Chapter 19: The Road Forward

Dawn broke over the river, its golden light creeping across the water's surface as Karima stirred. Her body ached from the battle, from the river's relentless pull, from the weight of everything she had endured in the past few weeks. But for the first time in a long time, she wasn't alone.

Haytham was already awake, sitting near the water's edge, his knife resting on his knee. He wasn't looking at her, but she could tell from his stillness that he knew she had woken up.

She sat up, brushing damp strands of hair from her face. "You didn't sleep."

He smirked but didn't turn. "Didn't need to."

Karima stretched her sore limbs, then glanced around. They were deep in the wilderness now, far from any immediate threats, but that wouldn't last. The bounty hunters would regroup. The High Council wouldn't let her slip through their fingers so easily.

"We need to keep moving," she murmured.

Haytham finally turned to her, his expression unreadable. "And go where?"

She hesitated. That was the question, wasn't it? She had spent so long running, hiding, fighting to survive. But where was she supposed to go now? What was her next move?

Haytham must have seen the doubt flicker across her face because he sighed and stood. "You're not alone in this, Karima. You don't have to figure it all out right now."

She met his gaze. "Then what do you suggest?"

He sheathed his knife and crossed his arms. "We find allies."

Karima frowned. "You mean the rebellion?"

He nodded. "They've been gaining traction. Small pockets of resistance, scattered across the land. But if they had you—" He stopped himself. "If they had us, they might have a real chance."

Karima swallowed hard. She wasn't sure she wanted to be a symbol, wasn't sure she was ready to lead. But what other choice did she have? She couldn't run forever.

She stood, brushing dirt from her clothes. "Alright. Where do we start?"

Haytham gave a knowing smirk. "I have an idea."

The journey through the dense wilderness was long, and Karima could feel the tension in her muscles with every step. The air was thick with the scent of damp leaves, the occasional chirp of unseen birds breaking the silence. She followed Haytham's lead, trusting that he knew where they were going.

As they walked, she found herself watching him more than she should have. There was something steady about him, something that made the chaos in her mind quiet just a little. She wasn't used to that.

"What is it?" he asked, not looking at her.

She blinked. "What?"

"You keep staring."

Karima scoffed. "You think too highly of yourself."

His smirk returned, but this time it was softer. "Maybe."

She rolled her eyes but didn't argue. Instead, she let the silence stretch between them, neither of them in a hurry to fill it. There was something comfortable about it.

Hours passed before they reached the edge of a small village, nestled between rolling hills. Smoke curled from chimneys, and the faint sound of a market echoed in the distance.

Haytham led her toward the outskirts, where a worn-down tavern sat half-hidden behind an overgrown path. "This is it."

Karima raised an eyebrow. "A tavern?"

He shrugged. "People talk in places like this. And we need information."

She followed him inside, the scent of ale and roasted meat filling her senses. The room was dimly lit, filled with murmuring voices and the occasional burst of laughter. A few heads turned as they entered, but no one paid them much mind.

Haytham guided her to a corner table, where a lone figure sat nursing a drink. His clothes were simple, but his eyes were sharp—assessing them the moment they approached.

"Corvin," Haytham greeted.

The man looked up, his gaze flicking between them before settling on Karima. "You brought her."

Karima stiffened. "You were expecting me?"

Corvin smirked, taking a slow sip of his drink. "The whole world is expecting you."

She exhaled sharply, sinking into the chair across from him. "Then tell me what I need to know."

Corvin leaned forward, his expression turning serious. "The rebellion is gathering strength, but the Council's reach is growing faster. They're moving their forces to key cities, locking down borders. And they're searching for you harder than ever."

Karima frowned. "Why now? I've been a target for weeks."

Corvin hesitated, then pulled a small parchment from his pocket and slid it across the table. Karima picked it up, her breath catching as she read the words.

The Council has declared Karima Crown the greatest threat to stability. A bounty of ten thousand gold for her capture—alive.

She clenched her jaw. Alive. That meant they needed her for something.

Haytham shifted beside her. "They're not just trying to eliminate you. They want to use you."

Karima's fingers curled around the parchment. "Then we take the fight to them first."

Corvin chuckled. "That's exactly what the rebellion wants to hear."

Karima met his gaze, something steelier settling in her chest. "Then tell them to get ready."

She wasn't just running anymore. She was done being hunted.

It was time to fight back