Hunted

Chapter 5 - Elizabeth

Elizabeth watched in horror as Diana and Jasper disappeared down the corridor. Her heart pounded in her chest, and a surge of adrenaline coursed through her. Without a second thought, she sprang into action, her mind racing with thoughts of how to save Diana from this perilous situation. Acting swiftly and cautiously she followed their path, keeping a safe distance while remaining hidden among the shadows. As Elizabeth neared them, she noticed Diana's forced smile and the blood seeping from the wound on her back. Elizabeth's hand instinctively reached for the hidden dagger she carried for self-defence, her fingers wrapping tightly around the hilt.

Just as Elizabeth prepared to confront them, her breath caught in her throat as Diana suddenly gasped and collapsed, falling into Jasper's arms. Her eyes glazed over from blood loss, and she lost consciousness. Jasper looked at Diana's unconscious form in surprise, unaware of the blood gathering on the floor.

"What have you done?" Elizabeth exclaimed, trying to keep her voice steady despite the fear and anger surging within her.

Jasper chuckled then set his icy stare onto Elizabeth.

"You see, I'm an imposter. I'm the son of Meria and Captain Hunter. My parents are here to rule the kingdom and I'm here to take advantage of Diana's powers." He talked casually as if they were discussing the weather.

Elizabeth's mind raced as she tried to process Jasper's intentions. The shock of learning that he was an imposter and the son of their kingdom's arch-nemesis, sent chills down her spine. But she couldn't afford to let fear or surprise overtake her. Diana's life was in danger, and she had to act quickly. Her grip tightened on the dagger as she cautiously drifted forward, never taking her eyes off Jasper.

"You won't get away with this," Elizabeth said, her voice firm and resolute. "I won't let you harm Diana or use her powers for your sinister plans."

Jasper's cold smile only grew wider, his eyes glinting with malice.

"Oh, I think you'll find that I have all the power here," he sneered. "Once the kingdom sees what I can do with Diana's abilities, they'll bow down to me willingly."

Elizabeth's heart pounded, but she refused to back down. She knew that she wouldn't be able to stop Jasper by confrontation. Instead she had to find a way to protect Diana and the kingdom. She glanced at the unconscious form of her friend, lying helpless in Jasper's arms.

"Just let her go," Elizabeth demanded, trying to buy time and think of a plan.

"You don't need her anymore. You have her powers, right?"

Jasper's grin faltered for a moment, and his grip on Diana tightened.

"Oh, I do have her powers, but she still has hers," he said, his voice dripping with arrogance.

"By having her under my control as well adds an extra layer of leverage."

Elizabeth's mind raced, searching for a way to distract Jasper, to give her a chance to escape with Diana. Then it hit her—the secret passage. She had explored the castle's hidden tunnels with Diana and Theodore countless times during their adventures as children.

As she stalled Jasper with forced conversation, she carefully drifted backward, her eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of the hidden passage. She had to find it without Jasper noticing, or their plan would crumble. Just as Elizabeth felt her heart sink, her fingers grazed over a carved marking on the wall—a symbol they had used as a secret sign. The hidden passage was nearby! Determined, Elizabeth continued to engage Jasper in conversation, trying to keep him distracted. She weaved stories and spun lies to buy more time. Slowly, she edged closer to the hidden passage, praying that Theodore was nearby. Finally, she spotted him approaching in the distance, unaware of the danger that awaited him. With a flick of her tail, Elizabeth signalled Theodore, catching his attention. He looked puzzled at first, but the urgency in her eyes conveyed everything he needed to know. Theodore's eyes widened with understanding as he joined Elizabeth in the shadowy corner.

Written by Zilin