A Heart Divided

Chapter 27

The First Step Toward Freedom

The journey was long and exhausting, but the further they traveled, the more they seemed to blend in. They passed through small villages and towns, always keeping to the shadows, avoiding too much contact with anyone. They could feel the eyes of the townsfolk on them—curiosity in their gazes, but no one seemed to recognize who they were. Eleanor and William were just two travelers passing through.

By the time they reached the outskirts of Blackthorn, Eliza had begun to feel something she hadn't felt in days—a flicker of hope. They had made it this far. They were still alive.

But as they approached the village, something in the air changed. The streets were too quiet, the shops too still. Something was wrong.

"Stay close," Alden murmured, his hand tightening on her arm. His instincts were sharp, and he sensed the danger before Eliza could put a name to the unease she felt in her gut.

They passed through the village's cobblestone streets, keeping their heads down, but Eliza couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. The few villagers they passed eyed them suspiciously, and the air felt thick with tension.

"We need to get inside," Alden said, quickening his pace.

Before Eliza could respond, a voice called out from behind them. "You there!"

Her blood ran cold. It couldn't be.

Alden turned swiftly, his hand dropping to the dagger at his waist, but the man who had called to them was not a soldier. It was a local—someone who seemed to recognize them, though his expression was uncertain.

"Can I help you?" the man asked, his tone cautious but not unfriendly.

Eliza and Alden exchanged a glance, unsure of whether to trust this stranger. But there was no going back now. They had entered Blackthorn, and whatever awaited them inside its walls, they would face it together.

Alden stepped forward, his voice low. "We're just passing through."

The man's eyes flickered between them, his gaze lingering a moment too long on Eliza. "Are you sure?" he asked, his voice suddenly lower, his words more measured. "Because the Duke's men are looking for two fugitives. A princess and a traitor."

Eliza's heart stopped.

The man stepped closer, lowering his voice to a near whisper. "You'd better come with me. There's no time to explain."

Alden's grip on her arm tightened as they followed the man down a narrow alley, deeper into the shadows of Blackthorn.