CHAPTER 4:FLEEING THE LION'S DEN

The wind howled through the narrow streets of Vaeloria, carrying the scent of damp stone and the distant smoke of torches. Shadows stretched long under the moonlight as Seraphina and Kael darted between alleyways, their breaths shallow, their footsteps swift.

Behind them, the castle bells rang in alarm.

"They've discovered your escape," Seraphina murmured as they pressed themselves into the shadows of an old archway.

Kael nodded, scanning the road ahead. "We don't have much time."

His hand remained tightly wrapped around hers, grounding her in the chaos. For the first time in her life, Seraphina was truly running—not just from the walls of her father's castle, but from the fate that had been forced upon her.

But their freedom was far from guaranteed.

The Hunt Begins

At the gates of the palace, Lord Cedric Valerius stood with a grim scowl as soldiers armed with spears and torches rushed into the city.

He turned to King Aldric, his voice laced with controlled fury. "The princess is gone. And with the exile."

Aldric's hands tightened around the pommel of his sword. "Find them," he ordered. "By dawn, I want her returned and Kael Draven dead."

Cedric bowed. "As you wish, my king."

As the soldiers dispersed, Cedric reached into his cloak, retrieving a small, glowing vial. The sorcerers of Zephirion had gifted it to him—a means of tracking those marked by their magic.

Holding it to the night air, he watched as the liquid inside pulsed faintly, aligning toward a direction. A slow smirk curled his lips.

"They will not get far."

A Desperate Escape

Kael led Seraphina through the tangled backstreets, his mind racing. "The main gates will be crawling with guards. We'll need another way out."

Seraphina frowned. "The old aqueducts. They run beneath the city and lead into the forest."

Kael's gaze flickered with approval. "That will do."

They reached the entrance—a small, hidden stone passage at the city's edge, half-covered by creeping ivy. Kael pulled the grate aside and gestured for Seraphina to enter first.

Just as she stepped forward, the sharp clatter of hooves rang through the air.

Kael cursed. "Go, now!"

Seraphina slipped inside as Kael followed, yanking the grate back into place just as soldiers rounded the corner.

Torches flickered above, and a voice rang out. "Search the alleys! The princess must not escape!"

Seraphina held her breath, pressing back against the damp stone. The flickering torchlight played against the walls as the guards lingered above, their shadows moving ominously.

Kael slowly exhaled. "We need to move."

They navigated the darkened tunnels, the distant echo of rushing water guiding their way. The scent of damp earth filled the air, and Seraphina felt a shiver crawl up her spine.

Minutes stretched into an eternity before they finally emerged beyond the city's walls—into the vast, open wilderness.

Freedom.

Kael helped Seraphina onto his horse, swinging up behind her. "We ride hard and fast. If they catch us now, there will be no escape."

She nodded, gripping the reins. "Then let's not let them catch us."

With a sharp command, Kael spurred the horse forward, and they galloped into the night.

The Empire's Response

Far beyond Vaeloria, in the towering spires of Zephirion, Emperor Darius Velmorian stood at the highest balcony of his palace. The stars above were cold and distant, much like the ruthless glint in his golden eyes.

A messenger knelt before him. "Your Majesty, the princess has fled."

Darius turned slowly, his gaze unreadable. "With whom?"

"Kael Draven."

A flicker of amusement crossed the emperor's face. "So the exile still breathes."

He stepped forward, his cloak billowing like a shadow behind him. "King Aldric has lost control of his daughter," he mused. "And he has lost my patience."

The messenger hesitated. "Shall we prepare the legions?"

Darius smiled—cold, calculated.

"No."

He lifted a golden signet ring, pressing it into the sealing wax of a parchment. "Send word to King Aldric. If he cannot control his daughter, then I will claim her myself."

His voice dropped to a whisper, dangerous and cruel.

"By fire and by blood."

To Be Continued…