Chapter 33 - Ciara

I hate this place. I have to get out of here. I have to get further away. Away from America. Down into Mexico and even further. I can’t allow them to find me.

I know that I’m in Texas, the entire length of the country between me. The monsters that I was running away from are back in Montana.

The only regret that I have is that I left my mother…

I’m lost in thought, wishing that I had been able to get my mother out with me. Knowing that she had been punished for her part in my escape. Knowing that I’ll never see her again. And that she’s likely dead.

Those thoughts are in my head when I hear the latch on the door release and it starts to open. Immediately, I scramble up onto my feet, my hackles raised and my lips pulled back from my teeth as I wait to see who comes in.

But the second that the door opens, I smell him. The scent of the antiseptic that is used in this place intensifies and burns my nose. But nearly as