The truck disappeared beyond the gate.
I kept staring anyway.
Like if I looked hard enough, maybe it would come back.
Maybe Hale would stop.
Maybe Aubrey would force him to turn around.
Maybe somebody would realize this was insane.
Nobody came back.
The sound of the engine faded.
Then vanished completely.
Leaving only the wind.
And Lila's coughing.
Another violent spasm tore through her body.
Blood spilled across the snow.
Dark against white.
Too much.
Way too much.
My stomach twisted.
"No."
I immediately tore off my jacket.
My hands shook as I ripped the sleeves apart.
The fabric fought me.
I cursed.
Ripped harder.
Finally got enough.
I pressed it against her side.
Fresh blood soaked through almost immediately.
"No, no, no…"
I added more.
Wrapped it tighter.
Pressed harder.
Lila sucked in a sharp breath.
Her body flinched.
The blood kept coming.
My pulse hammered.
I pressed harder.
Hard enough that she winced again.
Still bleeding.
