KATHERINE

"Sweetheart, careful!" I caught her in my arms, breaking the impact.

She was gasping for breath, completely leaning against me—I could feel her tiny heart racing wildly.

"Baby, just a little more, honey. We’re so close. We can’t stop." I cast a nervous glance toward the path ahead. I couldn’t see clearly, but I knew the monsters were out there.

I crouched in front of Lavinia, who could barely speak, still trying to catch her breath.

"M-Mama, I’m so… so tired… Mama… I’m scared…" She th