Chapter 273

We walked quickly toward the car, the cold night air biting at my skin as I held Madeline against me, her hand lifeless in mine. It was like holding a doll, her fingers stiff and unresponsive. Her body felt unnaturally cold, as if the life had been drained out of her. I could feel the chill of her skin through the fabric of my shirt, and my heart ached with every step.

"It’s going to be alright, m