The morning air was cool, and the sounds of the forest folded over me like a shroud, yet no measure of peace could quiet the storm inside my chest. I rested against the harsh wooden post outside the lodge, gazing at the skyline, attempting to figure out all that had happened. My breath darkened in the air as the heaviness, weight of it all, pushed down on me.
How had it worked out like this? From the second Ethan had given me that last order, to sedate Cora and take her away, I knew things could never go back to the way they were before. The guilt actually mauled at me each time I took a look at her, each time I considered what I'd done. Yet, what choice did I have? It was the best way to keep her safe.
I looked toward the lodge door, realizing that Cora was still inside, most likely wal
