CHAPTER 32: CAUGHT OR NOT ???

The soldiers spread out with flaming torches in their hands, on the lookout for intruders or rule breakers.

Both girls layed still inside the thick thorny bush.

None stirred , despite the discomfort. They hadn't come this far just to get caught.

A guard passing by the very bush they hid in stilled, as if sensing a presence close by.

He slowly turned towards their hiding spot and both girls felt their heart pound.

With each step he took, dread filled them further more.

If they got found out, it would all boil down to them fighting their way out, or surrendering and accepting punishment.

But both girls had come this far.

For them, giving up wasn't an option. They refuse to be caught and suppressed.

If it comes down to fighting, they would go all out.

Their eyes met in understanding, as if they could both tell each others thoughts.

With a nod, they faced the guards direction.

Fist clenched, body tense.

As stealthily as ever, they leapt out of the bush at the same time—tackling the guard before he could even react or make a sound.

The red haired girl went for his legs, the most powerful part of a guards body, without a weapon.

She took him out with one fast sweep.

Ravenna without wasting time was already behind him with scary swiftness, catching hold of his head and covering his mouth

She twisted his neck without batting an eye.

He dropped to the ground lifeless.

It happened so fast that it was hard for the others to notice.

All except one...

He turned, sensing something ominous.

His feets moved without making any sound.

Without a torch, or weapon in hand—it was easy to tell he was a mage.

A level three mage...

They could see perfectly well in the dark and even without weapons, they were far more stronger than mere humans.

He walked towards where he had sensed the very subtle yet ominous disruption.

And there, he saw the lifeless body of a guard.

His expression hardened.

Fists clenched, a small yellow light emitting from his hands....

A whistle cut through the forest, it was a signal. All the guards heard it—an intruder was on the loose.

Their small feet moved fast accross the dense forest when they heard the sharp sound of a whistle.

' oh no '

They have been found out...

Both girls shared a troubled look before immediately splitting.

Taking different directions without looking back or slowing down.

They both knew what that whistle meant..

A hunt had begun.

The guards were now on their tail.

Going their different ways was the best option. It was now up to their skills and wits alone.

Whoever gets caught is the loser.

Splitting also slims down the Chance of both of them getting caught at once.

' I must escape this cursed palace, Tonight ! '

With that thought, Ravenna leapt upwards Into the air, landing on a branch.

She jumped, swinging from tree to tree. This way they would loose track of her, except they were hunting using wolves.

A loud howl pierced the forest, almost stiring life in the forest awake.

' Just great ' Ravenna murmured in frustration. They would be caught in no time.

Unless..

Unless, they could successfully leave the palace ground before the guards or the wolves catch up.

With that thought, Ravenna sprinted faster.

The hair she had packed with so much effort came loose due to the strong wind blowing.

Small patch of grey—almost white hair fell in layers atop midnight black hair.

It was an oddly striking feature. One that enhanced her feminine features.

Ravenna wasn't pleased with her hair down but now wasn't the time to worry about it.

' This was it .... '

Freedommmm...

She smirked.

Her sharp eyes taking in the scenery from afar.

She could see it. Landscapes, mountains, the small towns, and cities beyond the palace walls.

Finally

She leapt down from the trees, now sprinting as stealthily as possible.

Pulse racing.

Heart pounding.

She knew it,

She knew there was definitely another way out of the palace grounds.

And now... She's successfully found it.

Now closer to the huge cliff that divided the palace grounds from the life below it.

She ran faster.

A thin layer of fog covered the view ahead, but Ravenna wasn't discouraged.

She was almost there...

She headed straight into the fog without second thought...

BAM

She hit a barrier—falling backwards at the force with which she ran into it.

Her eyes widened.

The howls from the wolves intensified. Much more louder this time.

She spun back on her feet, stretching her hand forward to feel whatever she had hit.

Her green eyes glowed with anger.

Unbent frustration that slowly morphed into anger.

The fog cleared up and she saw it.

A blue transparent wall, it had been hidden by the fog.

With so much anger and desperation, she landed a heavy blow.

" BAM "

It just rippled like a lake would when a pebble is thrown into it.

Her laboured breaths turned even more heavy. Coming out as cold air to mix with the fog.

' No I can't stop here.

Not like this '

She clenched her fist, eyes shut in pained frustration.

On the other side of the barrier was freedom.

So close, yet so far.

A few more steps,

A few more steps and she was free.

But a barrier had been placed.

Her blood boiled and her eyes glistened.

The howls and growling were drawing closer.

The lights from the torches were getting closer.

Sound of footsteps thumped the hard ground.

Yet Ravenna just stood still,

Cornered.

There was no hiding spot up here. It was a clear area with the fogs closing back up.

Ravenna's eyes hardened with determination once again.

If this was the only way —then she would fight them off.

She would rather go all out than give up now.

She unsheathed her dagger. Ready to fight.

Without knowing, another presence had concealed itself there...

The guards got closer, almost exiting the forest and into the clear land.

Before they could continue their search, an arrow flew past...

It wasn't Ravenna

And it wasn't the guards.

It came from the side.....

' what was that ? '