I froze, my mind going utterly blank.

In my previous life, Anton had chosen me without a second thought. He'd never spoken to me with such cruelty.

But this time, he was choosing to save Sloane.

There was only one possible explanation: Anton had been reborn, too.

In this life, his choice was Sloane.

The distant roar of a predator snapped me back to reality.

I couldn't wait for a rescue that would never arrive. I had to save myself.

I forced myself forward, dragging my broken leg. Every movement sent waves of agony up my spine, and I knew the bloody trail I left behind was an open invitation to the predators lurking in the wilderness.

Their howls and growls echoed around me, a chorus promising a violent end.

Finally, my exhausted body gave out, and I collapsed.

Despair washed over me. My child and I were going to die here.

"Ma'am! What are you doing out here?!" a familiar voice shouted.

I looked up. Through the dense fog, several men in uniform were striding toward me. A surge of relief, sharp and overwhelming, shot through me.

They were Anton's security team!

"Oh, thank God! I'm so glad to see you. I'm badly injured, please, take me back to the city!"

The men exchanged an uneasy look.

"Ma'am, Mr. Vance ordered us to get Miss Sloane. She's waiting in a cabin up ahead."

I stared at them, my voice trembling. "So, you're not going to save me?"

They hesitated, looking uncomfortable.

Just then, a walkie-talkie on one man's belt crackled to life. It was Anton.