I had never run so fast in my life.
Not even during Leora's hell training.
Not even when Rowena stole my favorite dessert, and I had to chase her halfway across the castle.
Not even when I woke up late for a test and had to sprint to the classroom, still half-asleep and drooling.
This?
This was pure survival.
I was flying through the trees, my heart pounding, my breath coming in quick, sharp bursts.
And yet—
I was grinning.
Because, in my hands, held close to my chest, were twenty-five badges.
Twenty-five!
I was an unstoppable force.
Maeve had thought she could pin me down and scare me? Hah!
Joke's on her.
Not only did I escape, but I had more badges than ever.
I had fifteen before meeting her, and now?
I had ten more.
How?
I had no clue.
Somewhere in that wild mess of survival, I must have pickpocketed them on instinct.
