CHAPTER 41

We dashed through the woods, and everything seemed like a fast-moving picture. We were running fast, trying to escape from Ryder. It felt great to be free, but I knew we had to stay careful. We weren't out of danger yet.

Aiden was beside me, looking determined but also worn out. I was happy to see my brother again after such a very long time, but still, it was easy to notice that being held captive had changed him. He was running not as easily as before and was breathing heavily.

Finally, Aiden caught his foot in one of those roots lying on the ground and was about to fall. I managed to catch his arm just in time and not to let him drop on the ground.

“We need to go slower,” I said, really concerned about him. “Aiden's still weak from captivity.”

Asher, who had been leading our small group, looked back with a worried frown. “We can't afford to stop completely. Ryder's men won't be far behind.”

I agreed, realizing how serious our situation was. Suddenly, a thought came to me, so I shut