CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY FIVE – THE MOUNTAIN RANGES

"Are you okay?" Florian asked, his voice shaky. Cassie nodded, unable to speak. She clung to him, her whole body trembling. "It's okay," Florian murmured, stroking her hair. "I've got you. You're safe." When Cassie's breathing steadied, they pressed on, more cautious now. As the first light of dawn painted the sky, they found themselves at the base of a sheer cliff face. "We can't go back," Florian said, eyeing the rocky wall. "We'll have to climb." Cassie swallowed hard, looking up at the daunting ascent. "Okay. I trust you." The climb was grueling. Cassie's muscles screamed in protest as she hauled herself up, following Florian's lead. More than once, she nearly lost her grip, saved only by Florian's steady hand. Finally, they reached the top, collapsing onto a narrow ledge. Below them, they could see Karl's men combing the area they had just left. "We made it," Cassie breathed, a hysterical laugh bubbling up in her throat. Florian pulled her close, pressing a fierce kiss to