Lina

I cinch the straps on the second backpack until the fabric creaks, then smooth my hands over the worn canvas like it might calm me. Food. Water. Bandages. A change of clothes. Enough to keep two women alive if luck stays on our side.

Luck hasn’t been generous lately.

My fingers slip beneath the inner seam of my dress, pressing against the small, solid weight hidden there. The Heart. It’s warm against my skin, like it knows what’s coming.

We can't let them find it, my wolf murmurs.

I know. That's why we’ll give it to Hope as soon as we see her. If anything we’ll stay behind so...