Chapter 98

Claire's Pov

Claire's heart hammered in her chest like a wild beast desperate to break free from its cage. Each pounding thud reverberated through her entire being, echoing in her ears as a constant reminder of the urgency that propelled her forward. The rhythmic cadence of her feet hitting the forest floor created a percussive symphony, blending with the rustling leaves and the occasional startled chirping of birds.

Her breath came in ragged gasps, the air tasting metallic and acrid as it rushed into her lungs. Beads of sweat cascaded down her furrowed brow, tracing a treacherous path down her temples and collecting at the curve of her jawline. The combination of physical exertion and mounting anxiety painted her face with a gritty veneer of dirt and grime, a testament to the harsh reality she was escaping.

Each stride carried her deeper into the untamed wilderness, her legs burning with the strain of relentless movement. The underbrush clawed at her exposed skin, leaving a trail of