𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞

Chapter 14

The moment the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the stillness of the night, the tender atmosphere shattered like fragile glass. Gemini’s heart raced as he pulled back slightly, eyes wide with urgency.

“Fourth, we need to go—now!” he urged, grabbing Fourth’s hand and tugging him toward the edge of the lake.

Fourth nodded, adrenaline coursing through his veins. He could feel the weight of their situation crashing down on him. The Queen would not let them escape easily. She would come for them, and they had to be fast.

They darted away from the water, hearts pounding in unison as the sound of footsteps grew louder behind them, the distant murmur of the Queen's commands echoing through the night. Each step felt heavier as fear gripped their chests, propelling them forward.

“Which way?” Fourth asked, glancing over his shoulder, dread pooling in his stomach. He could hear the guards shouting, their voices harsh and demanding, growing ever closer.

“Over there!” Gemini pointed to a cluster of trees that offered some cover. “We can hide until they pass.”

Without hesitation, they dashed toward the trees, ducking behind the thick trunks just as the guards emerged from the path they had just vacated. The darkness enveloped them like a protective shroud, but the sound of heavy boots echoed ominously around them.

“Split up! Search every inch of this forest!” one of the guards barked, his voice cutting through the air like a knife. “We cannot let them escape!”

Gemini held his breath, pressing himself against the rough bark of the tree, desperately wishing they could disappear into the night. Fourth stood close beside him, their hands still intertwined, grounding each other amidst the chaos.

“What if they find us?” Gemini whispered, fear creeping into his voice.

“They won’t,” Fourth replied, his voice steady despite the fear coursing through him. “We’ll find a way out of this. I won’t let them take you from me.”

As the guards began to spread out, Fourth and Gemini shared a look, a silent understanding passing between them. They couldn’t stay hidden forever. They had to make a move before it was too late.

“On my count,” Fourth said, his grip tightening around Gemini’s hand. “One… two… three!”

With a sudden burst of energy, they broke from their hiding place and sprinted deeper into the woods, hearts pounding as they weaved through the trees. The branches clawed at their skin, but they pushed on, driven by the urgency of their escape.

“Over there!” Gemini shouted, spotting a narrow path that led further away from the palace. “If we can make it to the other side of the forest, we might find somewhere to hide!”

They veered toward the path, adrenaline surging as they raced against time. Behind them, the sound of shouting guards echoed, the tension rising with each passing moment. Gemini glanced over his shoulder, fear gripping him as he caught a glimpse of a guard breaking through the trees.

“Keep going!” Fourth urged, his voice fierce as he pushed Gemini ahead of him. “I’ll hold them off!”

“No!” Gemini protested, panic rising in his chest. “We have to stick together!”

“Trust me!” Fourth shot back, determination in his eyes. “I won’t let anything happen to you. Just go!”

With a heart full of reluctance, Gemini nodded, knowing Fourth was only doing what he thought was best for them both. He sprinted ahead, every muscle in his body screaming for him to keep moving, to put as much distance between them and the guards as possible.