{AURORA'S POV}
Kai's arm was slung across my shoulders, his weight nearly dragging me down. Vivienne held him on the other side, her red hair plastered to her face with sweat and blood.
His cries had stopped hours ago. Now, only the shallow rise and fall of his chest told us he was still alive.
"Keep moving!" Morganna's voice echoed through the trees. She strode ahead, her once white gown torn and smeared with dirt and blood. "We need to distance ourselves as much as possible. Don't stop—don't you dare stop!"
Branches clawed at my arms as we stumbled through the forest. My legs trembled, but fear kept me going.
I bent my head close to Kai's ear, whispering desperately. "Please, stay with us. Just hold on a little longer."
His eyes stayed shut. His head lolled from side to side, his lips pale.
"Viv…" My voice broke. "I don't think he's going to make it."
Vivienne's jaw clenched. "The bastard's too proud, stubborn, and arrogant to die from a scratch like this."
