A Heart Divided

Chapter 16

The Trap Tightens

The hold felt even more suffocating now, as if the very air was closing in on them. Eliza's mind raced, the shock of Prince Edward's sudden appearance making her feel lightheaded. She could hardly believe it. Prince Edward had orchestrated this. He had known they would be escaping.

Alden's jaw was set in a grim line, his muscles tense as he surveyed their surroundings. He was calculating, planning, but Eliza could see the worry in his eyes. What would happen to them now?

"Stay hidden," Alden said, his voice sharp, like a soldier giving an order. "I'll distract them. Don't move until I come back for you."

Eliza shook her head, panic rising in her chest. "No, Alden, don't. We need to leave together, or they'll catch us both. We don't have time for—"

But Alden was already moving, slipping silently from the compartment with barely a sound. Eliza's heart lurched as she heard his footsteps fading away into the dark belly of the ship.

The seconds felt like hours as she remained crouched in the tiny space, her hand clutched to her chest as though to still the frantic beat of her heart. She couldn't breathe, couldn't think. This was it. She had no idea what Alden was planning, but it was clear that the man she loved was willing to risk everything, including his life, to protect hers.

But then the trap tightened.

The sound of heavy footsteps grew louder, coming from the direction of the deck. They were getting closer. The soldiers. They were searching the ship, methodically moving from one compartment to the next, their voices low and urgent.

"Have you found her yet?" Prince Edward's voice rang out from above, sharper now with frustration.

"She's still nowhere to be found, Your Grace," came Kellen's voice, a little too quickly, a little too defensively. "I've searched every cabin. There's no sign of her."

Eliza froze, every muscle in her body locking into place. Kellen was lying. He knew exactly where she was. But why was he covering for her? Was he playing both sides? Or was there something deeper at play? The questions gnawed at her, but she didn't have the time to consider them now.

Suddenly, the door to the hold creaked open, and Eliza's heart leaped into her throat. A soldier stepped down into the darkness, his lantern casting a flickering glow over the wooden floor. His eyes scanned the shadows, moving slowly from corner to corner, searching with ruthless precision.

Eliza held her breath, her body rigid with terror. The soldier was only a few feet away now, but he hadn't seen her. He was distracted, calling out to his comrades above deck.

"Eliza...?" The voice was a whisper, but it was enough. Eliza's heart lurched. Alden had returned, slipping back into the hold unnoticed, his eyes frantic as they met hers. His finger was to his lips in a quiet warning. He moved swiftly toward her, crouching down low, his hand on her arm as though to reassure her.

"Shh," he whispered. "Stay quiet. They're getting too close."

Eliza nodded, feeling the weight of his presence as though it were the only thing keeping her from completely falling apart.

But then the soldier's lantern swung toward their hiding spot, the glow of the light piercing the darkness, and Eliza's heart stopped.