A forearm locks across my throat.
“Don’t fight.”
The voice is low.
Female.
This must be Mara.
My stomach drops.
“What—”
The pressure on my throat tightens.
A man steps out from the trees.
Blood stains his sleeve,but his eyes are sharp and angry.
“Move,” he says, as he goes to grab me from the woman.
I twist hard, trying to break free.
Mara tightens her grip instantly.
Pain shoots through my shoulder.
“Stop.”
Her voice is calm.
Almost gentle.
“You’re not the target.”
“Then let go.”
“I can’t.”
The man steps closer.
He grabs my wrist and yanks it forward hard.
Pain flashes up my arm.
“Hey!” I gasp.
He leans close, his voice cold.
“You’re leverage.”
My pulse spikes.
Inside the cabin I can hear Russ’s voice faintly through the wall.
They haven’t noticed yet.
Mara turns me toward the trees.
