KATHERINE

"Sweetheart, careful!" I caught her in my arms, breaking the impact.

She was gasping for breath, completely leaning against me—I could feel her tiny heart racing wildly.

"Baby, just a little more, honey. We’re so close. We can’t stop." I cast a nervous glance toward the path ahead. I couldn’t see clearly, but I knew the monsters were out there.

I crouched in front of Lavinia, who could barely speak, still trying to catch her breath.

"M-Mama, I’m so… so tired… Mama… I’m scared…" She threw her arms around my neck, sobbing again.

All I could do was stroke her head and back, my heart aching at the bruises marring her delicate face. Those filthy bastards hadn’t even spared a child.

"My love, I know you’re tired, but I can’t carry you, sweetheart—you’re too heavy. We’d never escape." I wiped her tears away with my fingers, pressing a soft kiss to her dirt-streaked forehead.

We were both a mess.

"Just a little more, my love. I promise we’re almost there." I started to stand, but th