Page 122 of The Vixen

I pull the chloroform and rag from my pocket, and instead of waiting for me to go after Persephone, she does it herself.

There’s a scream. It’s faint. I’m glad it wasn’t me who caused it.

By the time I reach them, Persephone is slumped in Liberty’s arms. I pick her up and cradle her as I lead the way into the forest.

“What happened?” she asks.

I shake my head. “Nothing.”

She doesn’t believe me.

But she doesn’t press. Tension winds, and our anxiety feeds off each other as we make our way to the coyote trap.

Freedom!I hear Liberty think. I can feel it in the quick way she moves, careless of the traps I have to point out one-by-one. The extra sap drips make them harder to spot than they should be, but I expected nothing less of Luna.

She’s clever. She’s prudent.

She would’ve had a plan to destroy any evidence revealing my identity before anyone else could find it. She’s not careless—and clearly, she isn’t planning to die tonight.

Shemusthave a plan.

But as the horn blares a second time, it stops me in my tracks.

“What?” Liberty asks, fingertips brushing my arm as she searches the bushes for a Keeper

“The ceremony is starting.”

Her mouth hangs open. Pointed nails dig into my arm as she tries to pull me forward. “So let’s hurry.”

Away from the fight.

Away from Luna.

What will the press say abouther?

A sinking sensation tugs my knees and cords my tongue. I try to breathe, but it’s as if my lungs have turned to lead. I lay Persephone on the forest floor and catch myself before toppling. My hands find my knees as I listen to thethump thump thumpin my ears.

Baby killer.

Torturer.

No one to blame but pure evil itself.

“Please,” Liberty begs, her hand on my back as she leans in an attempt to make me look at her. “You’rescaringme. Say something.”

Panic attack.

It’s just a panic attack.

“You have to go,” I manage to croak. I nod to Persephone. “Just take her.”

“What?” Liberty shoots up. Her head swings around before coming back to me. “We can’t gowithoutyou. What are you even talking about? There are fucking boobytraps everywhere!”

Liberty wipes her hands over her face. “I’ll carry her, just… Get up. Please, you have to get up.” She bends to haul Persephone up, groaning as she lifts her over her shoulder. I forgot Liberty is a triathlete.

I let my head hang and close my eyes while I breathe—a little easier now. Slow breaths. Don’t panic. Justcalm down.

The river is twenty-two-hundred steps from the Grove.