CHAPTER THREE HUNDRED AND FOUR – A FINAL STAND

As the first light of dawn began to filter through the trees, Jasmine made a decision. They had to move, find better shelter, and figure out their next move. "Silva," she whispered, gently shaking him awake. "We need to go." He groaned, his eyes flickering open. "Jasmine? What... where are we?" "In the woods," she explained patiently. "Collins' men found us at the cabin. You were hurt. Can you stand?" With Jasmine's help, Silva managed to get to his feet, swaying unsteadily. She wrapped an arm around his waist, supporting as much of his weight as she could. They moved slowly through the woods, every step a struggle. Jasmine's muscles screamed in protest, but she pushed on, driven by the knowledge that stopping meant certain capture or worse. The sun was fully up by the time they stumbled upon an old, abandoned hunting shack. It was little more than four walls and a roof, but to Jasmine, it looked like a palace. She eased Silva down onto the dusty floor, her heart aching at his p