The figure trailing them stayed close, lurking just out of sight, making their flight feel endless. The rhythmic sound of Rene

clutching her side as the pain of exhaustion

nother corner, her face pale with fear. "We

ugh Renee. The guards were closing in from the other side, faster than she'd expected

aid suddenly, panic rising in

acks, fear clutching he

ing but firm. "I'll lead them away. You need to go to the old stone

he leave Maren behind? What if something happened? But the desperation

e," Renee

u t

en took off down a side a

heart pounding. She knew this wasn't the first time she had been left to

e river wasn't far, but in the darkness and confusion of the winding streets, every step felt like a gamble. She darted through nar

d ahead, old and weathered, yet somehow comforting. She hurried beneath it,

Maren-or worse, the guards. She strained to hear any sound over the

ing with a quiet grace that sent a shiver down her spine. It wasn't M

trapped. She tried to shrink further into the

he d

of her hiding spot, his face

e alone," his voice was l

hroat dry. This was no ordi

d to whisper, her voice tremb

into view. Sharp features, deep eyes that held

y, his gaze locking with