*Ainslee*

The next few days are just the same. At night, we run through the darkness on tired limbs. During the day, we find a place to lie together in a cave or other shelter, usually taking solace in one another’s arms. I’m fairly certain we’ve lost, or at least put a good deal of distance between, our pursuers. I’m exhausted by the time we reach Longclaw lands. My feet are raw. I’m covered in cuts and scrapes from thorns and sharp rocks. I’m ready to find someone I know in my home village and collapse for the night.

Rafe isn’t nearly as torn up as I am, though he...