---- CELINE I grit my teeth as sharp pain shoots through my senses, but I endure it.


    This isnt the first serious wound Ive had.


    By the time she finishes fifteen minutester, Im drenched in sweat, my clothes sticking to my body, and Ive torn up my lower lip from biting it, but its truethe sharp pain from the beginning has faded.


    You need to leave this on for a few days, and youll heal, dont worry, she exins, wiping her forehead tiredly.


    Thank you so much, La.


    I dont know how to repay you...


    7m just returning your kindness, she smiles, and I return the gesture out of courtesy.


    By the way, get plenty of rest, Celine.


    Tonight, well pass near the ce you want to go.


    You need to be ready to run into the forest.


    Inod, thanking her again.


    I finish the broth and lie down to wait for my chance while the caravan continues on its way, the wheels rattling over the dirt road.


    La stays with me for a while, and when we stop again, nowat night, she gets off and signals for me to stay alert.


    Mia, be ready in case we have to shift, I tell my wolf, though I really dont want tofinding clothes scattered everywhere after transforming is never pleasant.


    Peeking through the animal skins that serve as the carriage door at the back, I listen to the voices of the warlocks and theirughter around the campfire.


    ---- They re preparing their meals when suddenly, footsteps approach, and the skin p is pulled aside abruptly.


    Come on, Celine, quick, La whispers, ncing nervously behind her.


    Ijump off the carriage without a second thought.


    The wound on my thigh still burns, but I try to ignore it.


    She grabs my hand, and crouching low, we move swiftly through the shadows of the carriages, hiding behind one of therge wheels.


    A few meters ahead, I see the edge of the forest.


    Wait.


    She pushes me back, and we crouch in the darkness, waiting for the patrolling sorcerer to pass by.


    Now, Celine, she whispers.


    We hold hands and run toward the forest, diving into the protection of the trees.


    We run a good distance until she stops, breathing heavily, looking back to make sure we arent being followed.


    Phew, I dont have the same stamina as werewolves and vampires, she says, clutching her chest.


    You shouldnt have riskeding with me.


    You could have just pointed me in the right direction, I reply, feeling a little guilty for having doubted her good intentions.


    Tts fine.


    I can say I went out looking for herbs.


    By the way, heres your mended and somewhat clean clothes, the cloak you were wearing, and some foodtake it just in case.


    She hands me a bundle she was carrying, and I thank her again.


    Keep going straight in that direction, and you should reach your people.


    But be carefulvampires are patrolling everywhere, she warns.