With trembling hands, I opened the door once more, feeling the chilly night air strike my face. I scanned the trees around the hunters' compound, my heart hammering in my ears.
Now that the guard patrol had moved them away from this side of the exit, the road ahead was clear. But I knew I just had a little time before they came around this way once more. I had to get moving fast.
I took a long breath to settle my anxieties while holding the door, and then I slipped out. The ground was slightly wet from previous rains, and the soil and leaves gave off an earthy smell. I resisted the need to express gratitude for the clean forest air since I knew it could give away my escape.
Rather, I hugged the building's shadow and moved purposefully away from the area, applying the stealth skills Bust
