Chloe’s pov
The secluded, single-story cottage sat on the edge of the border forest, hidden beneath a canopy of towering pines.
An icy wind whistled past the timber frame, rattling the small glass windowpane. The room smelled of wet earth, dry moss, and old pine needles, the air freezing cold despite the small fire crackling in the hearth.
"Set her down here," I whispered, pulling back the thick, coarse wool blanket on the narrow cot in the corner.
Ted moved with practiced, effortless quiet. His massive frame dipped as he lowered Lisa onto the straw mattress, adjusting the fur mantle around her shoulders.
Lisa collapsed against the thin pillow, her face pale as bone, her lips tinged a faint, sickly blue. A deep, racking cough tore through her frail chest, her whole body shaking violen
