Chapter 50: The run

Various large bonfires light the open patch of land and canine yips of excitement ring out, sounding like a pack of wolves getting ready for a hunt. People are pushing each other around or nuzzling one another in a self-indulgent way.

Their backs to the fires, a crowd is spanning out in a line of bodies that is facing the forest beyond the stretch of grass we are standing on. Teo's eyes light up when she sets her sight on a small group of people, and she pulls me with her in their direction. When we get closer to them, she lets go of my arm and leaps onto a male that drops with the unexpected weight on his back. He goes with the momentum into a crouch, slinging her over his shoulder and straddling her waist.