CAMELLIA'S POV
The forest remained silent for only a few moments before it began to stir again.
At first, the sounds were barely noticeable.
A twig snapping somewhere in the distance. The soft crunch of leaves beneath heavy footsteps. The faint rustle of branches being pushed aside.
I held my breath.
My head remained lowered, my body pressed against the tree as I forced myself not to move. I did not know who was approaching. I did not know if the ones who had saved me were truly any better than the men lying dead around me.
The footsteps grew louder. Closer.
Until I could hear the unmistakable sound of boots against the earth.
I slowly lifted my head just enough to see beneath my lashes.
My heart sank as I counted the pairs of boots. There were at least a dozen.
They moved throu
