Chapter 2: The Escape

The world rushed past in a blur of black trees and silver moonlight as Elira dangled in Kael’s iron grip. His speed was unnatural, each leap spanning a distance no human could manage. The cold wind bit at her skin, whipping her hair into a wild tangle. She struggled again, trying to free herself, but his hold was unyielding.

“Stop squirming, Princess,” he said without looking at her, his voice sharp with irritation. “You’ll only tire yourself.”

Elira glared at him. “You can’t possibly think you’ll get away with this! My father will send every knight in the kingdom after you!”

Kael smirked. “Let them come. I’ve faced worse than a few human soldiers.”

They broke through the forest’s edge and into an open field. The sky above stretched wide, stars glittering like shards of glass. Elira’s voice trembled with anger. “Why are you doing this? What could you possibly want from me?”

Kael didn’t answer immediately. His expression hardened as if her question had struck a nerve. “You’ll find out soon enough,” he finally said.

The cryptic response only fueled her rage. She clenched her fists, silently vowing to escape the moment she had a chance.

As they entered a shadowy ravine, Kael slowed his pace and finally set her on her feet. Elira stumbled, her legs unsteady, but she refused to let him see her weakness. Instead, she immediately turned and bolted into the dark woods.

“Princess,” Kael’s voice echoed behind her, calm yet chilling. “Don’t test my patience.”

Elira didn’t stop. Branches clawed at her gown, and her bare feet ached from the rough ground, but she pressed on, her breath coming in ragged gasps. The thick forest offered little light, but desperation guided her steps.

She thought she’d lost him when she didn’t hear his footsteps. Then, suddenly, he was in front of her.

Elira skidded to a halt, her heart slamming in her chest. Kael stood there as if he’d materialized out of the darkness, his crimson eyes glowing faintly. “You’re persistent,” he said, almost amused. “But foolish.”

She reached for the closest thing she could grab—a fallen branch. Swinging it with all her strength, she aimed for his head. Kael caught it effortlessly, snapping the wood in half with his bare hands.

Her courage faltered, but her voice didn’t. “I won’t stop trying to get away from you.”

Kael’s expression darkened. “I don’t expect you to. That’s what makes this interesting.”

Before she could react, he closed the distance between them, his hand gripping her arm like a vice. Elira screamed again, her voice echoing through the ravine. She hoped—prayed—that someone might hear her cries.

“You’re wasting your breath,” Kael muttered, his tone devoid of sympathy. “No one’s coming for you out here.”

Elira’s heart sank as she was forced to walk alongside him, his grip never loosening. They eventually reached a hidden path that led to the base of a cliff. Nestled within the rock face was a concealed entrance, guarded by an ancient, rusted gate. Kael pushed it open with ease, revealing a dark tunnel beyond.

Panic clawed at Elira’s chest. She dug her heels into the ground, refusing to move. “I won’t go in there!”

Kael turned, his patience visibly fraying. “You can walk in willingly, or I’ll carry you. Either way, you’re going.”

When she didn’t budge, he sighed and lifted her effortlessly again. Elira screamed, pounded her fists against his chest, and even tried to bite his shoulder, but nothing worked.

“Do you ever give up?” he muttered, more to himself than to her.

Kael’s lips twitched as if he might smile, but he quickly buried the expression. “Good,” he said softly. “You’ll need that fire where we’re going.”

The tunnel swallowed them whole, the darkness closing in like a suffocating shroud.

“No!” she spat, her voice raw. “I’ll fight you every step of the way.”

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