The night seemed endless, dark forests stretched around them as dozens of horses thundered across frozen ground
No one complained, every rider understood the danger
Elara rode several paces behind Vaelith
She said nothing.
She would not be the anchor that dragged them down.
She had caused enough chaos; she would not be the reason they were caught.
So she endured.
Every hoofstep sent a shockwave of agony through her bruised body.
Her shoulders screamed.
The wounds from the dungeon fresh scars on a soul that was already bleedinng
Stay upright.
Stay awake.
Stay alive.
Her horse stumbled.
It was a small misstep on the uneven, frozen ground, but for Elara, it was catastrophic.
She swayed, her grip on the reins slipping as her strength failed.
She caught herself, barely, her h
