Chapter 139

ARIANA'S POV

The moon cast a ghostly light over the dense forest, illuminating my path as I trudged forward with Nate on my back. My legs were numb with fatigue, each step a battle against the gnawing ache in my bones. The leaves rustled around us, whispering secrets I couldn't understand. Fear clung to me like a second skin, its icy tendrils wrapping around my heart.

I had to keep moving. If Detective James was truly the one following us, he’d return to the hideout and discover our absence. I couldn't risk heading back to the train station where he might be waiting, but I also knew Rob would eventually arrive there and find us gone. Desperation clawed at my insides.

“Nate, swe