The forest was pitch black, the only sounds that surrounded you were the heavy beats of your heart and the rustling of leaves underfoot. Your feet ached, raw from running barefoot, but you couldn’t stop. You couldn’t slow down. The soldiers were still chasing you—Emperor Aelric’s orders, to bring you back, to stop you.

You had fled earlier that morning, driven by fear and the need to protect your children. But now, as night fell, the forest felt colder, darker. You kept calling out for Lyra

Finally, when the sounds of pursuit grew distant, you slowed, your breath ragged and your body shaking from exhaustion. You dared to turn around, hoping for some moment of peace, but your heart dropped when you saw him.

He stood a few feet away, his figure outlined by the dim moonlight, his gaze burning with fury. His usually composed demeanor was gone—his veins bulging in his neck, his jaw clenched tight, and his eyes… they were darker, colder than you had ever seen them before.

Panic surged through you. You didn’t know how he had found you so quickly, but you weren’t about to stop now. With a burst of energy, you turned and ran again.

But before you could get far, he grabbed your arm with a force that made you gasp in pain. He slammed you against the nearest tree, his grip tight as he pinned you there, before you could react, the cold press of steel met your throat-his sword

His breath was uneven, but his voice was sharp, almost desperate.

"Tell me," he shouted, his voice cracking with anger, "where are they? Where did you hide the children?"