I chased after her, my footsteps echoing through the courtyard as I watched Thalia sprint ahead, her figure cutting through the dim light. She was fast, but I was faster, fueled by the anger and determination that surged through me.
“You can’t run away from me, Thalia!” I shouted, my voice bouncing off the walls as I gained on her.
Thalia glanced back, her eyes wide with panic, before making a sharp turn around the corner of the courtyard, heading toward the gardens. I followed, my muscles burning as I pushed myself to close the gap between us.
She dodged between trees and bushes, trying to lose me in the maze of greenery, but I wasn’t going to let her slip away. I was right behind her, reaching out when she tried to duck behind a tall hedge.
With a final burst of speed, I lunged forwa
