The sky was streaked with orange as dawn broke over the ridge.
Mera adjusted the borrowed cloak around her shoulders, the fabric still damp from the river crossing.
Her muscles ached, exhaustion weighing on her, but they couldn't afford to linger.
Dian crouched by the remnants of the fire, scattering the ashes with a branch to hide their presence.
"We need to move before they pick up our trail,"
he said,
glancing toward the forest below.
Mera tightened the cloak and stood, her heart heavy with unspoken fears.
"What if they're already ahead of us?"
"Then we make them work to catch us," Dian said, a flicker of determination in his voice.
He gave her a quick look.
"We'll be fine."
Mera pressed her lips into a thin line, unwilling to voice her doubts.
The revelation that someone from the court had betrayed her left an uncomfortable knot in her chest.
If they knew she'd fled, it was only a matter of time before the hunters closed in.
Dian slung a small satchel over his shoulder and nodded toward the trail. "Come on, mera. We can't stop now."
Without another word, they started down the slope, the forest waiting like a predator just beyond the ridge.
The air grew colder as they descended deeper into the woods. Shadows clung to the trees, and the sound of rustling leaves set edge.
Dian walked ahead, his senses sharp, scanning the path for signs of movement. Mera followed closely, every nerve in her body on high alert.
They reached a narrow clearing when Dian suddenly froze, raising a hand to halt her.
"Wait,"
he whispered, his eyes narrowing.
Mera's pulse quickened.
She strained her ears, but the forest remained eerily quiet. Too quiet.
Without warning, a group of figures emerged from the undergrowth, moving with deadly precision. The rogues. Their leader, a wiry man with sharp features and eyes that glinted with malice, stepped forward.
"Thought you could slip away, didn't you?"
he sneered, his voice dripping with
mockery.
"The queen and her little knight."
Dian moved in front of mera, drawing his dagger.
"Run, mera."
Mera's heart pounded, but she shook her head. "I won't leave you."
"Go!" Dian snapped, his gaze locked on the leader. "I'll hold them off."
Before Mera could argue, one of the rogues lunged, and Dian met him head-on, steel clashing in the stillness of the forest.
Mera's instincts screamed at her to stay, but she knew Dian was right. If she stayed, they both would be caught—or worse. With one last glance at the chaotic fight, Meraturned and ran, her feet pounding against the forest floor.
The trees blurred around her as she sprinted, her breath rugged and uneven. She could hear the shouts of the rogues behind her, closing in like wolves on prey.
Her heart thundered in her chest, fear propelling her forward. She stumbled over roots and ducked under low branches, each step a battle to stay ahead.
A sharp pain shot through her side, but she ignored it, forcing her legs to keep moving. There was no room for hesitation—no time to second-guess. If she slowed, even for a moment, it would be over.
Just as she thought she couldn't run any farther, a sharp slope appeared before her. Without thinking, she threw herself down the hill, rolling through the underbrush until she hit the bottom with a thud.
meralay still for a moment, gasping for air. The forest above was silent, the rogues' pursuit temporarily lost.
She pressed a hand to her chest, willing her heart to slow. But relief was fleeting. Dian was still up there—fighting alone.
Mera scrambled to her feet, ignoring the ache in her limbs. She couldn't leave Dian behind. Not after everything.
She retraced her steps, moving cautiously through the underbrush, her ears straining for any sound. When she reached the clearing, her heart leapt into her throat.
Dian stood over the bodies of two rogues, his chest heaving as he caught his breath. Blood dripped from a shallow cut on his cheek, but he was alive.
"Dian !" Mera whispered, relief flooding her as she rushed to his side.
He gave her a tired grin. "Told you I'd be fine."
Mera helped him steady himself, her hands trembling with adrenaline. "We need to keep moving."
Dian nodded, glancing at the fallen rogues. "More will come."
They slipped into the forest together, their pace steady but urgent. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows that stretched across the ground.
For a moment, it felt like they had escaped. But meraknew better. The real danger was still out there—waiting.
Night fell quickly as they traveled deeper into the forest, the darkness pressing close around them. Dian led the way, his movements careful and deliberate, his senses sharp. Mera followed in silence, her thoughts a tangled mess of fear and determination.
They reached a small stream and paused to catch their breath. The water trickled softly over smooth stones, the only sound in the still night.
Dian crouched by the bank, filling a small flask. "We're close to the safe house," he said quietly. "Just a little farther."
Mera knelt beside him, the cool night air soothing her burning lungs. "Do you think we'll make it?"
Dian glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "We have to."
Mera swallowed hard, the weight of his words settling over her. There was no turning back now—no room for doubts.
Dian stood, offering her his hand. "Come on. Let's finish this."
Mera took his hand, the warmth of his touch grounding her. Together, they set off into the night, the path ahead uncertain but unavoidable.
And as they disappeared into the shadows, the forest seemed to whisper a warning—a reminder that their journey was far from over.