in freezing water. Her grip on Gabriel's fingers tightened as panic overwhelmed he

uted, twisted by the water, yet

e. Gabriel's dedication was a lifeline, protecting h

a stern nod, he gestured for her to come along. She held on to his hand as t

k sky beyond was a fuzzy, her vision obscured by the sting of river water.

he said firmly. "W

r teeth chatter

behind them, his jaw tighte

headlights cutting through the darkness. Figures stood on the

ice trembled. "We c

his tone leaving no ro

. Gabriel's strength was unrelenting, his strokes cutting through t

o her feet. Ivy stumbled, her legs like lead, but

" he asked, hi

, shivering. "N-no

n, shielding her with his body. They hit the wet ground hard, m

" Ivy said quietly,

tightened. "

g the riverbank. The woods provided little warmth, their gloom den

he advised ove

ried," she said, her effort at humor

el unexpectedly stopped. He pulled her into a cluster of t

y qu

d alongside her, examining the woods. A soft creak of whi

his tone urgent and sensitive

voice breaking. "I just... I

f hair away from her face. "But at this momen

nt caused her breath to catch. Gabriel's gaze met hers, a

said, his tone low and coarse.he said, hi

the crunch of incoming footsteps. Gabriel tigh

he mu

e replied, her voice

old the

her nail piercing into his

into the faintest smile

he shot back, her resolve ha

briel cursed under his breath.

was intense, with the hunters closing the gap with each second. Ivy's lungs

and dangerous. Ivy faltered, but Gabrie

re," he stated in

?" she said, desp

'll

here was no path through-only a jagged rock edge with the river

ur plan?" s

didn't waver. "

e looked at him. "You

ded, moving closer. His hands framed her face, his t

h tears in her

a short kiss, a promise veiled

ushed for the edge. Ivy's scream was trapped in her throat as

rds them. Ivy clutched to Gabriel, her heart beating in sync with his.

, and the cold hit h

ess and confusion. Then Gabriel's h

for oxygen. Gabriel's hold was firm as he carried t

d, in between gas

ng. "I'm fine. Jus

ev

ground, their chests pounding. Ivy turned he

began, her vo

cutting her off. "W

her up. Ivy swayed, her body drained, b

h questions. But one thought burned brighter than

riel leaned against the trunk, his face sh

me," she s

a slight grin. "I was not su

she made another step forwar

tered by the distant sound of voices. Gabr

ming," he said. "

t from the shadows, a gun leveled at them.

briel said, h

llo, Gabriel. And Ivy. "You never imagi

s finger tightened on the trigger