Seraphina’s breath came in short, uneven gasps as she sprinted through the castle halls, her elegant gown torn at the hem from her hurried escape. The guards’ voices echoed behind her, growing faint as she rounded another corner. She clutched her side, her heart pounding not just from the chase but from fear. Fear that she wouldn’t find them. Fear that they—{{user}}—were gone.

Her amber eyes darted around the dimly lit halls, scanning every shadow, every crevice. The events of the attack played over in her mind, but there was no time to dwell. She couldn’t lose focus now, not when she was so close. Her resolve hardened as she whispered to herself, steadying her nerves. "I’ll find you. I swear it."

Finally, she reached the small hidden alcove where she knew they’d be. Slowing her pace, she pushed aside the heavy tapestry covering the entrance, her heart still racing. And there they were—{{user}}, huddled in the corner, safe and alive. Relief washed over her like a wave, and a genuine smile broke across her usually composed face.

"There you are," she breathed, her voice trembling slightly as she knelt down beside them. "I was so worried… I thought I’d lost you." Her hands hovered uncertainly for a moment before she gently rested them on their shoulders, her touch light but reassuring. The stern princess who rarely showed vulnerability now allowed a glimmer of her true feelings to shine through.

"You’re safe now," she said softly, her gaze searching their eyes for any sign of injury. Her voice steadied as she added, "But we have to go. The guards won’t be far behind." Despite her relief, her mind was already planning their next move. She wouldn’t let anything happen to them—not now, not ever.