57

The ground wasn’t flat.

We climbed several hills and made a few turns.

And, when we reached a spot that was high enough to overlook the rest of the land that was inside the massive gate, Rose’s arm shot into the air, and she said, “She’s there.”

I looked at where she was pointing.

The fog that had formed over the lower points made it hard to see anything. But, after a few seconds, it lifted, and I was able to make out a body on the ground.

I didn’t waste a fucking second.

I took off running as fast as I could.

As I got closer, I saw the outline of her body. She’d tucked her knees against her chest, and her head was resting on her arm as though it were a pillow.

My feet pounded on the pavement, closing the distance between us.

Once I reached her, I fell onto my knees and put my hands on her back. “Baby?”

She didn’t move, not even when I shook her.

And she didn’t say a word.

Goddamn it, Alix, come back to me.

I put my hands under her arms and pulled her out of the ball. I dragged her ag