Chapter 0327

Seraphina

My lungs screamed in agony. Being human was absolute torture. Even at this sluggish pace, I couldn't run more than a few minutes without collapsing.

Every step sent sharp pains shooting through my legs. A strange cramp pinched my side whenever I lost my breath.

I never appreciated my Lycan strength until now.

Leaning against a solitary tree, I gasped for air. The IV bags helped, but my throat felt like sandpaper. Levi Bennett lied about the nutrients being sufficient.

I scanned the open field. The sun dipped toward the horizon, and I was completely lost. I'd avoided roads, sticking to fields and wooded areas. Yet I hadn't seen any other escapees.

I needed to slow down, but every minute counted. Only one full IV bag remained, plus the partial one connected to my arm. Finding a Witch was urgent.

Entering a town seemed my only choice. A choice I dreaded.

I forced myself to walk faster. Though it probably matched my initial prison escape pace. Progress felt agonizingly slow.

Relief washed over me when I spotted a farmhouse. Even better, clothes hung on a washing line. Anything beat this medical gown.

I hurried toward the laundry, grateful the garments were dry. I pulled on slightly oversized jeans and grabbed a blue tee when someone cleared their throat.

"SHIT!" I whirled around. I never heard them approach.

A woman stood there, taller and curvier than me. Her arms were crossed, a wicker basket hooked on her elbow.

"For a second, I thought you were some man stealing my laundry." She studied me intently.

My heart hammered wildly. I couldn't defend myself in this state.

Her grey eyes dropped to the IV bag, then to the discarded gown. "Running from something?"

"You could say that."

"Lycan or Wolf?" My jaw went slack at her question. Her eyes drifted to my shaved head. "Troublemaker, definitely."

"Are you a Hunter?"

She burst into laughter, bending over until her blonde hair nearly touched the ground. She laughed until tears streamed down her face. "No, not even close."

"Then what are you?"

She straightened up, wiping her eyes. "I'm you, five years ago. So Lycan or Wolf?"

"Lycan, but..."

"Levi took that from you?"

"You know Levi?" What were the odds of finding someone in the middle of nowhere who knew my kidnapper? More likely she worked for him.

"That fucking bastard ruined my life." The woman gestured to my neck. "Where's your mate?"

"Dead." At least I believed he was. I couldn't feel our bond anymore.

"Shit, sorry. You look starved. Come inside, I'll make you food."

"I can't stop." I held up the IV bags. "I'm running out of time."

"No, you're not. Come in, I'll explain everything. But you answer my questions too."

I wasn't one to trust strangers, especially potentially dangerous ones. But I was exhausted, hungry, and aching everywhere. Food and rest sounded heavenly.

"I get your hesitation. I felt the same after escaping." She gave a warm smile.

"I'm so tired."

She nodded toward my hand clutching my side. "That pain is a stitch. Common for humans. Your leg muscles are cramping. You're probably dehydrated. Things you never worried about before."

"What about the IV bags?"

"A trick. Come inside, I'll explain everything."

Hesitantly, I followed her inside. "Sorry, I didn't get your name."

"Because I didn't give it. Evelyn Reed. But call me Evie or Eve, your choice."

"I'm Seraphina Kits... Seraphina Blackwood."

She raised an eyebrow but didn't question it. "Well Seraphina Blackwood. Welcome to my home."

Evie showed me around the spacious farmhouse. She offered me a bedroom for the night. When I shook my head, she promised I'd be safe.

I held up the IV bags, and she smiled. "They're not what you think, Seraphina. You can remove it from your arm."

"I'll die."

"No, you'll feel terrible pain for a few minutes. You'll feel like passing out, like Death is waiting. But I promise, it only lasts minutes. Then you'll feel normal. Well, as normal as possible now."