Austin and Alina left Audrey's chambers feeling lighter than they had in a very long time. They walked through the palace corridors holding each other and giving each other biggest smiles. They were finally free to be together.
As they stepped into the palace garden, Alina suddenly stopped. Thomas and Emeric were standing near the fountain. Emeric looked weaker but his eyes were bright and his usual playful smile was already forming on his lips.
"Emeric!" Alina cried out.
She ran across the grass and threw her arms around him. Emeric laughed and hugged her back.
"Easy there, Alina," he chuckled. "I managed to survive Crane's men. Dying from hugging would be so embarrassing."
Thomas smiled as he watched them.
"They released him in the morning. Crane's influence is weakening. The guards opened the door and told him to go."
