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Day Twenty-Six, I think

I have seen them, closer than ever before now. The fire no longer scares them and I have gone cold these last days so as not to give them a way to find me. I am eternally grateful for the warmth of Nisar’s heavy parka. His presence would have been preferable in this moment. My refuge is one of his beloved mysterious caves. I wish he’d never set eyes on them. If Eloise hadn’t wandered so far from camp. If my dear Daphne hadn’t insisted on following after her.

If.

If I hadn’t made us all go out into the woods on holiday.

This is all my fault.

I think I can hear their voices echoing against the cave walls. Not even the fear I once felt can rouse me now. The cold feels as though it has seeped into every atom of my body. The pen feels strange in my fingers and I pray my words will be legible to any who may find it. If you have found these words, perhaps it is already too late for you.

My sweet Daphne, I hope it was fast for you. We will be together again soon. Wait for me.

Prologue

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