before Evie died.

My mind raced. Then, I saw her.

Evie.

She was laughing, chasing butterflies behind the house, and  spinning around in her yellow dress. She gave me wide smile.

“Mommy, look! I caught one!”

Her sweet voice echoed inside my head, and tears ran down my face.

I saw her again. This time she was in my arms looking so weak and pale as she made me promise to be happy.

“I’m okay, Mommy…”

I squeezed my eyes shut.

I’m sorry, baby.

I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you. I’m sorry I’m not stronger.

I slumped down, feeling defeated.

The rogues stalked closer, as if they sensed it. That I was done, and that I had given up.

I blinked up at the trees, and the sky.

So this is how it ends.

The rogue in front of me growled low in its throat, crouched down, ready to pounce at me.

I closed my eyes, and braced myself, taking one last breath.

“I love you, Evie.”