Kayla I rushed to Emma’s side. Blood pooled beneath her, staining the straw-covered barn floor a sickening crimson. Jade dropped down across from me with a gasp. Marcus was there an instant later, his face twisting with anguish when he saw his sister. He shouldered past us and scooped Emma’s limp body into his arms. “She’s breathing,” he said. “I’m taking her to the hospital.” Nicholas, still bleeding from multiple wounds, managed a nod. That was all the permission Marcus needed. He turned and bolted for the door, Emma cradled against his chest, her head lolling lifelessly. “I’m going with them,” Jade announced, already running after Marcus. The barn fell into an uneasy stillness after they left, broken only by the sound of ragged breathing and low groans of pain. H

