P R O L O G U E 

  The sound of footsteps pressing against the wet mud echoed through the dark forest. The inconsistent flickering of hot orange and red fire seeped through the cracks in between tree branches. A fierce gust of wind pulls the hood of her cape slightly backwards, but she manages to tug it forward.

  Despite the ear-piercing screams from behind, she clenches her eyes and continues to move forward. Her destination was uncertain, but the survival of the baby was definite. As if right on time, the baby starts crying. Terrified of being caught, she picks up her pace and starts running. The sharp branches cut through her skin, scratching anywhere and everywhere except for the basket.

  “Hush now baby, everything will be fine,” she sings, although out of breath.

Sacred Heart Orphanage. It felt like days, but it was just hours of walking then running and stopping to rest. Her breath creates a fog in the night as she pants heavily. Limping to the entrance of the door, she then knocks t