My hands shook violently as I frantically stuffed my few belongings into a small bag. I couldn't think straight—couldn't process what had just happened. The image of the King's transformation kept flashing before my eyes, that moment when his humanity had shattered completely, giving way to the beast.
The beast that was now hunting in the forest outside.
I grabbed the small pouch of gold coins the King had given me days earlier—payment for services that felt like they had happened in another lifetime. How ironic that his generosity would now fund my escape from him.
A choking sob escaped my throat. Someone had set me up. Someone had slipped something into his wine and made it appear as though I was responsible. But why? Who would gain from this?
It didn't matter now. All that mattered was getting as far away as possible.
