Winter's Rebellion

Chapter 3: Fleeing Shadows

Elara's POV

Branches claw at my skin as I run through the darkened forest. The moon casts an eerie glow, but I can't see very far ahead. The footsteps behind me grow louder and louder, echoing my ragged gasps. Panic surges through my veins, making my face feel numb. My heart pounds heavily in my chest.

"Elara," a voice hisses from the shadows, chilling me to the bone. It is the King's voice, but twisted, filled with malice.

I cry out as I stumble over twisted tree roots, falling to my knees. From the shadows, glowing eyes with a malevolent fire emerge, and a massive dragon stands before me. I tremble violently in fear, my eyes filling with tears. My heart pounds so fast I begin to feel as if I could pass out at any moment. The creature opens its jaws, revealing sharp, jagged teeth. I can see my parents' faces in the eyes of the dragon, contorted with fear and pain.

"Save us, Elara," they cry, their voices blending together with the dragon's roar.

The ground beneath me begins to crumble, pulling me into an abyss. I reach out, trying to grasp anything, but my arms find only empty air. The darkness overcomes my senses as I fall endlessly.

I jolt awake, drenched in a cold sweat, my heart thumping in my chest. My mouth and throat feel dry. Clutching tightly to my blankets, I try to calm my racing heart. Taking deep breaths, I close my eyes for a moment. The fire beside me still burns, offering warmth against the cold winter air seeping into Tristian's home. The faint light of dawn creeps through the narrow arrow-slit windows.

My eyes scan the Great Hall, lingering on the stairs, hoping that Tristian would not descend. Feeling unready to meet his piercing gaze that drowned in concern. I sigh loudly as I lie back down under the covers. My heart aches with the pain of last night's events. A twinge of frustration and annoyance creeps in as my eyes well up with tears once again.

"Why can't I just have a moment of peace?" I whisper incredulously to myself, tears streaming down my face.

I quickly wipe my tears upon hearing a door open upstairs. I turn my back toward the stairs and pull the covers higher, hiding my face. I squeeze my eyes shut, pretending to sleep, desperate to hide my embarrassment for continuously crying in front of Tristian. As the future queen, I have no time for feeling pain and pity.

I squeeze my eyes tighter as I hear footsteps descending the stairs. I stiffen, trying to remain as still as possible when the footsteps get closer to me.

"Princess Elara, are you sleeping?" He inquires in a low voice, he waits momentarily in silence behind me.

I hear Tristian sigh, and the sound of his footsteps recedes until I hear a door open and close. I let out the breath I hadn't realized I was holding in and sigh quietly.

Sweat beads form on my upper lip and forehead, threatening to fall. Suddenly, the room feels stifling, and my body is clammy with perspiration. I lay under the covers for a few more minutes, desperately hoping to drift back to sleep.

I twist and turn feeling bodily aches from laying on the hard ground, only being protected with blankets. I feel myself slowly drifting after a while longer when a strange noise from outside catches my attention. I quickly pull off the covers and rise from the blankets.

I walk toward the front door that stands between me and the outside world. As I get closer to the door, I hear a loud commotion outside. My stomach churns, and intense anxiety crashes over me in waves. I faintly hear screaming and swords clashing beyond the door.

With a trembling hand, I grab onto the door handle and slowly pry it open. When the door is slightly ajar, I peek outside and see soldiers' bodies scattered on the ground. I gasp and pull the door wide open. I can see Tristian locked in battle with a knight clad in Malorian armor. Tristian and his household guards are fighting off a swarm of Malorian soldiers that have stampeded the courtyard of the manor.