A Heart Divided

Chapter 23

The Eye of the Storm

As they drew closer to the lighthouse, Eliza could make out its towering silhouette against the dark sky. The lighthouse was perched atop a jagged cliff, its light swinging across the water, illuminating the waves in a haunting, rhythmic pattern. The sight filled her with a desperate hope—hope that they might finally find sanctuary, hope that the storm would end, hope that the worst of their trials had passed.

But there was no time for hope. The enemy ship was still behind them, its sails billowing ominously in the wind, its crew shouting orders that reached Eliza's ears in muffled echoes. The soldiers were closing in. There was no getting away from them now.

"We need to make landfall—now!" Alden shouted, urgency driving every word. "Once we reach the cliffs, we can hide, but we can't stay out here much longer."

Eliza's stomach churned as they neared the rocky shore. The waves were higher here, crashing violently against the cliffs, and the boat's hull groaned under the pressure. The water surged against them, pushing them toward the jagged rocks below.

"Hold on!" Alden ordered again as he pulled the boat in as close as possible.

Eliza's heart raced as they neared the cliffs. The boat was almost swallowed by the rising water, and she could see the rocks up ahead—sharp and unforgiving. A sense of panic surged through her chest.

Alden braced himself, his hands firm on the boat's sides. He was ready, his jaw clenched in determination.

They were almost there.

With one last powerful surge of oar strokes, the boat was lifted by a wave, and Alden steered it toward the base of the cliffs. Eliza gasped as the boat scraped against the rocks, throwing them both forward. The boat hit hard, but they didn't have time to stop. Alden grabbed her wrist and hauled her out, pulling her to the jagged rocks.

"Climb!" he shouted. "Get up the cliffs—quickly!"

Eliza's legs trembled as she scrambled up the rocks, the waves crashing against the base, trying to pull her back into the sea. She didn't dare look back. The storm, the ship, the soldiers—it all felt like a nightmare. But this—this was their chance.

Alden followed close behind her, his powerful arms helping her over the sharp rocks when she stumbled. Together, they scrambled up the cliffs, breathless and soaked through. The lighthouse light cut through the storm, but it felt like an eternity before they reached the top.

At last, they found shelter beneath the lighthouse. The heavy door to the lighthouse creaked open, and a man emerged from the shadows. His features were obscured by the storm, but there was a look of recognition in his eyes as he saw them.

"You're here," he said gruffly, his voice hoarse, like someone who'd been waiting for a long time.

Alden didn't hesitate. "We need shelter. They're after us."

The man glanced behind them, at the churning sea and the distant flickering of the enemy ship's lights, and then nodded. "Get inside," he said, stepping aside.

Eliza followed Alden into the lighthouse, feeling the weight of her body finally starting to give way to exhaustion. She had no idea who this man was, but in that moment, she didn't care. She needed to rest.

The door shut behind them with a heavy thud, and for the first time in hours, the deafening roar of the storm outside was muffled, replaced by the dull thump of her own heartbeat in her ears.

Alden took her hand and led her into the dim light of the lighthouse. The warmth inside was a stark contrast to the cold, brutal storm outside. But the silence was broken only by their labored breathing, and Eliza knew they weren't safe yet. The danger was still out there. The storm might be passing, but the storm within—between them, within their hearts—had only just begun.