A Caged Bird Will Still Fly

Seraphine's pulse pounded as Kieran took another step toward her.

"Stay where you are," she warned, lifting her sword.

Kieran merely tilted his head, golden eyes gleaming with amusement. "You always were a flighty little thing," he mused. "But running won't save you this time."

She had heard enough.

With a sharp pivot, Seraphine bolted.

The forest was dense, but she knew how to move through the shadows. Her feet barely touched the ground as she sprinted, branches clawing at her cloak. She did not look back—would not give him the satisfaction of seeing her hesitate.

A sharp whistle cut through the air.

Her horse reared, startled by the sound.

Seraphine swore. Kieran had planned this.

She veered left instead, aiming for the deeper parts of the forest where the trees grew wild. If she could lose him there—

A hand caught her wrist.

Seraphine twisted, slashing her dagger upward. Kieran barely pulled back in time, the blade grazing his sleeve.

"Fiery as ever," he murmured, eyes darkening. "I should have known you'd try to run."

She jerked away, but his grip was firm.

"Let me go," she hissed.

His fingers tightened just slightly, his expression unreadable. "And if I don't?"

For the first time, true danger coiled in the air between them.

Seraphine met his gaze, her heart pounding. She could not let him trap her.

She had one chance.

To be continued…

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