1d:I[16567,["4900","static/chunks/4900-0e3c7fe8f43c8e7e.js","8173","static/chunks/8173-e5b7d12a2908d9ac.js","231","static/chunks/231-822e187daefdefda.js","657","static/chunks/657-b62420a068171ffb.js","2430","static/chunks/2430-243002fbc68e76b5.js","6819","static/chunks/6819-cad81fb4dd086507.js","2067","static/chunks/app/book/%5Bid%5D/read/%5Bchapter%5D/page-2d20a47a1484ed9a.js"],"ChapterDropdownButton"] 1e:I[46875,["4900","static/chunks/4900-0e3c7fe8f43c8e7e.js","8173","static/chunks/8173-e5b7d12a2908d9ac.js","231","static/chunks/231-822e187daefdefda.js","657","static/chunks/657-b62420a068171ffb.js","2430","static/chunks/2430-243002fbc68e76b5.js","6819","static/chunks/6819-cad81fb4dd086507.js","2067","static/chunks/app/book/%5Bid%5D/read/%5Bchapter%5D/page-2d20a47a1484ed9a.js"],"default"] 1f:T536,

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

0 Comments