Drake felt like they had been running for hours. He looked at his friends, who were breathing heavily. They had been running nonstop, trying to catch up to the ones who took Nelly before they were able to get her on a boat. Renn was long gone, out of sight. She was far quicker than they were. She remained uninjured, boosted by the familiar bond.
Throughout their journey, images flashed through his mind, telling him that Renn was fine. She was still following the red thread. She even fought a few beasts on her way, but was doing well.
Drake and his friends ran for as long as they could before they had no choice but to stop and rest. They knew they couldn't stop completely. They had to keep moving. They continued to walk forward instead as Chad pulled food out of his storage ring. They ate while they walked. He had stocked his ring with food and bottles of water.
