“This bypasses the security gate at the medical clinic,” he said.

“If I do not make it there in two hours, you take the boys and Clara and you leave the country.”

“Rowan, please,” I whispered.

“I love you, Maren,” he said.

He leaned down and kissed my forehead, his lips cold and wet from the rain.

Then he adjusted Clara’s position against his chest, ensuring she was completely covered.

“Go,” Rowan ordered Marcus.

Marcus grabbed my shoulder, gently but firmly pulling me away.

“Come on, Maren,” Marcus said. “We have to move now.”

I looked back one last time.

Rowan was already moving into the dark woods, a silent shadow blending into the trees.

He was gone.

“This way,” Marcus muttered, guiding me down a narrow ravine.

The mud was thick, catching at my boots with every step.

I could hear the distant sound of sirens beginning to wail back at the estate.

The searchlights from the high towers began to sweep the tree line behind us.

We walked for what felt like hours through the freezing downpour.