A Heart Divided

Chapter 24

A Flicker of Hope

Inside the lighthouse, the man who had helped them into shelter led them up a spiral staircase to the top, where a small fire flickered in a hearth. The wind howled outside, but here, in this modest space, they could finally breathe.

"You're lucky I was here," the man said quietly, looking over his shoulder to make sure no one had followed them. His face was weathered, his clothes simple but practical. He looked like someone who had spent years alone, but there was a quiet kindness in his eyes. "You've got enemies on all sides. The prince's men won't stop until they find you."

Alden stood by the window, his eyes searching the distance for any sign of pursuit. He was tense, every muscle in his body ready for action. "We know," he said shortly. "But we need to get out of here. We can't stay on this island."

The man nodded slowly. "You won't have to. I can help you. But you'll need to trust me." He turned to Eliza, his gaze sharp and calculating. "You've got a future ahead of you, princess. But only if you're willing to fight for it."

Eliza's heart skipped a beat at the word. Princess. It had been so long since anyone had called her that. She was still trying to reconcile who she was now, who she had to be in this new world of danger and uncertainty. But the man's words reminded her of the promise she had made to herself. She would fight.

Alden finally turned toward them, his eyes meeting hers, a silent understanding passing between them. "We don't have a choice. But we'll need more than just shelter. We need a plan."

The man's lips curled into a slight smile, his eyes glinting in the firelight. "I've got one. But it won't be easy. And you'll need more than just each other to get through this." He paused, then added with a touch of something almost like admiration, "But I think you've got the courage to pull it off."

Eliza didn't know if she could believe him. But there was a spark of something in her chest—something stronger than fear, something like determination.

Maybe this was their chance.

For the first time in a long while, Eliza allowed herself to believe in the possibility of hope.