Elyse pov
The torchlight swept across the cave entrance.
I pressed myself against the stone wall, trying to become invisible and trying not to breathe. My heart hammered so hard I was certain they’d hear it.
Boot steps echoed. Getting closer.
This was it. They’d find me. Drag me back to the Witch Lands. Execute me for killing Lord Casimir.
Or worse; hand me back to Papa.
The light pierced deeper into the cave. Illuminated the space around me.
I squeezed my eyes shut, waiting for the shout. The rough hands are grabbing me.
But nothing came.
The voices moved away. The light receded. Footsteps fading back toward the forest.
“Nothing here! Check the next one!”
They were leaving.
They’d looked right at me and seen nothing.
I stayed frozen against the wall, not daring to move until
