CHAPTER ONE That day lingered at the back of Kahli’s mind like a nightmare. The memories and emotions bled together, making every terrorizing moment painfully clear. Kahli and her mother were not half way through the crystalized trees when the first ray of light burst forth. Icy pines jutted up out of the ground forming towering spires. Kahli remembered everything: The crisp scent of the morning air, the sunlight on her face, her mother’s voice—even and urgent—telling her to stay hidden. Every piece of information was stored with acute detail in her mind. Making their way down the icy slope of the mountain had taken longer than expected that day. It was nearly ten years ago now. She was barely seven. Just after they’d entered the woods, Kahli’s mother turned sharply. Instinctively, she grabbed her daughter’s hand, and searched the landscape behind them. Her heart stopped. The Trackers were too close. If she didn’t do something, they would both be captured. The hairs on the back of her neck prickled. Her grip on Kahli’s small hand tightened. Leaning closer to her daughter, she whispered in her ear, “Run.” Kahli blinked, shaking her head. It felt like she was stuck in a dream and time had stopped. Her mind couldn’t comprehend what her mother did. What she said. This couldn’t be real. But it was. Mom ran directly toward the Trackers, leaving her behind. Ignoring the terror