A violent shove from behind jolted me forward. Before I could scream, I felt my son’s hands press hard against my shoulders. Emily’s voice snapped, “Now!”
And then we were airborne.

The drop wasn’t long, but it was brutal. Rocks tore into my arms, branches ripped my clothes, and when we finally landed, the impact stole my breath. Pain radiated through my ribs, and warm blood slicked my face. For a moment, the world went black.

When I came to, Robert was beside me, groaning. I tried to move, but his hand gripped mine firmly. His lips, cracked and trembling, brushed against my ear.

“Don’t move,” he whispered. “Don’t let them know we’re alive. Pretend we’re gone.”

Above, I heard Daniel’s voice, cold and unrecognizable.
“Are they dead?”
Emily’s reply came, sharp and calculating. “They’re not moving. It’s done. Let’s go before someone comes.”