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CHAPTER 267
~Valerie's POV~
Branches whipped my cheeks. My hair snagged again, and I had to rip myself free, hair tearing as I pushed on.
Remember what Uncle Zade taught you. Use everything. Be unpredictable.
I spotted a thick tree up ahead with a low branch—perfect.
Climbing fast, I tied my hoodie around the trunk. From a distance, it would look like someone was up there, like I was crouched up there.
Then I dropped down the far side, rolling once before slipping deeper into the forest.
My scent now marked the tree. Let them waste time.
I reached for the bottle of dye at my back pocket and popped it open, squeezing a few streaks of the hair dye into my hand. I smeared it through my hair as I ran, disguising my scent.
Then I slid down the opposite side.
I sprinted again, zigzagging toward the river. Veered off-path. Mud caked my jeans. My arms were scraped. My knees ached. But I wasn't slowing down.