Hazel's lungs burned. The dagger was still in her hand. She couldn't remember if she wiped it.

Behind her, the cabin was filled with fighting sounds . Wood breaking. Alaric roaring, and other roars answering him.

Twelve. Ella had sent twelve.

She pressed harder on the mark on her neck. It throbbed. Hot when the rest of her was freezing.

The bond pulled like a string dragging her back.

Don't. Keep running.

The river was black. Not frozen all the way.

She slipped. Both knees hit ice. Pain shot up. She stayed down for a second.

Then a shadow moved ahead.

Boots.

Ella.

Clean cloak. No snow on her. Knife...