Winter's Rebellion

Chapter 11: Hushed in the Dark

Elara's POV

The clouds above darken further, and the path back to camp grows ever more uncertain. I glance at Sir Adrian, noting the violent shivers that wrack his frame and the weariness carved into his features. Guilt churns within me, a sharp reminder of what I inflicted upon him earlier. Snow falls steadily, thick and heavy, erasing any trace of our earlier steps.

My heart falters as the distant sound of branches cracking echoes through the forest. Sir Adrian and I exchange a tense glance.

"Princess, we should move," Sir Adrian whispers urgently.

I nod, my pulse quickening as the distant voices draw nearer. A cold dread tightens its grip on me, paralyzing me with the thought of what might happen if we're caught. Sir Adrian grips my hand, and we dash in the opposite direction of the voices. I hold his hand tightly, my heart pounding in my chest as I glance back to see eight Malorian knights emerging from the trees.

"Sir Adrian!" I cry, fear lacing my voice as he glances back and sees the soldiers gaining on us.

"Keep running, Princess Elara! Do not stop!" he shouts, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

He pulls me through the thick forest, our path twisting and turning as we weave between the trees and duck beneath low-hanging branches. The snow muffles our footsteps, but the shouts and heavy footfalls of the Malorian knights close in behind us. The frigid air burns in my lungs, but terror drives me forward, refusing to let me falter.

Sir Adrian's grip tightens around my hand as we push forward. I glance back once more as we manage to put some distance between us and the Malorian knights. Sir Adrian takes a sudden turn, steering us into a thicker part of the forest where the snow is less dense, helping to obscure our tracks.

The shouts of our pursuers grow fainter, and I no longer see them trailing us. Relief washes over me, but Sir Adrian doesn't slow down. We keep running until we come upon a cave entrance, half-hidden by the surrounding trees. Desperate to conceal our presence, Sir Adrian pulls me toward the cave, urgency in every step.

As we slip deep into the cave, the darkness swallows us whole. The air is damp and chilly, allowing a reprieve from the bitter cold outside. Sir Adrian leads me deeper when we find an alcove where the wall juts out just enough to offer concealment. Sir Adrian quickly assesses the space and motions for me to go first. We press ourselves into the narrow gap, the cold stone at our backs offering little comfort.

I struggle to regulate my breathing, quickly concealing Sir Adrian's pack and swords behind my feet in the corner. While Sir Adrian keeps a watchful eye on the cave entrance. The footsteps of the Malorian knights grow louder, echoing as they enter the cave. Suddenly, Sir Adrian moves in front of me, his body shielding mine as he presses us both tightly against the wall. His dark uniform blends into the shadowy rock, making us nearly invisible in the dim light.

I strain to hear the approaching footsteps, my heart racing so fast I worry Sir Adrian might hear it. The sounds grow closer, and one of the knights pauses near the entrance. Sir Adrian gently pushes me further into the wall, his arms bracketing me on either side as he leans in, his body enveloping mine. The rough fabric of his uniform brushes against my cheek as he lowers his head closer to mine. I shift uncomfortably under his weight, but he holds me steady.

"Stay still," he whispers, his voice barely audible but firm. His breath is warm against my ear.

The knight steps further into the cave, the light from his torch casting dancing shadows on the walls. I can see the outline of his sword glinting in the dim light as I peer past Sir Adrian's shoulder. I draw in a sharp breath, and Sir Adrian quickly places his hand over my mouth, stifling any sound that might betray us.