Emily’s POV

The woods were quiet, only the soft crunch of leaves beneath our boots breaking the silence. The sun had barely started dipping behind the trees, reflecting long streaks of gold between the branches. The air smelled fresh, like damp earth and pine, and for the first time in days, I felt like I could actually breathe.

Cole walked beside me, his hands in his jacket pockets, his eyes scanning the trees like he was waiting for something to jump out. Always on edge. Always watching. It should have been annoying, but it wasn’t. Not when I knew why.

"You know," I said, stuffing my hands into my hoodie,...