No dogs, at least. No dogs yet.
That probably means he’s not the one hunting me. I guess he’s sent his men after me. But that only delays my fate.
There’s no doubt in my mind that I will meet my end at the teeth of those cruel dogs.
And what will happen to my Aurora then?
I allow myself to sag just a bit, resting my forehead against hers, breathing in her beautiful red curls. She blinks at me with her blue-green eyes, one of them unfocused. I love those messed-up eyes. Goddammit, I love her.
“I’ll always be with you, Aurora,” I breathe. “Always.”
The footsteps grow louder, and I know that whoever it is has found me. He’s making a beeline toward me. But I don’t have an ounce of strength left. I can’t do a thing but lie down in the dry shrubbery, waiting for my fate.
Louder those footsteps fall, one after another, an inexorablesound, as I squeeze my eyes shut, feeling my hands hold onto the frail warm body of my little girl. Trying to be present for my last moments with her.
I’ll throw myself down at Carmelo’s feet and beg for his mercy. Beg him to spare her.
Maybe he will. She’s his too, after all.
Yes, he will. Hemust.
I’ll endure anything as long as she’s safe.
Footsteps. Louder still.
The crack of a twig, just inches away from me.
Hot air against my neck. My hunter has crouched behind me. He’s here.
“Lia,” says a deep voice.
A hand on my shoulder.Fuck, I don’t want this. I don’t want to die.
I thought I’d do anything for Aurora, but I really am just a coward, because in these final moments, I’m thinking of myself.
And every cell in my body is rebelling.
Don’t take me! Don’t hurt me! Don’t kill me!
“Lia,” says the voice again.
Goosebumps pebble on my neck as I slowly move to a sitting position and turn around, ready to look into the face of the one who has found me.
Then my stomach plummets to the ground.
I knew I was fucked.
I didn’t think I wasthisfucked.
“You,” I choke out. “You!”
Part 1
1
Logan
First grade
