CHAPTER NINETY

We run until the pounding of feet fades and the earth stops shuddering. At last, we stumble into a hidden cave, hastily smearing mud over the entrance to mask our scent. Collapsing against the clammy wall, I strain my ears, listening for any sign of pursuit. Silence. For now.

Questions burn on my tongue, but as I turn to Uncle Leo, he lurches to his feet.

“Where are you going?” I rasp, catching his sleeve.

“They need warmth. Water. I’m going to find firewood.” He tries to pull away, but I tighten my grip.

“I’m coming with you.”

“No, you’re not.” He wrenches free of my grasp.

“I wasn’t asking.” I push to my feet, swaying slightly as the cave tilts around me.

“The venom is still in your system, Nickolas. We can’t risk it.” He plants himself firmly in my path, unmovable as a mountain.

I suck in a shuddering breath, struggling for calm. “We