Chapter 19: MOONLESS NIGHT
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Chapter 19: Moonless Night
Thunder cracked above as Liana ran through the dark forest. Rain poured down in sheets, soaking her clothes and washing away her tracks. The herbs Talia had given her to hide her scent were working, but the storm made it hard to see where she was going.
"I have to keep moving," she whispered to herself, pushing wet hair from her face. Her heart felt like it was breaking with each step away from the pack lands—away from the triplets. The image of Alpha Thorne’s thoughts haunted her. The girl must be removed before the final trial.
Lightning flashed, showing a steep path down a rocky hill. As Liana carefully made her way down, her foot slipped on the wet stones. She fell down, hitting the ground hard. Pain shot through her ankle.
"No, not now," she groaned, trying to stand. It wasn’t broken, but it was definitely twisted.
Thunder boomed again, closer this time. But there was another sound too—footsteps. Someone was following her. Liana dragged herself behind a big rock, holding her breath.
The footsteps grew louder, then stopped.
"I know you’re there, Liana." Jace’s words cut through the storm. "Your herbs might hide your scent, but I know how you think."
She stayed silent, hoping he’d move on.
"I’m not leaving without you," he called out. "So you can either come out, or I’ll sit here in the rain all night. Your choice."