Page 177 of Ignite

I just want Conan. If I’m running to anyone, it’s to him. I know he will keep me safe. He will look after me.

With him by my side, I might get over the mental turmoil of this whole thing. I need him.

Part of me thinks I should just let myself die up in this tree instead. But I haven’t gotten this far for nothing. If there is just even a chance that I get my freedom, I have to take it.

My stomach rumbles. I squeeze my arms tight around it, trying to quiet the noise.

Then I hear it.

Heavy boots.

Crunching through the leaves like thunder.

And I go completely numb. All the hairs on my arms rise like they know. That has to be him.

The Hunter of Inferno.

Okay, Hallie—think.

Maybe when I hear the final flare go off…I make a run for base camp. At least it’s out in the open. I’m not staying up here if I’ve won this damn game.

I have to take the risk. Two million dollars is life changing, but right now? I’d exchange that just to survive.

Screams rip through the woods.

My whole body erupts in goosebumps.

Should I be elated? I’ve just won. Or so I think. If my guesses are correct.

But I’m not. I can’t be. Not until I’m out of this hellhole.

I swear to God, I can hear him dragging her through the leaves.

A sob escapes my throat before I can stop it. I slam both hands over my mouth.

The screams cut off. Just silence now.

Horrifying.

Suffocating.

Like living inside a fucking horror film.

I wipe my tears with the back of my hand. Wait for the stillness to settle again.

And when it does, I’ll make my move.

Chapter 64

CONAN

Disappointment crashes over me like a wave when I rip the mask off.

Still not Hallie.

She’s unconscious—this one actually passed out, which, for once, works in my favor. I haul her up, her body limp and useless in my arms, and pass her off to Reggie.

“Maybe have Finn check her over. I think she just needs to come round,” I mutter.

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