All I remember is falling asleep in the grass, the same as before. How did I end up here, wrapped in my blue cloak, neatly tied beneath my chin? Who put me in this carriage, and where am I going? My head bobs as the terrain grows bumpier, and I stiffen my neck to prevent my head from slamming into the window again. My grogginess disappears as fear overtakes it. I fling myself against the front of the carriage and press my ear against the wall to listen. At first, there aren’t voices, only the scream of a harsh wind blowing against the coach, but then a familiar laugh breaks loose.

“Do you think Lachlan will be pissed about Tawdrey?” Torr sneers.

“Probably, but who cares?”

It’s Braizen. He’s kidnapped me yet again. I rear back into the cushioned seat and, panting, search for a weapon, but the carriage is empty. The alcohol, the food, and even the box of salva petals I saw on the way to Idizina that were stowed here are gone. Nothing remains save a piece of crumpled hemp on the floor. I’m totally alone and completely defenseless. If I want to escape, I can only do one thing.

I scooch to the door to see how fast we’re traveling. It’s fast, very fast. Too fast. But I have no choice. I take a deep breath and push down the door handle.

The wind hits me like a stone hurled from a sling. My hair slaps at my cheeks in vehement rage, and then the breath is knocked from my lungs. I’m tumbling, rolling against the dirt, and I wonder if I’ll ever stop. Gravel pierces my skin, the cold wind settles around my body. A few more rolls, and I’m staring up at the sky. It’s only then that I realize my decision’s toll. My bones ache, and my neck screams in defiance. I bring my hands to my sore ribs and wince, though I don’t suspect I’ve broken anything. Not that it matters. I must get up. I must run. They’ll notice the door swinging sooner rather than later, and I need to put as much distance as I can between me and the carriage. Between me and Vaskis.

I roll over onto my stomach. With an agonizing exhale, I pull myself to all fours, then will myself to stand. Though my entire body pleads with me not to, I start to run back down the dirt road. It’s more of a wobbly stumble, but I must do whatever I can. Each breath is a torment, each thrust of my legs harrowing, but I’m moving, and that’s enough.