CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-FOUR HE NEEDED ME AND I NEEDED HIM

DAPHNE'S POV I could feel my legs burning, each step heavier than the last, but I didn’t dare slow down. My breath came in sharp, ragged gasps as I pushed myself to keep running. The forest was dense, the darkness thick, but I had no choice. I had to keep moving, had to stay ahead of the rogues on my tail. The sound of their snarls and snapping branches echoed in my ears, sending shivers down my spine. My mind raced as fast as my legs, desperately searching for a way out. I couldn’t let them catch me. If they did, it would all be over—Javion would be lost, and I’d be dragged back to Xander’s side, helpless. The thought made my stomach churn with fear, but I forced it down, focusing on the path ahead. I had to be smart. I had to be cunning. I veered sharply to the right, crashing through a thicket of bushes. The branches scratched at my skin, but I didn’t care. I hoped the sudden change in direction might throw them off, even if just for a moment. I heard them hesitate,