Chapter 53: Into the Unknown

The cold night air wrapped around me like a blanket of dread, its icy fingers creeping into my bones. William's promise echoed in my mind—*She won't find us*—but the weight of it pressed down on me, heavy with doubt. The forest around us was quiet, too quiet, the silence only deepening the unease settling in my chest.

Ava was still asleep in my arms, her small body warm against mine. I glanced down at her, the innocence in her face a stark contrast to the chaos swirling around us. I didn't know how long I could keep this up—running, hiding, always looking over my shoulder. But as long as Ferraro was out there, as long as Martha was lurking in the shadows, I had no choice.