The forest went on forever. The tall trees made dark shadows that blocked out the soft moonlight. My legs hurt with each step as I carried Chloe in her sling. My heart felt heavy with sadness, making it hard to walk.
The night was very cold, and the wet air chilled me to my bones. My old jacket was torn at the edges and dirty with mud. It didn't keep me warm. Chloe made soft crying sounds against my chest. Her tiny hands held my shirt tight, like she knew I was worried inside.
"Almost there, baby," I said softly, even though I didn't know where 'there' was. My voice broke and sounded strange to me.
Lyra growled in the back of my mind, feeling worried. *We're not safe. Keep walking.*
*I know,* I answered in my mind, feeling very tired.
