The night air was thick with tension as you ran.

Your gown—once a symbol of royalty—was now tattered from branches clawing at the fabric. Your breath came in short gasps, heart pounding like a war drum. You had finally escaped.

But they were close.

The distant clanking of armor and shouting of knights sent fear rushing through you. They were searching—for you.

And then—a hand grabbed you.

Before you could scream, you looked up—dark hair, sharp glasses, piercing gray eyes.

A stranger.

But there was no time to question. Without thinking, you grabbed his wrist, yanking him behind the crumbling remains of an abandoned stone wall.

The knights’ voices grew louder. You pressed a hand to his chest, signaling silence. He didn’t flinch, didn’t push you away.

He just… watched you.

Like he already knew exactly who you were.