Olivia's POV
We raced into the woods, the wind whipping past my ears, and the ground blurring under my feet. My heart pounded, adrenaline surging as Jerek and I moved in perfect rhythm. I could hear others stumbling behind us—branches snapping, someone letting out a frustrated growl—but we kept going, swift and focused.
Memories replayed in my head. Sweet memories of how I raced with the triplets in these same woods. Those were the moments when I was truly happy.
"Don't slow down!" Jerek shouted, his breath steady beside me.
"I wasn't planning to," I shot back, pushing harder.
The familiar trees blurred around us, moonlight seeping through the leaves in streaks of silver. I could feel the energy of the race pulsing all around us, but for a brief moment, it felt like just Jerek and me out here. Free. Wild. Almost like the old days.