Chapter 32: Anna’s Escape Anna POV

In front of me, the forest went on forever, blocking out most of the moonlight with its thick cover. As I continued, the wet ground beneath my feet sucked with every step, and I breathed in short gasps. I couldn't remember how many hours I had spent running. With their skeletal branches protruding like claws in the shadows, the trees all had the same look.

I pressed my back against a broad oak tree and slowed to a halt. The mark on my wrist pulsed softly, as if to push me on, and my legs shook. I was disturbed by the burning, even though it had subsided to a quiet thrum. What was it trying to convey to me?

Right now, I couldn't think of that. Not when my heart leaped into my throat at the sound of every leaf rustling or tree breaking. I told myself to keep moving.

By the time I entered neutral ground, dawn was peeking over the horizon. Here, the air felt thicker, filled with a spooky silence that made my skin crawl. Only a large clump of birch trees and a broadening creek marked the boundary between Nightshade and these areas.

I soaked through my boots and hissed at the cold as I waded through the frigid water. I knelt down on the other side and started gathering herbs from a shrub nearby. Anything to cover up my smell, like mint, lavender, or wild rosemary.

My hands smelled like dirt and bitter greens by the time I had finished massaging the crushed leaves over my arms and neck. Although it wasn't perfect, it would have to do. I had to avoid taking any risks.

I looked at my reflection in the stream. My long, disheveled hair was a clear sign. The girl with the wild hair would be the first one to look for me.

I reached into my bag and with shaking hands took out a dagger. I took a clump of hair and sawed through it, the blade glinting in the early morning light. With each stroke, the familiar weight on my shoulders disappeared as the strands dropped to the ground in irregular bunches.

I hardly recognized the girl who was looking back at me when I finished. The sight made my heart tighten. It was more than just my hair; it was another part of who I was that had been lost.

Nestled in a thicket, the deserted cabin's wooden façade was worn and, in some parts, falling. Although it wasn't much, it would be a short-term haven.

The air inside was heavy with dust and musty. A decaying table stood in the middle of the room, while a damaged chair leaned against the faraway wall. Exhaustion swept over me like a wave as I slammed the door shut behind me and fell onto the floor.

I saw Maia's face in my head, her eyes beseeching me to stay.

"I didn't even properly say goodbye."

A knot of guilt tightened in my stomach. I had abandoned Maia to deal with the consequences after she had put everything on the line to help me. When Oliver learned, what would he do to her?

I pushed the idea aside with a shake of my head. I couldn't afford to think about the options. Staying far away was the only way to keep Maia and myself safe.

Nevertheless, the cottage seemed eerily quiet. My nerves were jangled by every floorboard squeak and every wind whistle coming through the wall cracks.

I encircled my knees with my arms, pulling them near to my chest. I told myself in a whisper, "You're safe now." However, the words sounded empty and useless.

I jerked to my feet when I heard footsteps outside.

I stumbled to my feet, gripping the dagger while my heart raced. I could see the outline of a figure moving through the trees, but the cabin's solitary window offered a limited view of the forest outside.

A wolf on the road.

Even though he walked slowly and casually, there was something about him that made me uncomfortable. His shoulders were broad, his cloak billowed lightly in the breeze, and he was tall.

With my breath coming in small pants, I dropped out of sight. Remain calm. He will pass.

Footsteps crunched over leaves and twigs as they approached. My fingers became white as I gripped the dagger.

Then there was a knock.

It was kind, almost courteous, but it made me jump with fear.

The wolf said in a calm, steady voice, "I know someone's in there. I'm only going through. You shouldn't be worried."

I stayed motionless. I didn't take a breath.

The footsteps faded into the trees after a long pause.

The comfort was brief, but I let out a shaky exhale. There was a persistent uneasiness about the encounter.

With all of my senses sharpened, I waited an hour before going outside. Now the forest felt different, the hush thicker, the shadows deeper.

The scent of the wolf, a combination of iron and pine, permeated the air. I couldn't place it, but it felt familiar, and it kept nagging at the back of my thoughts.

I knelt down by the creek to wash my hands, but my fingers brushed the water, leaving a burn on my wrist. As the pain burned through me, I snarled and withdrew.

"What do you want me to understand?" Glaring at the mark as though it would answer, I mumbled.

There were no answers in the woods.

I experienced that prickling feeling on the back of my neck once more later that day when foraging for berries close to the house, as if I were being watched.

My heart pounding, I turned back, but there was nobody in the clearing.

I whispered to myself, "Get it together." But the sensation remained.

I clutched my knife and remained awake that night by the fading embers of a fire. My heart raced at every sound outside the shack.

I saw him again the following morning as I packed my few belongings to go further west. At the edge of the clearing, the traveling wolf stood looking at me with his sharp eyes.

He stepped forward, and I felt my breath catch in my throat.

His tone was flat but not rude when he said, "You're running."

I held the knife tighter and didn't answer.

He cocked his head a little, looking down at my wrist. In the morning light, the mark was visible, shimmering faintly.

He stayed silent for a minute, his face unreadable. Then he turned and started to leave.

To my surprise, I called after him, "Wait." However, he continued.

I heard him say to himself, "It's her," as he vanished into the trees.