quiet, as if it, too,

like a stone. The urgency of the escape buzzed in the back of her mind, urging her to move, but she forced herself to stay still, liste

clenching her fists to steady the tremblin

rkness, a small bundle of supplies clutched tightly in her hands.

the bundle into Aveline's hands. "Some food, water,

ly, squeezing Hazel's arm. "You've alre

her voice fierce despite the fear in her

t come. The reality of her departure felt surreal, almost impossible to grasp. She was wal

her voice wavering slightly. "The Highla

ut in, her tone firmer than she felt. "No one from

d do no good. "I wish I could go with you," she murmured, tears

notice if you're gone. And I need someone

be your eyes and ears," she promised. "And

stance between the Northern Highlands and Whispering Woods was vast, almost unreachable

were patrolling the compound, their torches flickering in the darkness. Aveline a

e patrol?" Aveline asked,

itch just after midnight. You should be able to

into an eternity. She forced herself to focus on her breathing, calming the fear that threatened to consume

tsteps fading into the distance. Hazel g

ly, slipping from shadow to shadow, her senses sharp and alert. She knew the compound's layout well; she had pat

line held her breath as she approached, praying that no one would notice her. The guards were

discovered years ago-a gap that no one had thought to repair. The moment

ring to look back. The path to the Northern Highlands was long and treacherous, but she had no choice.

ck of supplies and a sturdy, hooded cloak. Aveline took the cloak gratefully, wrapping it around hersel

d for Aveline's hand, squeezing it tightly. "Promise me you'll be careful," s

didn't fully feel. "I promise," she said softly, though

allowed herself to take comfort in her friend's embrace. But

eline said, her vo

ears spilling over at last. "J

d the dark, uncharted path that lay before her. With one last look at H

future. Aveline didn't look back. She couldn't. The only way now was forward, into the darkness, where her ch