Kiara's POV
I was running again. But I knew this wasn't real. The same damn nightmare- Forests too dark. Air too thick. My lungs burning like I'd swallowed smoke.
Mat was in my arms — tiny, wailing, red-faced baby Mat — fists clutching at my shirt while I sprinted like hell itself was chasing us.
"Shh, shh, it's okay," I kept whispering, even though it clearly was not okay.
Branches clawed at my face.Something howled behind me.Too close.Almost ripping my skin.
I didn't look back.I never look back in my dreams.I think.
Because I know if I do — I'll see her… and maybe want to go back. And then I always trip.
Always.My foot get caught on something.
I stumbl—Fall—But then this time Mat slipped from my arms—And—And my eyes snapped open.
Fuck!
My arms were stretched above my head.Burning.For a second I thought I was still dreaming.
Then the pain kicked in.It was fucking sharp.
Damn real.No dream. My wrists were tied.
No — not tied.Bound.Rope cut into my skin.
