Chapter 1
Natalie
Hands locked, we run through the woods as fast as we can, away from the community, away from … a cult.
I never thought I would be able to escape, that I’d be in this position right now and running for my life. I tried so many times and never succeeded … and then suddenly, it happened. There was a chance, a moment in time, and I took it and fled.
With her selfless act, my mother created an opening for me. With her sacrifice, she distracted the guards and allowed me to climb over the fence and rush off into the unknown. But anywhere is better than that place, and I can’t ever thank her enough for what she’s done.
Tears stream down my face, but I force myself to stop feeling any emotions. If she’s gone, I can’t let her death be in vain. I don’t know where I am, but as long as I’m going in the opposite direction of the fence, I’m going the right way. I will never, ever turn back willingly.
Emmy abruptly stops and almost pulls me down with her.
I forgot she was here with me, running alongside me as though she has something to run from.
She grew up there and loves the place, yet she wanted to come with me … like some kind of fun day out.
She’s gasping for air. “Wait. I need a second to breathe.”
“We can’t,” I say, trying to jerk her along. “They’ll notice we’re missing soon.”
She places her hands on her knees, panting. “Just … one … second.”
I frantically look around the forest to see if anyone’s there. Even though the fence is already long out of sight, I can’t help but feel as though I’m watched wherever I go. What if someone saw us jump over? What if someone’s behind us right now?
“C’mon!” I say through gritted teeth.
“Okay, okay!” she says begrudgingly.
Why am I even waiting for her? She has no reason to run. No one’s trying to ruin her life by forcing her to live a life she didn’t want. No one pulled her out of her world and stuck her into a cult only to be forced to marry a man just so she could birth his babies.
She thinks it’s normal, which is why I don’t understand why she wants to come with me. And why I should even care.
WOOF! WOOF!
My eyes and ears perk up. The sudden sound of howls and barks has me on edge.
“Wolves?”
Emmy’s eyes widen as she leans up. “Hounds,” she mutters, lips tremoring.
I spin on my heels and run. Hounds are a game-changer. If they let them loose, there’s no way we can escape.
“Wait for me!” Emmy yells, chasing me.
“Be quiet!” I whisper-yell back at her over my shoulder.