Clarissa
Finally, when we were well away from the search party, we slowed down and continued at a normal pace.
"How did you find her?" I asked as we ducked under a low-hanging branch.
"I've been watching the pack house, keeping tabs on Nathan's movements," Jeremy replied in a low voice. "When I saw the search parties heading out, I followed at a distance. Found Lyla stumbling away from the shelter, barely able to stand."
We reached a dense thicket, and Jeremy pushed aside some branches to reveal a small natural hollow. There, curled on her side and covered with Jeremy's jacket, was Lyla. Her face was pale, her breathing shallow.
I rushed to her side, pressing my hand to her forehead. "She's burning up."
"The wounds are infected," Jeremy said grimly. "She needs medical attention, but we can't risk taking her to the pack healer."
Lyla's eyes fluttered open at my touch. "Clarissa?" she murmured, her voice barely audible.
