Into the Abyss
The soldier's eyes narrowed as the lantern illuminated the small compartment where Eliza and Alden hid. The world seemed to stop in that instant, and for a split second, Eliza's breath caught in her throat. They were caught.
But before the soldier could call out, a figure appeared behind him, moving so quickly that Eliza barely had time to process what was happening. In an instant, the soldier's body crumpled to the ground, his lantern crashing and rolling across the floor, spilling light into the shadows.
Alden's arm shot out, pulling Eliza to her feet in one swift motion. "Move," he hissed.
The figure who had struck down the soldier stood in the doorway, a hooded cloak concealing most of his features, but there was no mistaking the powerful stance and the glint of steel in his hand.
It was Kellen.
"Eliza," Kellen whispered urgently, his voice low but intense. "You have to come with me. Now."
Alden tensed, his eyes flashing with suspicion, but Kellen held his gaze, a flicker of something almost pleading in his eyes. "There's no time. Prince Edward knows where you are. We have to move. Now."
Before Eliza could process the situation, Alden grabbed her hand, pulling her toward the back of the hold, the distant sounds of shouting and movement above becoming louder. The trap was closing in. And Kellen—whether friend or foe—was their only chance of escaping.
"Come on," Kellen urged. "This way."
They didn't have a choice.
YOU ARE READING
A Heart Divided
RomanceIn a kingdom bound by tradition and duty, Princess Eliza is forced into an arranged marriage to Prince Edmund to secure a political alliance. But Eliza's heart belongs to Alden, a humble cloth maker she meets in secret. Their love, though genuine, i...
