Chapter 48

LEAH

I’m groggy.

My head is swimming and even though I blink to clear my eyes, it’s hard to see.

I’m still in the truck.

I’m in the back seat. My hands and ankles are bound.

I try to sit up.

The motion makes me nauseous but I go slowly and peek out the window. I have no idea where I am. The woods, somewhere, but not a place I’ve been before.

There’s a clearing and between the headlights and the moonlight, I can make out the edge of a forest.

There are rows and rows of trees in perfectly spaced rows. Like this area had been harvested for hardwoods at some point. It must have been a long time ago. They replanted only pines, which makes sense, because they’re quicker to grow for timber. The last harvest must have been some time ago, because the trees have grown substantially, and they’re probably not too far off from being cut down again.

I don’t see Brian.

tear at the cuffs on my wrist. They’re metal, quite possibly lined with silver, and

shackles. Running

seat is low to the ground to accommodate Brian’s height, and I stay ducked down. I want to lock the doors, but I’m worried the tell-tale click will let him know I’m awake, and not staying where

in the compartment in the door. I feel around on

turned off and short of

a way to

of trees for as far as

see.

awake. Splendid. Let’s

other side of the truck, grinning through the

at me.

in horror and slam the lock button.

his keys and unlocks the

the

Brian puts his fist through the window. I scream as the glass shatters and rains

already opening the door. He reaches in and grabs my arm, hauling me across the truck and out the door on his side, where I’m dropped to the ground

the formal burial ceremony, and the collective power your father possessed will transfer to his named

someone challenges, Liam.”

heir, Leah. And you’re right here,

“That…that’s not possible.”

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