Chapter 20

Two miles later, we’re completely under the sun’s rays and the whispers of the spirits fade to silence. Not a single word can be heard out here.

Indeed, not a word can be heard, but instead, thumping can be heard.

I realize that the sound isn’t occurring in the distance but approaching us at full speed, causing my mind to react in a resilient synapse. I can barely get a sound out before I’m snatched off Teal’s back and slammed into a pile of rubble that used to be a wall. My breath rushes out of me as I’m pushed into the cemented rubble from behind. Hysterical laughter followed by iron-like strength grips my writhing wrists, stilling me as the crumbled façade presses my back into the rubble.