Just The Beginning

The door crashed open, startling the woman who looked up with dread etched across her face, only to exhale with relief when she saw the familiar figure.

"Lila…" The Fae Queen breathed out in relief, clutching the edge of her gown.

But Lila's expression was anything but reassuring, and dread coiled tight in the Queen's stomach.

"He's here, isn't he?" she asked, her voice strained.

Lila gave a grim nod.

The Queen's hands began to tremble as she paced the small room, her gown sweeping the floor in frantic movements. "How did he find us so quickly?"

"I don't know. I thought we'd thrown him off our trail." Lila glanced toward the door with growing tension. "We need to get the princess out of here."

The Queen's head snapped toward the door, her features hardening as if sensing a presence beyond. "I'm afraid that's too late."